Sewing Bee: Unconventional Design

Sewing Bee: 🧵 Introduction to Sewing Machines

Join us for Sewing Bee, a bi-weekly series of beginner-friendly sewing workshops that are part of our wider Creative Health and Wellbeing programme. These relaxed, hands-on sessions are perfect for anyone looking to learn the basics of sewing while enjoying the calming, creative benefits of making something with your own hands.

Held every other week, each 2-hour session focuses on a different skill or project, building your confidence with the sewing machine, exploring hand-stitching techniques, and even dabbling in upcycling and experimental design. Whether you're completely new to sewing or just looking to brush up on the basics, you're welcome to join at any point in the series.

Sewing Bee Sessions include:

🧵 Introduction to Sewing Machines
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Get familiar with a domestic sewing machine; learn how it works and try out its key features.

✂️ Sewing Basics
Saturday 17th May 2025
Master foundational techniques such as seam finishes, darts, and hems.

🎨 Surface Embellishment
Saturday 31st May 2025
Discover decorative techniques including embroidery, appliqué, and beading.

📏 Pattern Cutting Basics
Saturday 14th June 2025
Learn essential tools and techniques for drafting simple patterns.

🌀 Scrunchies
Saturday 28th June 2025
Design and sew your own scrunchies; perfect as gifts or to sell.

🧶 Garment Surgery
Saturday 12th July 2025
Bring damaged clothing and learn to repair items like missing buttons or torn hems.

♻️ Unconventional Design
Saturday 26th July 2025
Get creative with waste materials like fabric scraps, newspaper, and card to experiment with silhouette and texture on a mannequin.

👖 Sashiko Denim Repair
Saturday 9th August 2025
Explore the traditional Japanese Sashiko technique to repair and personalize your denim.

Each session is welcoming, beginner-focused, and an opportunity to unwind, connect, and create. Come along and stitch something beautiful.

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All materials will be provided.

Suitable for all ages and abilities. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Space is limited due to the number of machines, so get yourself booked.

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📍 25 Shackleton Way, London, E16 2XJ
⏰ Every other Saturday,1pm-3pm
📧 If you have any questions, please email matilda@artinthedocks.com

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This is part of the Art in the Docks' Summer of Creative Wellbeing programme, sponsored by Notting Hill Genesis.

All our workshops are free or very low cost, and continue to be possible thanks to our funders and supporters. Please donate what you can to allow us to continue providing these sessions. We want our events to be affordable to everyone. You can book a free place if you want, but we invite people to make a minimum £5 donation. This is still far less than the real cost. Paying more enables us to offer free places to other people who need them. All donations are anonymous.

Thank you.