Sewing School: Buttonhole Skills Session
2024-09-11 10:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
This session is all about buttonholes. Gill will share her hints and tips on buttonholes, including how to prepare your buttonhole before sewing, techniques for buttonhole placement, using an automatic button function, using a stepped buttonhole function, sewing a buttonhole without any automation. By the end of the session you will:

Have sewn a buttonhole using an automatic buttonhole function (if your machine is compatible)
Have sewn a buttonhole using a stepped buttonhole function (if your machine is compatible)
Have sewn a buttonhole without any automation
Learnt techniques for preparing your buttonhole before sewing it, to avoid problems
Sewn at least two buttonholes that are lined up
Understand the key principles of button placement

Required sewing knowledge and experience
A good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch. Attendees need to be familiar with loading a bobbin, changing a needle and changing the foot on their sewing machine.
This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or sewing fabric together.
Fabric and tool requirements
Please bring your own sewing machine and supplies with you. You will need to have a buttonhole foot, buttonhole stabiliser plates, two colours of thread – a contrasting colour to be used in the bobbin and marking tools (preferably a heat erasable pen).
Everything else you will need will be provided for the workshop.

Introduction to Free Machine Embroidery
2024-09-21 10:30 - 16:00
Join Justine to learn how to do free machine embroidery and create your own unique artwork.
Justine will talk you through how to set up your machine to safely and correctly do free machine embroidery. You will then complete a series of basic tasks to get you used to and confident on how your machine will work.
You will then use recycled fabrics, bondaweb and interfacing to create applique images onto a calico background.
The final artwork will be based on the theme of “floral” images where you will create a bouquet within a vase. You will be guided through the whole process to create a beautiful piece of art you can hang on your wall. It is a fun way to expand your creative textile practice and these skills will inspire you to do more once you leave!
What do you need to bring?
Your sewing machine which must have a free machine embroidery foot. Please can we ask everyone to test this prior to attending the workshop.
Thread, a dark colour works best, for example navy blue.
Fabric scissors, paper scissors, pen, pencil and a 30cm ruler (optional, you are welcome to borrow ours)
Feel free to bring your own ‘stash’ of fabrics which you feel may be suitable for your piece. This is optional but some people like to bring a keepsake or treasured fabric to incorporate into the work (optional)
Previous experience required
You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners however, you do not need to have any experience of free machine embroidery.
About our tutor
I am a mixed media and textile artist living in the Howardian Hills where I take much of my inspiration as well as the North of England. I work mainly in recycled fabrics and love to depict the local landscapes, seascapes and woodlands. I see the landscape in patterns and use this to add perspective to my work as well as layering and blending techniques.
I exhibit and teach in a number of locations and took part in Landscape Artist of the Year 2022 on Sky Arts.

Create a Moorland using recycled fabrics
2024-10-05 10:30 - 16:00
Create a Moorland with recycled fabrics using straight stitch and free machine embroidery.
Justine will teach you the skills and techniques you can use to create your own unique moorland. You may not finish your moorland during the session but you will have learnt the skills to finish it in your own time.
Recycled fabrics will be provided for you to use but feel free to bring your own.
What do you need to bring?
Your sewing machine which must have a free machine embroidery foot
Thread
Any recycled fabrics you wish to use (optional)
Previous experience required
You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners.
About our tutor
Justine is a mixed media and textile artist based in the Howardian Hills. She uses recycled fabrics and found objects to create landscape work based predominantly in the North of England. She works from her own studio/gallery and delivers a wide range of workshops. Justine was a selected artist to take part in Landscape Artist of the Year 2022 and is represented by The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.

Help I've bought an overlocker
2024-10-08 19:00 - 21:00
The perfect course for beginners who want to learn the basics of how to use their overlocker.
What will you learn on this course?

Threading up, in the correct order
Understanding the parts
Understanding and adjusting tension
The cutter
Changing a needle
Looking after your overlocker, including cleaning
Raising the knife
Adjusting the stitch length
Adjusting the cutting width
How to make sure it does not come unthreaded
How to easily rethread in a different colour

What do you need to bring?

