Explore Our Class Offerings
Unless otherwise specified, all classes run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Dressmaking
Level: All levels beginner to advanced
Build confidence in our friendly, small-group setting. Perfect for beginners through to advanced sewists, we’ll help you through altering a pattern, garment fitting, and achieving that professional, neat finish for a truly great fit. Make the garment you love and wear constantly.
Pattern Making
Level: Advanced or adventurous intermediate sewer
Master the art of custom drafting. Transform your measurements into perfect templates. Bring your own pattern ideas, fabric and basic sewing kit. You will leave with timeless designs to use again and again, feeling fully confident to adapt them for all your future garments.
Sustainable Repair
Level: Beginner friendly.
Give your favorites a new life through slow stitching. We'll guide you through mending techniques to refresh your closet. Bring a loved but worn garment and any matching thread or patches you’d like to use. Fall back in love with your wardrobe and feel a sense of pride every time you wear your hand-repaired pieces.
 Beginner Sewing
Level: No experience required, Absolute Beginner Sewing Course advised
Mending Wednesday
After completing the Absolute Beginner Sewing, you will take a step up and build on your skills. You will explore a PDF pattern, cut out your fabric, and make your project, with a little guidance and learn how to insert a zipper as your next step up.
Level: Beginner friendly.
Mending Class (concession for benefits recipients)
Learn to mend or upcycle your existing wardrobe, keeping it fresh and wearable for longer. You will learn how to use sustainable materials and techniques, as well as doing simple mends. Mending works for almost any / every garment. Whether those are school uniforms, dresses, skirts, shirts, blouses, t-shirts, jeans, trousers or jackets. Working with The Rebuild Site  Carlisle, I am able to offer free sessions for recipients of state benefits.
What you need to bring
For most of our sewing and pattern-making sessions, we recommend students come prepared with:
- Your lunch
- For Dressmaking Classes:
- Your current sewing or dressmaking projectÂ
- Your Sewing Kit ( Fabric and paper scissors, Rotary cutter, Fabric Marker, Machine Needles and Thread, Hand Sewing Needles for basting, pins or clips and a Measuring Tape
- Fabric and matching notions (thread, zips, buttons), those can be bought in the Superior Sewing Shop on the day at a 10% discount
- Your own Sewing Machine to guarantee continuity of stitches, classroom machines are available for dressmaking classes, but have to be booked in advance
- For Pattern drafting Classes:
- Pattern Drafting paper (Dots and Cross is easiest to beginn with) Paper Scissors, a Ruler, Patternmaster if you have it, Pencil, Pen, Eraser, Sticky Tape. If you don't have any of those, I can provide them at an extra cost, which then are yours to take home with you. Please add this on in the booking section.
- For Repair Workshops:
- Your garment, your Fabric and Sewing kit, some dark or light interfacing (depending on the colout of your garment) Zips, Buttons and any other sundries required for your mend. You can buy items in the Superior Sewing Shop on the day at a 10% Discount
Good to know: Some of our introductory workshops and intensive courses provide all tools and materials. Check your class details for specific inclusions, and use the Add on feature on booking to request any materials you require to be provided.
I am working in Partnership with the Superior Sewing Center Shop and any items you purchase from the shop on the day, will carry a 10% discount.
- For: Absolute Beginner Sewing
- Your current sewing or dressmaking projectÂ
- Your Sewing Kit ( Fabric and paper scissors, Rotary cutter, Fabric Marker, Machine Needles and Thread, Hand Sewing Needles for basting, pins or clips and a Measuring Tape
- Fabric are provided and matching notions (thread, zips, buttons), those can be bought in the Superior Sewing Shop on the day at a 10% discount
- Your own Sewing Machine to guarantee continuity of stitches, and aid you to learn how your own machine works. Classroom machines are available for dressmaking classes, but have to be booked in advance
"Every session at Velvet Bobbin feels like a step towards a more mindful lifestyle. Ava doesn't just teach you to sew; she helps you find your unique creative voice, without taking things too seriously."
Clara Middleton