Take your dressmaking skills to the next level and discover how to sew confidently with stretch fabrics as you make your own classic jersey top.

In this full-day workshop with designer maker Lauren Holloway, you'll create a timeless, French maritime-inspired top with a relaxed, straight-cut shape, elegant boat neckline and your choice of long or three-quarter-length sleeves. It's a versatile wardrobe staple you'll love wearing, made by you.

Working with jersey and other stretch fabrics can feel a little daunting, but with the right techniques you'll discover just how enjoyable and rewarding it can be. Lauren will guide you through the process, from understanding how different stretch fabrics behave to choosing the right needles, stitches and finishing techniques for a professional-looking result.

You'll learn how to use ballpoint and stretch needles, explore the properties of fabrics such as jersey, spandex and ponte, and practise using stitches including zigzag and triple straight stitch to create strong, flexible seams. You'll also discover how to use an overlocker to achieve neat finishes and learn how to assemble and follow a printed A4 sewing pattern.

Along the way, Lauren will share her tips for overcoming common challenges when sewing with stretch fabrics, helping you build the skills and confidence to tackle future dressmaking projects.

You'll leave with your own handmade jersey top, a useful information sheet to refer to at home, and the know-how to create more comfortable, beautifully fitting garments for your wardrobe.

Tutor: Lauren Holloway
Date & Time: Thursday 28th January, 10:15am - 4:15pm
Venue: Scissors Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £100 (£0.00 VAT)

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is ideal for improvers who are already familiar with using a sewing machine and would like to develop their dressmaking skills.

Knowledge of using a sewing machine is essential for this workshop. You will need to be able to thread and set up a sewing machine and feel confident sewing basic stitches.

If you don't have this experience, please try our Beginners Machine Sewing workshop first.

What you will need:
A printed pattern and binding fabric are included in this workshop.

You will need to bring 1.5 metres (140cm wide) or 2 metres (90cm wide) of light to medium weight t-shirt (stretch) jersey plus a matching thread. You must prewash your fabric ahead of the workshop.

You will need a matching polyster thread to sew the garment.

Basic haberdashery and equipment are provided.

Sewing machines can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own sewing machine if you have one - please bring a standard foot. If you have a walking foot please bring that too.

Meet Your Tutor - lauren holloway

Sewing tutor Lauren Holloway offers a range of sewing & dressmaking workshops for both adults and children from beginner to intermediate level where participants can learn the basics of using a domestic sewing machine, brush up on existing sewing skills or develop new techniques to improve their craft.

Lauren has a relaxed, patient and friendly approach in her teaching. Her workshops are a place to learn but also have fun in the process. Creating a warm, safe and encouraging space is very important, where no question is too silly to ask!

Her aim is that students feel inspired for future projects and continued learning in addition to taking home their own beautiful handmade items to be proud of.