Many crafts are fun, absorbing and relaxing, but few could be said to have as many practical applications as sewing does. When you’re confident with a needle, you’ll seldom need to throw clothes away, and there are plenty of ways to get creative, too. Where can you start learning the skill?
If you weren’t lucky enough to learn on the knee of your grandmother, the next best thing is a supervised sewing class. These take place all over London and beyond, so the first step is to think about what you want to do with your new-found skill: do you want a creative outlet, or to develop the knack of making your clothes last longer?
By learning the basic skills, you’ll be well set up to master the art for both purposes and many more besides. If you’re an absolute beginner, finding a class that’s not too intimidating is key, and all the better if you can chill out and chat as you learn.
The ‘stitch ‘n’ bitch’ model of craft learning has not taken off in the sewing world to quite the extent that it has for knitters and crochet fans, but you can learn sewing in a relaxed environment at a handful of places including Sew Much Fun in Notting Hill. Roz Davies, who runs classes at the shop and studio is passionate about creative sewing, and in the creativity, dexterity, concentration and construction it promotes in all who take it up.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to extend your sewing skills to the more complex and rewarding art of dressmaking. It’s a cost-cutting, marketable and eco-friendly skill that could unleash design skills you never knew you had! The Thrifty Stitcher in Stoke Newington is one of the most hip and happening places to learn the trade, and there are full day beginners’ classes for those who want to learn from the professionals.
The possibilities with sewing are immense, but whether your aim is to make bags, curtains, wedding dresses or decorative samplers, it’s a skill that’s both therapeutic and practical.
Image: Stevendepolo
