Beginner Machine Sewing Workshop at Flourish

Learn the basic techniques at this full-day sewing machine workshop in Saltford!



6 hours Class size 1 to 8 guests       £95

Join expert sewing tutor Lauren Holloway on this full-day beginner machine sewing workshop at Flourish in Saltford.
Get to know your way around a sewing machine and learn the basic techniques to help build your confidence and skills. Includes threading and setting up your machine, creating different stitches, inserting a zip, boxing corners, making and joining pieces of a simple pattern. You’ll spend the day learning how to make a variety of projects to take home using a selection of fabrics provided, including a drawstring bag and a zipped pouch. End the day feeling satisfied with your achievements and more confident using a sewing machine.
This course is a great way to start your sewing journey and you’ll leave with newfound knowledge, confidence and inspiration for future projects plus you’ll get to take your lovely handmade items home with you.
Sewing machines and accessories will be provided, so all you need to do is turn up! You are also welcome to bring your own sewing machine.
You will learn:
  • Threading and using a domestic sewing machine
  • General sewing techniques
  • Cutting fabric from a simple pattern
  • Edge stitching
  • Sewing a zipper
  • Boxing corners
  • Troubleshooting tips and tricks
  • Achieving a professional finish
Workshop will run from 10am-3:30pm with a 45 minute lunch break.

Upcoming dates for Beginner Machine Sewing Workshop at Flourish

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 3 Oct 2026, 8:53pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 10 Dec 2026 and 10 Dec 2026.

  • Thu 10 Dec 2026, 10am-4pm
What you'll get
Sewing machine skills and knowledge, plus a drawstring bag and a zipped pouch to take home, will be taught in this course. All pattern instructions and helpful links to fabrics and hardware will also be emailed to you after the course.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner level - no experience required.
What to bring
Sewing machine and accessories if you want to use your own. Flourish also has a lovely on-site cafe/restaurant for you to get lunch, otherwise you can bring your own. I will provide a variety of fabrics but if you'd like to use a specific fabric please bring it along, I recommend a normal weight cotton for the projects.
Location

Flourish - Glenavon Farm, Bath Road, Saltford Bristol, BS31 3TJ

Beginner Machine Sewing Workshop at Flourish location
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Recent reviews of Beginner Machine Sewing Workshop at Flourish