Your overlocker and thread. Please let us know which machine you have when booking

Our tutor
Our tutor Debbie is a textiles teacher with over twenty years experience of teaching both art based textiles and technology. This has led to a wide range of skills in all areas of textiles, from stitching on machines and by hand as well as manipulation of fabrics and materials.

Sewing School: Zips Skills Session
2024-10-09 10:30 - 14:30
This session is all about zips. Gill will share her hints and tips on handling zips, including inserting and shortening them. By the end of the session you will:

have used a zipper foot
have used a concealed zipper foot
have sewn a centre lapped zip
have sewn a concealed zip
have sewn a fly zip
understand how to prepare concealed zips
understand how to shorten zips

Required sewing knowledge and experience
A good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch. Attendees need to be familiar with loading a bobbin, changing a needle and changing the foot on their sewing machine.
This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or sewing fabric together.
Fabric and tool requirements
Please bring your own sewing machine and supplies with you. You will need to have a zipper foot and a concealed zipper foot, marking tools (preferably a heat erasable pen) and thread in 2 colours, contrasting thread to be used in the bobbin.
Everything else you will need will be provided for the workshop.

Help I've bought an overlocker!
2025-01-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-10 19:00 - 21:00

Stitch@Bugweed's
2025-01-29 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-02-26 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-03-26 10:30 - 12:30
Looking for regular sewing time with a tutor on hand? Bring your stuff and chill out. Debbie will be here to give you guidance if you need it, even if you don’t she is excellent company.
Who is for? Anyone who wants to sew in a social setting. If you struggle to ignore the washing up at home or if you’ve got stuck on your latest project, then this regular fortnightly tutor-led social is for YOU.
What do I bring? Your machine, your project, your sewing kit. Our studio is well-equipped if you have forgotten anything; tea and coffee making facilities are here too.
What will I achieve? A couple of hours to yourself and some sewing progress. Isn’t that what we all hanker for?

Help I've Bought a Sewing Machine!
2025-04-01 19:00 - 21:00
Are you lucky enough to have a sewing machine at home but terrified to get it out the box and begin your sewing journey? Well, this is the perfect workshop for you! Debbie, our patient and knowledgeable tutor, will guide you through the very basics of your sewing machine from finding the power switch to threading it up!
What will I learn?

the names of the basic parts of my sewing machine
how to thread the top thread
how to wind and thread up the bobbin
ways of changing stitch patterns
sewing in a straight line
turning a corner

and more!!
What will I make?
You will sew your first project in the workshop and leave the session with a simple tote bag. The main aim of the workshop is to give you the confidence to go away and try simple projects on your own!
What should I bring?
Your sewing machine and the instruction booklet if you have one. We will provide fabric and thread and you can use scissors and haberdashery items from our studio resources.
PLEASE send us the make and model of your sewing machine with your booking. This will help Debbie to know which machines will be coming to the workshop!

Bloom Together - Machine Sewing
2025-04-07 13:00 - 15:00
It’s the Easter holidays and the children are on their break! We have the perfect workshop to start off your holiday at Bugweed’s with our lovely tutor Debbie.
Come and learn some basic skills on the sewing machine together and sew a bag that you can take home.
You can either bring your own machine or borrow one of ours to learn your skills on. This is the perfect opportunity to get that sewing machine out that has been hiding in the back of the cupboard or that was given as a gift but has not been out of it’s box yet!
We welcome up to two children with each adult and adults MUST stay and supervise their children in the session. Tickets are to be purchased for each child but adults go free!

Stitch@Bugweed's
2025-04-30 10:30 - 12:30
Looking for regular sewing time with a tutor on hand? Bring your project and enjoy some ‘me time’. Debbie, our tutor of sewing and crochet, will be here to give you guidance if you need it and offer encouragement when you get stuck.
Who is it for? Anyone who wants to sew in a social setting. If you struggle to ignore the washing up at home or if you’ve got stuck on your latest project, then this regular fortnightly tutor-led social is for YOU.
What do I bring?

sewing machine (if required)
your project
your sewing kit

Our studio is well-equipped if you have forgotten anything and we will provide tea, coffee and biscuits.
Come along, enjoy, relax and create.

