Up-Cycled Shirt or Vest Sew Together Workshop

Would you like to give an old tablecloth a new life? In this hands-on workshop, we will transform tablecloths into one-of-a-kind shirts or vests. You will be guided through each step of the process, from thoughtfully placing pattern pieces to highlight existing prints or embroidery, to constructing the garment using the Classic Shirt pattern or the Tivoli pattern by Spilt Milk.
By the end of the session, you will leave with new sewing skills, a unique handmade shirt, and the confidence to reimagine everyday household textiles as wearable pieces.
In this workshop we have opened bookings for young people and adults to sew together. Aimed for a guardian to come with a young keen maker both will make the garment and will have the time together but with a teacher to help and guide you both through the process.
You will both need to know how to use a sewing machine! Please get in touch to chat through which garment would suit your skill level.
Although we are encouraging young makers to this class this is also open to anyone who wants to sew either of these garments.
What You Will Learn
Pattern placement to make the most of prints, borders, and embroidery
Reading and following a commercial sewing pattern (Classic Shirt by Spilt Milk)
Garment construction and essential sewing techniques
Tips for cutting pattern pieces efficiently from existing textiles
How to cut your fabric accurately
What You Will Need to Bring
A sewing machine, threaded and in good working order
If you need to use one of ours, please let us know at the time of booking — machines are limited.
A basic sewing kit
One or more tablecloths, depending on size. If you need help deciding how much fabric to bring, feel free to ask us. if you are making the vest you can also use old curtains and all sorts. Endless up-cycling options!
A detailed checklist will be emailed to you after booking
Level
Next Stage Beginner
You should have basic sewing experience or have completed our Beginners Sewing Class.
Age guide for young adults – 11 years and older. Please note this is for the young person to attend with a guardian who also wants to sew the garment.
Duration
10:15am – 5pm, including a 30-minute lunch break
Tutor
Elizabeth Edwards & Diane Taylor
Read more about your teacher HERE.
Additional Information
We aim to complete garments within the workshop time, but this is not always possible. If you don’t finish, we will ensure you leave feeling confident in how to complete your project at home.
A minimum of 4 participants is required for the workshop to run. If this number is not reached two weeks before the workshop, we will offer an alternative date or a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.

Please read our Workshop Cancellation Policy before booking.