Want to start making your own clothes, but have no idea where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Did you know Bristol has dozens of experiences where you can show up and be taught how to sew by an expert? You can find sewing lessons, jewellery-making lessons, silk painting workshops, and so much more right here in Bristol.
Making your own clothes can be an eco-friendly or cost-effective alternative to fast fashion. You can upcycle and repair clothes you already own, make outfits from eco-friendly recycled materials, or even set up your own Depop or Etsy store for your handmade items.
If you're buzzing to get started, then have a look below at some Bristol workshops to help you make your own clothes:
1. Learn how to use a sewing machine
A sewing machine is a great tool for making your own clothes! This one-to-one session is tailored to your experience in sewing and will get you the skill and confidence you need to get on your sewing journey and smash it.
2. Make a Macramé Dress in a Day
Are you looking for one of a kind dress that will compliment the natural beauty of your body? You're invited to make your own unique macramé dress out of recycled cotton in the colour and length of your choice.
Macramé is a relaxing craft and a great way to relieve the stress of a long week. Your tutor Aggy, from Knots and Stalks, will teach you how to measure and knot your own beautiful string dress which you can enjoy throughout summer.
3. Make a Pair of Leather Sneakers in a Day
Want to have a go at sewing with leather? Not sure where to start? Then this one is for you!
Leather can be notoriously tricky to stitch with, but under this host's expert guidance, you'll get the hang of it in no time. You will learn how to use specialist leather tools and cut from a pattern, stitch, punch holes, and more to create your sneakers.
You will then have the option to sew on additional details and fix metal eyelets on the lacing holes to make a truly custom pair of sneakers!
4. Make a Stitchless Mini Leather Bag in a Morning
Not a keen seamstress? Well, for this workshop you don't need to be! Learn how to make a leather cross-body bag from scratch in this fun leatherwork workshop in Montpelier, with no stitching.
This is the perfect workshop for beginners looking to delve into the world of creating fashion accessories.
5. Make a one-of-a-kind scarf using batik dyes
Batik is an ancient style of fabric painting which uses wax and dyes to create beautifully striking prints. Think popping colours, bold shapes and gorgeous patterns!
This scarf-making experience is perfect for learning new skills you can practise at home. Make yourself something one-of-a-kind, or even turn this skill into your signature gift when it comes to birthdays.
🎨 Make a Batik-painted scarf: £65 per person
6. Create Your Statement Jacket: Upcycling Workshop
This workshop is a pretty awesome one! Come and learn how to revamp a vintage Levis jacket into your new favourite spring/summer layering piece!
Your hosts will provide you with a vintage Levis jacket thanks to Bristol based Ralph’s vintage, so you just need to bring along that fabric you’ve had stashed for a special project or sift through their collection of fabric scraps and vintage finds.
No need for prior sewing experience, they will teach you everything you need to know!
7. Learn How to Knit a Jumper
This wholesome four-part course will take budding knitters through everything they need to know to knit their very own stylish jumper.
With a professional knitwear designer on hand to guide you through the process, from casting to finishing your work, you'll have all the support and encouragement you need to knit a cosy sweater that will see you through many winters to come.
