Saturday 28th February, 10.00am–16.00pm
£75
Have you got a sewing machine but don’t know how to use it? Perhaps you’ve recently bought / aquired one? Maybe you’ve had one collecting dust for a while, and you’re not sure where to start with it? You aren’t alone!
With shows like The Sewing Bee, sewing and making your own soft furnishings and clothes has hugely risen in popularity. However, it’s important to know how to use your machine before you embark on your new hobby, so it doesn’t put you off when things get caught, twisted, snagged or jammed. (which will definitely happen with any machine!)
‘How to’ videos can tell you how, but it’s the ins and outs of the machine, and the troubleshooting when things go wrong that’s needed to not only enjoy sewing but succeed with it.
In this new workshop, Lynne Lemon, a professional upholsterer and experienced soft furnishings creator, teaches you everything you need to get started with sewing on your machine. You will then put what you learn into practice and create a handy tote bag.
Bring your own sewing machine and spend a relaxed, practical day getting to know how it works— no jargon, no overwhelm, and definitely no history lessons (promise!).
What does the day entail?
After a brief introduction, you’ll dive straight in. The morning will be dedicated to understanding your own sewing machine: what everything does, how it works, and how to use it with confidence. Lynne will take the mystery out of threading, settings, and stitch choices, working hands-on, so it all makes sense as you go.
In the afternoon, you’ll put those new skills into practice by creating a handy tote bag — a lovely way to reinforce what you’ve learned while creating something useful to take home.
Throughout the day, you will learn how to:
Become familiar with your sewing machine and its functions
Thread your machine
Operate your machine confidently
Adjust tension and stitch length on a variety of fabrics
Learn how to get a perfect stitch, both straight and patterned
Techniques for stitching straight and accurately, finishing edges, seams, hems and other techniques.
Learn how to deal with common sewing on machine issues
Care for and maintain your machine
Pick up helpful tips and time-saving tricks
Troubleshoot problems that can occur on the machines
A full day workshop, there’ll be a lunch break where you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or you can choose from The Reading Room’s workshop menu in the morning, so it’ll be ready when you break. They also have tea / coffee available to buy from the café.
What’s included?
Tuition.
All threads.
Fabric - There will be a choice of fabric to make your tote bags, but you are also welcome to bring your own if you’d prefer a particular pattern. Please use strong cotton, upholstery material or similar.
*Please bring your own sewing machine* – This class is all about learning your own machine as they can all have small differences. Lynne has experience on most modern machines and many older ones, too. Please enter your machine brand / model when booking.
About the host…
Learning to make your own soft furnishings shouldn’t feel daunting. Lynne’s aim is to make sewing approachable, enjoyable, and confidence-building.
She has spent many years working hands-on with fabrics, creating made-to-measure curtains, blinds, cushions of all sizes, upholstery, and complete room makeovers for a wide range of clients — from everyday homes to château owners in France. That experience means she understands the practical side of sewing as well as the finer details, and enjoys sharing those skills in a clear, down-to-earth way.
Lynne’s workshops are relaxed, with plenty of time for questions and hands-on practice. She focuses on helping you really understand your sewing machine, materials, and techniques, so you can continue working confidently at home. Whether you’re completely new to sewing or looking to refresh your skills, you’ll be guided step by step.
Above all, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something well-made with your own hands, and Lynne’s passionate about helping others experience that.
DATE & TIME:
Saturday 28th February 2026 - 10.00am - 16.00pm
PRICE:
£75
Location:
Holden Clough Nurseries
Upstairs in the Potting Shed - limited accessibility. Please let the workshop host know if you have access requirements.
Lynne will also be holding many other sewing, soft furnishing and upholstery workshops with us, the next one in March is Learning How to Make a Box Cushion. Perfect for sofa, chair and outdoor furniture covers.
How to book
Please book your place via the link below as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have questions for Lynne, contact her on - lynnielemon@yahoo.co.uk