Bugweed's Sewing School Brilliant Beginners
2025-05-13 18:30 - 2025-05-27 21:00
Please note this is a three part workshop.
Part 1 Tuesday 13th May 6.30pm – 9pm
Part 2 Tuesday 20th May 6.30pm – 9pm
Part 3 Tuesday 27th May 6.30pm – 9pm
One payment covers all sessions.
Part 1 Tuesday 13th May 6.30pm – 9pm
The first session of this Brilliant Beginners sewing course will focus on the basic features of your sewing machine. Catie will guide you through the construction of an envelope style cushion cover. This will give you a chance to remind yourself about changing stitches and stitch length, turning corners, seam allowances and other important skills and sewing knowledge.

Part 2 Tuesday 20th May 6.30pm – 9pm

In this session you will be starting the prep for making pj bottoms. Catie will explain each stage throughout the process, learning how to read a garment pattern correctly as you go. You will accurately take our body measurements to determine what size pattern to use, cut out the pattern and fabric and then transfer all pattern markings on to the fabric.

If patterns need to be lengthened/shortened this can easily be can be dealt with!

Part 2 Tuesday 27th May 6.30pm – 9pm

In this session you will be sewing the pj bottoms. Catie will help you gain confidence with your sewing machine to join fabrics, follow pattern instructions and construct a simple garment. The pj bottoms will be finished and hemmed ready for wearing!

Required sewing knowledge/experience for both sessions
You need to be able to turn on your sewing machine and sew a straight stitch!
It would be helpful if you are familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle. This session is suitable for sewing machine beginners, eager to start their sewing journey.

What will you need to bring for both sessions?

Your sewing machine and instruction book
Enthusiasm!

Machines are available to hire so please let us know if you would like to use one of our machines.

Space to Craft
2025-05-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-31 10:00 - 16:00
Space to Craft
Desperate for space to lay out your project and have a couple of hours to work on it? Sometimes the table at home just isn’t big enough for large projects that need a flat surface. Whether it’s layering a quilt, cutting out a garment pattern or planning and drafting your own pattern, we have the answer here at Bugweed’s!
Rent a table for 2, 4 or 6 hours on specific days and make use of our large tables. There are 5 spaces for each day to make sure you get lots of table space.
Please note, there is no tutoring with this session. Our staff will be busy in the shop and although we are always happy to help our community, we will only be able to answer quick questions and make sure you have a cuppa!

Bloom Together - Sew a Bucket Hat
2025-05-28 10:30 - 13:00
Summer is definitely on its way and the children are off on their half term break! Get ready for the sunny weather with this fab workshop with Debbie, our experienced sewing teacher.
Come and learn how to sew your very own bucket hat using a sewing machine, pattern and fabric from our great range of selected designs.
You can either bring your own machine or borrow one of ours to learn your skills on. This is the perfect opportunity to get to grips with a simple sewing pattern and learn how to sew a really useful item which can be made for adult or child.
We welcome up to two children with each adult and adults MUST stay and supervise their children in the session. Tickets are to be purchased for each child but adults go free!
No need to bring a pattern or fabric, these are both included in the cost!

Space to Craft
2025-06-03 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-21 10:00 - 16:00
Space to Craft
Desperate for space to lay out your project and have a couple of hours to work on it? Sometimes the table at home just isn’t big enough for large projects that need a flat surface. Whether it’s layering a quilt, cutting out a garment pattern or planning and drafting your own pattern, we have the answer here at Bugweed’s!
Rent a table for 2, 4 or 6 hours on specific days and make use of our large tables. There are 5 spaces for morning and afternoon to make sure you get lots of table space.
Please note, there is no tutoring with this session. Our staff will be busy in the shop and although we are always happy to help our community, we will only be able to answer quick questions and make sure you have a cuppa!

