ON THE NEEDLE: Manchester upcycling workshop ( shirring)
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew or you’re just looking for a fun new hobby this summer, On The Needle is your chance to dip your toes with a relaxed and beginner friendly class.
The workshop is designed for complete beginners and focuses on giving you a solid introduction to sewing rather than overwhelming you. You’ll learn essential foundational skills and leave with a finished, wearable piece: a reworked oversized shirt transformed into a unique everyday garment.
The key technique we will explore is shirring: a simple yet highly transformative method that turns basic fabric into textured, fitted, and stylish designs.
✂️ What to Expect (5Hour Session)
-All materials and equipment needed ( EXCEPT THE SHIRT BEING UPCYCLED)
Please note that all attendees will be provided with the sewing equipment and practice materials needed during the workshop to learn and practise the techniques taught on the day.
However, the second-hand shirt that will be upcycled during the class must be brought by each attendee. For the best results, we recommend sourcing a checked, oversized men's or women's cotton shirt from your local charity shop in a colour and pattern of your choice.
When selecting your shirt, please ensure it is slightly oversized, but not excessively so, as this can make the project more difficult to work with. For example, extra length is ideal as it provides more fabric to work with, particularly for knotting and reshaping techniques. However, shirts that are extremely wide through the body or sleeves may be harder to tailor to your desired fit.