  • 5/5 from Marie Kendall, attended Sep 2026: Really great sewing class. Paced at the right level and knowing nothing when I arrived I made two lovely bags to go home with ️
  • 5/5 from Sandra, attended Sep 2026: I was going into this as a complete beginner and to think I’d come away having made a drawstring bag and a zipped pouch after only a few hours, was well beyond my expectations However Lauren’s explanations of the steps involved and her having the patience of a saint, meant that I did come away with both items, and was proud of them too! Starting with ‘how to thread the sewing machine, through to making these items …. this was a fantastic, fun and friendly course, run by a fantastic tutor! I’d highly recommend it!
  • 5/5 from Vicky Eden, attended Sep 2026: This is a fantastic beginners class on how to use your sewing machine. Lauren is a superb teacher - organised, very clear and patient. Lovely group of people in a very good setting - the class size was just right. I certainly feel inspired to continue sewing!
  • 5/5 from Karen Edwards, attended Sep 2026: Lauren was an excellent teacher and very patient. The other ladies on the course were lovely & friendly & we were all at the same level. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to know how to use a sewing machine. Thankyou Lauren I am looking forward to the next one
  • 5/5 from Katie Abraham, attended Sep 2026: Lauren was a fantastic teacher, she was very patient and explained everything very clearly, and gave lots of advice
  • 5/5 from Heather, attended Mar 2026: Lauren was a great teacher and I loved the course! Before today, I’d never even turned on my sewing machine and now have the confidence to attempt my own projects. Loved the small class numbers too as it meant Lauren was able to give one-on-one advice and help.
  • 5/5 from Owen, attended Mar 2026: A really nice atmosphere to learn how to use the sewing machine. All the fabric and equipment was supplied, and the lesson was really clear. She was really helpful at answering my questions and I was impressed with the bags I created
  • 5/5 from Susan, attended Mar 2026: It was a very relaxed and friendly class. Lauren was a great teacher providing clear, step by step instructions, just what was needed for a beginners class.
  • 5/5 from Sharmilla Vythelingum, attended Mar 2026: I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine, and this course has given me the confidence to continue. Lauren was a great teacher, and really made it easy to learn how to use the machine. I will definitely be back to some other courses.
  • 5/5 from Angela Brooks, attended Mar 2026: An absolutely fabulous day, thank you so much. Very relaxed teaching style, with clear explanations and lots of help if required. We all felt a huge sense of achievement.
  • 5/5 from Lynne van Raalte, attended Mar 2026: I found the workshop very relaxed. We made a drawstring bag and zipped bag. Very satisfying to make with lots of instruction along the way if you needed it. Would highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Cath, attended Jan 2026: A really enjoyable "Beginner Machine Sewing" workshop. I'm a complete novice with the sewing machine, but Lauren's excellent instruction enabled me to confidently complete a drawstring bag and a zipped bag with a contrast lining and boxed corners. Lauren's teaching style was friendly and relaxed whilst also being professional, and her instructions were easy to understand. The small class size of 8 meant that Lauren was able to help us individually with any tricky moments in the sewing projects, as well as teaching the group as a whole. Loved that the sewing machine and materials were provided, which made it super-easy to take part in the workshop. All in all, an excellent workshop experience for relaxed learning, crafty fun, and the thrill of going from absolute beginner to accomplishing two great sewing projects. Highly recommended to other newbie machine sewers!
  • 5/5 from Kim Mizen, attended Jan 2026: HAD A FABULOUS DAY TODAY! Lauren explained everything really well and was on hand to guide and help when needed. It was a relaxing and calm atmosphere in a great location at flourish in Saltford. I will definitely be booking more creative workshops with Lauren in the future. Thank you
  • 5/5 from Julie Coltman, attended Jan 2026: Such a good class. Covered the basics of setting up the machine and then managed to sew 2 different projects. Lauren was really lovely and so helpful. Would highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Rebecca Ferris, attended Jan 2026: Came with my sister and we had a great time. We were both beginners on sewing machines and learnt to make a pull bag and lined zip bag! Lauren was very patient with us all. Was a nice small group of 8. Lovely venue, but cold! Flourish could do with heating the area.
  • 5/5 from Jacquie Godden, attended Jan 2026: Great class. Really informative and all processes well explained. Venue a bit cold though. Will definitely book another class.
  • 5/5 from Jo Keogh, attended Nov 2025: Fabulous day! Loved my intro after nearly 4 decades away from a sewing machine. Really good size of class and amount of time for all the stages. Lauren was a great teacher. Venue was a bit chilly especially in the morning but it was the coldest day of the year so far! Thank you.
  • 5/5 from Mandy Holt, attended Nov 2025: The beginners sewing course with Lauren was really good, I was a total newbie to using a sewing machine so didn’t have a clue but Lauren explained everything really clearly and made the session fun and engaging, I’d definitely recommend it and am looking forward to trying out my new skills at home!