Bugweed's Sewing School - Simply Stretch
2025-06-07 13:00 - 2025-06-14 15:00
Please note this is a two part workshop.
Part 1 Saturday 7th June 1.00pm – 3.30pm
Part 2 Saturday 14th June 1.00pm – 3.30pm
One payment covers all sessions and materials and pattern is included.
Part 1 Saturday 7th June 1.00pm – 3.30pm
The first session of this Simply Stretch sewing course will focus on the differences between sewing stretch fabrics and woven fabrics. Catie will provide essential information as to how to achieve the best results when sewing jersey fabrics and will introduce you to the unisex t-shirt pattern which will be used. You will be guided through finding your size and cutting out the pattern and fabric ready for sewing!

Part 2 Saturday 14th June 1.00pm – 3.30pm

In this session you will be sewing up your t-shirt. Catie will help you with which stitch and thread to use and make sure that any finishing techniques provide you with a great garment in the end. There may also be the opportunity to go one the studio overlocker machine.

If patterns need to be lengthened/shortened this can easily be can be dealt with!

Required sewing knowledge/experience for both sessions
You need to be able to change stitches, stitch length and stitch width on your machine. This workshop is aimed at beginners but not sewers who have never used a machine before!
It would be useful if you are familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle.
What will you need to bring for both sessions?

Your sewing machine and instruction book
Enthusiasm!

Machines are available to hire so please let us know if you would like to use one of our machines.

Bugweed's Sewing School - Stevie Tunic in a day!
2025-07-05 10:00 - 16:00
Please note this is a whole day workshop.
One payment covers the workshop and pattern. Fabric is not included for this workshop but you will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases at Bugweed’s ready for the day!
Saturday 5th July 10.00am – 4.00pm

Enjoy a whole day’s garment making using this fantastic Tilly And The Buttons pattern. The Stevie tunic is the perfect introduction to dress making and offers both a short and long version without fastenings so no buttonholes or zips to get your head round! Choose from a top or above the knee dress length.
Catie will guide you through reading the pattern, cutting out the fabric and sewing up the garment. There will be a new techniques to learn such as sewing a button loop or neck ties and a patch pocket.
Please note that you will need to bring your fabric with you for the sewing day. There is further guidance below regarding how much you will need.

Required sewing knowledge/experience for both sessions

You need to be able to change stitches, stitch length and stitch width on your machine. This workshop is aimed at beginners but not sewers who have never used a machine before!
It would be useful if you are familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle.
What will you need to bring for both sessions?

Your sewing machine and instruction book
Fabric and thread… please see tables below for fabric requirements. If you need any help just get in touch!
Enthusiasm!

Machines are available to hire so please let us know if you would like to use one of our machines.

Help I've bought an overlocker!
2025-07-08 19:00 - 21:00
The perfect course for beginners who want to learn the basics of how to use their overlocker.
What will you learn on this course?

Threading up, in the correct order
Understanding the parts
Understanding and adjusting tension
The cutter
Changing a needle
Looking after your overlocker, including cleaning
Raising the knife
Adjusting the stitch length
Adjusting the cutting width
How to make sure it does not come unthreaded
How to easily rethread in a different colour
How to gather using your overlocker
Some simple hem techniques

What do you need to bring?

Your overlocker and thread. Please let us know which machine you have when booking

Our tutor
Our tutor Debbie is a textiles teacher with over twenty years experience of teaching both art based textiles and technology. This has led to a wide range of skills in all areas of textiles, from stitching on machines and by hand as well as manipulation of fabrics and materials.

Stitch@Bugweed's
2025-07-09 10:30 - 12:30
Looking for regular sewing time with a tutor on hand? Bring your project and enjoy some ‘me time’. Debbie, our tutor of sewing and crochet, will be here to give you guidance if you need it and offer encouragement when you get stuck.
Who is it for? Anyone who wants to sew in a social setting. If you struggle to ignore the washing up at home or if you’ve got stuck on your latest project, then this regular fortnightly tutor-l is for YOU.
What do I bring?

sewing machine (if required)
your project
your sewing kit

Our studio is well-equipped if you have forgotten anything and we will provide tea, coffee and biscuits.
Come along, enjoy, relax and create.
