Open Studio - May 3rd & 4th 2025, from 10am to 6pm

What happens during an Open Studio?

This is a rare chance to spend an hour with us right where we design, draw, and chainstitch every day. It’s not a pop-up or a polished showroom. It’s our actual studio and workspace, filled with vintage inspirations, sketches, tests, and embroidered pieces. It’s a one-on-one session to personalise a garment with something considered and unique.

What’s the story with the Open Studios?

The Open Studio began as a way for us to slow down and connect with the process, our craft, and the people who follow and support what we do.

In our day-to-day, we focus on large commissions and collaborative brand projects, which means we don’t usually offer smaller customisations on personal garments. These events are our way of creating space for exactly that, welcoming you into our colourful studio in South East London.

What makes it so special?

We’re the only studio in the UK and Europe offering this kind of experience. We don’t do digital embroidery, we don’t outsource any aspect of our work, and we don’t rush. Every piece is designed in-house and stitched using original vintage chainstitch machines, just as it was done nearly a century ago.

Because it's hosted in our own studio, we have access to our full range of tools and references, which means there’s often more room to explore design ideas or adapt details together if time and scope allow.

If you’re thinking of something special for yourself or someone you care about, this is a rare opportunity to create something meaningful in person.

What can I have chainstitched?

We can work on many types of garments. Denim jackets, heavier jackets, chore coats, shirts, and sweatshirts work especially well, but feel free to bring something personally meaningful. If you’re uncertain, give us a shout ahead of time and we’ll make sure you're covered.

Design-wise, you might come in wanting initials, a small motif, a conversational or statement piece, or something that quietly ties a piece together. Once you’re here, you can also choose from a curated range of pre-made original figurative and typographic designs, which we update seasonally. These are ready-to-go, charming ideas that we know will work beautifully. They also help keep things streamlined, so you don’t have to start from scratch unless you want to.

We also have a range of original custom patches that you can order during your visit.

How many pieces can we do during the event?

We usually suggest our clients bring multiple garments. The main benefit is to have multiple options to consider while you are here. And while we normally manage to focus on one to two pieces, depending on our availability, we might be able to embroider extra pieces and ship them back to you.

What’s the ticket for?

When you book, you’ll pay a £20 ticket fee plus a £2.38 Eventbrite processing fee. The £20 secures your one-hour slot and will be deducted from your total on the day. The £2.38 fee goes directly to Eventbrite and is non-refundable.

We offer full refunds (minus the Eventbrite fee) for cancellations made up to 48 hours before your appointment.

Prices for personalisation on the day:

Initials: £20
One name or word: £25
Two words or names: from £37
Illustrated placements: from £37
One-off patches and limited-edition customisables: £25 / £37 / £85+

If we run out of time during your slot, don’t worry, we’ll finish your piece in the studio and post it to you free of charge.

What we don’t offer during Open Studio events:

To keep things flowing and enjoyable for everyone, some custom requests aren’t possible at Open Studios.

Large or intricate designs: These take time and care. If you’re after a bigger piece, please enquire about a full commission (starting at £350).

Bulk embroidery: We can usually embroider up to 2 garments per session.

Branded merchandise or marketing products: These events are focused on light-hearted, personal work. For brand activations or creative collaborations, please get in touch separately.

Payment methods:

We accept card and cash payments on the day.

How early should I book?

Open Studios only happen a few times a year, and slots are limited. If you’re thinking about it, we recommend booking early. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Location:

Unit 5, Studio 5-14
Thames-Side Studios
Harrington Way, London SE18 5NR

Enter through the Thames-Side Studios gate and head straight toward the four tall grey silos. We’re opposite them, street side. If you get lost, call us on 0791 0290662.

How to get here:

Please plan your journey to arrive a few minutes early or just on time. Once here, come straight into the studio, we’ll get you settled with refreshments!

By car: Free on-site parking.
By Crossrail/Train/DLR: Woolwich station plus bus (472, 161, 177, 180).
By Tube: North Greenwich plus bus (472 or 161).
By bike: Thames River cycle path.
By Thames Clipper: Royal Arsenal Pier, then walk (27 mins riverside) or take a bus.

While you’re in the area:

We’re based in one of the UK’s largest studio complexes, right by the river. There’s an on-site café open until 4pm and the Reach Climbing Wall, home to one of the most vibrant climbing setups in the country. Make a day of it.

Cancellations:

We offer refunds for cancellations made up to 48 hours before your booking. Please note, the £2.38 booking fee is non-refundable.

If you can't make it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your slot to someone else.