Old Clothes, New Life: Upcycling & Hand-Stitching Workshop

Give your old clothes a new life in this creative hands-on workshop. Learn simple sewing, patchwork, and upcycling techniques.

Give your old clothes a brand new life in this warm and creative Sunday workshop. This session focuses on clothing upcycling, where you will transform garments you no longer wear into unique handmade pieces such as tote bags, fabric patches, coasters, plush toys, appliqué artworks, or personalised accessories.

Participants are asked to bring one or two pieces of unwanted clothing — such as a T-shirt, jeans, hoodie, shirt, or children’s clothing. Thicker materials (like denim or sweatshirts) work beautifully for bags and sturdy crafts, while cottons and lighter fabrics are great for patchwork and decorative work.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to start — we’ll guide you step-by-step through cutting, designing, stitching, layering, and embellishing. You’ll learn practical upcycling skills that you can continue using at home, all while exploring sustainable fashion in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

This workshop takes place in a cosy home studio where two friendly cats live, so please consider this if you or your clothing owner have allergies.

You’ll leave with a unique, redesigned creation and the confidence to keep upcycling more items on your own.

🧵What You Can Make

Choose to create:

• A tote bag from old jeans or shirts
• A fabric coaster or mini patchwork art
• Clothing repair or decoration patch
• A soft toy/plushie
• A pet outfit
• A fabric appliqué artwork
• Or any creative idea inspired by your clothes

✂️What to Bring

✔ One or two pieces of old clothing (required)

Recommended:

• T-shirts
• Jeans
• Hoodies / sweatshirts
• Children’s clothing
• Shirts or fabric scraps

We also provide additional materials to help you complete your design.

🎁What’s Included

• Threads, needles, scissors, tools
• Decorative fabrics, buttons, lace, felt
• Templates & design guidance
• Sewing help for total beginners
• A finished upcycled creation to take home

👥Who This Workshop Is For

• Adults & teens (12+)
• Beginners with zero sewing skills
• Students & creatives interested in sustainable fashion
• Anyone who wants to recycle clothing in a beautiful way