Bespoke Jeans Workshop
Sew Different brings a new jeans-making workshop. Come along to our three-day workshop where you will learn techniques to fit and finish your own custom-fit, classic five-pocket jeans. We will help you take measurements to customise the shape and style of a jeans pattern to fit you perfectly. We cover all the processes and techniques of working with denim and achieving a classic finish to make a pair of jeans that are just for you.
The Course
Skill Level: This class is suitable for intermediate dressmakers who have sewn several garments previously.
Techniques you will learn include:
- How to construct your jeans and make simple fitting adjustments
- Sewing with denim fabric
- How to sew a zip fly front
- How to attach patch pockets
- Topstitching tips and techniques
- How to attach jeans hardware
Our sewing teachers, Emma (right) and Tara (left), have many years experience. Help and advice is there every step of the way, from measuring and fitting, to twin needle topstitching for a classic denim finish.
What you’ll need to bring:
- 9.5-12oz Denim with at least 2% Elastane/lycra and 10-15% crosswise stretch *Please prewash your denim before class to allow for any shrinkage and also to minimise the transfer of the indigo dye to your hands as you’re sewing! A cupful of salt in the washing machine should help “set“ the dye*
- ½ metre of pocket lining – non stretch craft cottons are perfect for this (or it’s also a great way to use up scraps left from other projects
- Jeans button
- Rivets (optional)
- Denim zipper (please check your pattern for the length required)
- Topstitching and regular thread (we recommend two reels of topstitching thread, as one is never quite enough!)
- ½ metre fusible interfacing
- Specific Jeans and topstitching needles
Our Machines
Our sewing retreat is sponsored by Bernina. We use one of their high quality entry level models – the Bernette b35.
More information about these machines can be found here.
The Venue
Sew Different is located within the Dean Clough mill complex in a dedicated sewing studio with lots of natural light. All equipment is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you prefer. We are located on the first floor with lift access.
Dean Clough is a thriving 22-acre mixed-use mill complex, stretching half a mile in length and consisting of 16 Grade II listed Victorian mills. Where it was once a working textile mill, it is now a community encompassing work spaces, art galleries, a theatre, restaurants, bars, shops and a hotel!
Travel & Accommodation
Accommodation is not included. However there is a basic Travel Lodge on site located a 2 minute walk from the studio and a smarter Premier Inn a 5 minute walk away, as well as many hotels in Halifax centre. Halifax town centre, bus station and train station are a ten minute walk from the studio. There is plenty of parking on site and charging points for electric vehicles.
What’s included
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- Dedicated studio sewing with expert teaching – max 10 students
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- A basic jeans pattern to start you off
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- A delicious lunch every day
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- Teas, coffees and snacks available every day in the studio
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- A 20% discount on all other Sew Different patterns purchased while at the studio
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- A 10% discount on Sew Different fabrics while at the studio
Cost £385 – £100 deposit required to book your place and the full balance required 6 weeks before the retreat starts. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. Available dates:
Bespoke Jeans Workshop
£100.00
Private retreats or courses for groups of 4 or more people can be arranged. They can be run to a similar format as our listed courses but you would have the studio to yourselves. The advantage of this is that we can customise the itinerary to suit you. For example, if there are things that you would particularly like to learn we can prepare demonstrations for you, there are other fabric shops in the area that you may want to visit and there are often events at the on-site gallery and theatre that you may want to tie in. Prices may vary according to what you would like, but need not be any different from the usual price. Please email [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