  • 5/5 from Jennifer Pegram, attended Nov 2025: Excellent class for beginners. Very satisfying bringing home 2 bags I made! Clear instructions throughout, would recommend.
  • 5/5 from Lydia, attended Jun 2025: A fantastic class. So thrilled with my two finished pieces. I took the class to gain confidence in using a sewing machine as it has been many years since I’ve used one. Lauren is a great teacher and the class is well planned with realistic expectations.
  • 5/5 from Teresa, attended Jun 2025: Had a really enjoyable day learning the basics of using a sewing machine. Lauren is a very skilled and patient teacher and the course is really well designed to give opportunity to recap on certain aspects while moving on the learning of the topic. Was also really nice to be in a small friendly supportive group. Everyone was able to progress at their own speed. The venue was good, with parking and refreshments available. And I got to take 2 items home with me! Would recommend the day.
  • 5/5 from Joanne Godwin, attended May 2025: Loved this course! Exactly what I needed to feel confident setting up my sewing machine. The two bags we made on the day were great practice of basic techniques. It was super satisfying to walk away with things I had made and can use. Everyone I know will be getting a make up bag this Christmas.
  • 5/5 from Sally Hornsby, attended May 2025: Lauren was a great teacher! I thoroughly enjoyed making a draw string bag and a zipped pouch with boxed corners. I am so pleased with my finished projects and learned so many new techniques and skills using a sewing machine. Lauren guided the group clearly, step by step in a relaxed and friendly way. I would recommend this workshop to any beginner and would definitely book another course by Lauren.
  • 5/5 from Mrs Lisa Gardiner, attended May 2025: I wanted to see if I could use a sewing machine, having not used one since school, and came away with the answer 'yes, I can use one after all this time'. I learnt about the machine, how to put thread onto the bobbin and thread the machine. How to make a pouch with drawstring closure and a small pencil/makeup size case with a zip closure. Our teacher, Lauren, was brilliant and patient with all of us and was happy to help us when we got stuck, or in my case, couldn't re-thread the needle as I'd left my reading glasses at home! The choice of materials and thread colours was good for what we were making. It was lovely meeting a few other people who were all over 30, learning from scratch or renewing skills taught at school. This has given me the confidence to go out and now buy my own sewing machine.
  • 5/5 from Mrs Simone Kermode, attended Mar 2025: Loved it. Lauren was just brilliant!
  • 5/5 from Jemma Jaques, attended Jan 2025: I really enjoyed the class and was pleased to be able to learn the basics but quickly produce items that I was really proud of. Lauren was a great teacher - very knowledgeable and patient. I’d recommend the course to anyone who has never used a sewing machine before.
  • 5/5 from Elizabeth Barling, attended Nov 2024: I took part in a one day sewing workshop run by Lauren. She was a fab teacher, really good at explaining things and very patient. I came away with 2 little bags that I'm very proud of and more confidence in how to use my sewing machine. I can't recommend her workshops enough!
  • 5/5 from Claudine Gurnell, attended Nov 2024: I did the beginners sewing machine class at Flourish and absolutely loved it. Lauren was very informative and taught at just the right pace. I managed to make a tote bag and wash bag which I couldn’t believe how great it looked all because of Laurens brilliant teaching! Highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Vicki Collinson, attended Nov 2024: Really good beginners sewing machine day course. Lauren talked us through the machines and showed us how to get started; and then taught us how to make a drawstring bag and a zipper bag. Relaxed pace and supportive. Good group size (8) and I feel confident to use my machine now and make some more items on my own. Highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Angela Lloyd, attended Nov 2024: Brilliant class. Small group with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Demystified my machine and made 2 bags. Am amazed I managed to make one with a zip! Would recommend to others. Great way to spend a day.
Your teacher

Lauren Holloway
Lauren Holloway

5.0 (49)

Designer and Maker Lauren Holloway has been running her own slow-fashion handbag and accessory brand since 2013. She specialises in making sustainable bags, purses, laptop cases and toiletry storage, all handcrafted in her Bristol-based studio.
Lauren has extensive knowledge and experience in designing patterns and sewing anything from coin purses to backpacks. A regular contributor to Simply Sewing magazine, she has also been featured in Bloom, Somerset Living and The Bristol Magazine, and frequently showcases her work at various markets and craft fairs in the South West.
Lauren offers a range of sewing workshops from beginner to intermediate level, where participants can learn the basics of using a domestic sewing machine, brush up on existing sewing skills or develop new techniques to improve their craft. You’ll leave the workshop with new-found knowledge and inspiration for future projects plus you’ll take home a beautiful handmade bag you can enjoy for years to come.

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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production bristol Bristol South West GB bristol