Textiles Workshop - Make an Oversized Tote Bag

Make your own tote bag in this fun textiles workshop in Manchester!



4 hours

Class size 1 to 10 (public classes), 8 to 30
  £85

Get creative in our vibrant city centre studio with the brilliant Luke-Matthew Iveson, as you learn to sew your very own painter’s tote bag from scratch. It’s a relaxed, hands-on session designed to build confidence and spark joy -- no experience needed.
This workshop is perfect for absolute beginners. Luke will guide you step-by-step, helping you feel at ease with the sewing machine and tools. If you’ve got a special fabric you’ve been saving, feel free to bring it along!
What to expect
  • Full access to sewing machines, tools, and materials.
  • Learn how to cut, sew, and construct your tote from start to finish.
  • Personal guidance to help you feel confident with the equipment.
  • A small, supportive class environment.
  • Option to bring your own fabric.
By the end, you’ll leave with a stylish handmade tote and a new set of sewing skills to carry forward

Upcoming dates for Textiles Workshop - Make an Oversized Tote Bag

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 6 Oct 2026, 1:14pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 17 Oct 2026 and 17 Oct 2026.

  • Sat 17 Oct 2026, 12pm-4pm
What you'll get
  • Take your painter's tote home! Leave with the skills and guidance to confidently create new pieces at home.
  • All materials and tools needed for the class.
  • Expert tuition from our friendly & knowledgeable instructor Luke-Matthew (Winner of Great British Sewing Bee!)
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
If you have a specific fabric you’ve been eager to use, feel free to bring it with you.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a cool gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Makers quarter - KAMPUS - 42 Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3GL

Just a 5 minute walk from Piccadilly train station situated amongst the Kampus Gardens. Aytoun street Car park is situated right next door.

Textiles Workshop - Make an Oversized Tote Bag location
Verified reviews


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Recent reviews of Textiles Workshop - Make an Oversized Tote Bag

  • 5/5 from Dharmen Parekh, attended Aug 2026: Great class. Was only me and the teacher, which worked out quite well. Luke was attentive and very helpful. Everything I needed was provided and I love my bag and cannot wait to make many more! Whether you and some friends want give it a go or a solo date, definitely worth it. One thing I would say, if you have colours you like or in mind, bring some fabrics as some may find the options limited. Otherwise, book it!
  • 5/5 from Hannah Sadler, attended Jun 2026: This class was amazing!! I had the best time Luke is so friendly, welcoming and very passionate. He’s patient and talks you through every step I would highly recommend this course!
  • 5/5 from Laura, attended Jun 2026: Luke made me and my friend feel so welcome the minute we stepped into the studio. They were also so encouraging. Had an amazing time. It absolutely flew by and I can’t wait to visit the whole place again for a different workshop
  • 5/5 from Clare Harding, attended May 2026: This was such a fantastic course. I’ve not sewn in actual decades, but Luke was a brilliant tutor, everything was clearly explained, and I never felt like I was out of my depth. I'm absolutely delighted with the bag I made. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another class with Luke or at Makers Quarter, which is just a gorgeous place to do something like this.
  • 5/5 from Felix Marcus Millne, attended May 2026: Booked in last minute, with no previous experience. Luke was great - friendly, informative, helpful and patient helping me fix my mistakes. The space has a nice easy vibe, with lots of room to work and enough quiet from the other classes and cafe while still feeling connected. The pattern we used was just the right balance of complex without being too difficult, and I’ve come away with something I will actually be using. It was particularly nice to get some choice on fabric colours and patterns, so I feel like I’ve made something personal to me alone. Would definitely recommend the class and will be looking at what else is on the schedule that I can attend soon.
  • 5/5 from Efe Obakanure, attended May 2026: Lovely instructor
  • 5/5 from Tom, attended Apr 2026: Great workshop by the Lovely Luke Iveson, would definitely recommend, great atmosphere and awesome teacher.
  • 5/5 from Matthew Brown, attended Apr 2026: A really wonderful class, Luke was a diamond of an instructor, super friendly and informative. Plus I walked away having made a gorgeous bag that I have already used. Would recommend for all abilities. The studio is a lovely hygge space too, so it's nice just being there.
  • 5/5 from Lauren Sharpe, attended Mar 2026: This class was amazing, the tutor is so friendly and patient and met everyone at their level. Strongly recommend it
  • 5/5 from Fozia Iqbal, attended Jan 2026: Learn to make my own tote bag. Luke made it feel really simple and guided you patiently throughout. The materials were great and the machines really easy to use.
  • 5/5 from Anonymised ClassBento customer, attended Jan 2026: I had a really good afternoon with Luke making our tote bags. The pace of the class was perfect and extremely enjoyable and engaging. I would 100% do another class with Luke and have been using my tote everyday since!
  • 5/5 from Katharine Lay, attended Jan 2026: Luke was so welcoming and supportive. I was nervous about attending the class and never believed I could make the bag when he showed us the sample but I did! Would highly recommend this class. I will be back to another of Luke’s classes soon.
  • 5/5 from Kim, attended Jan 2026: I absolutely loved the workshop! I can’t believe I managed to make a fab looking tote bag in an afternoon. And Luke was amazing! I felt really out of my depth as I had no sewing experience, but he was so patient and reassuring. It was a brilliant experience and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to give sewing a try.
  • 5/5 from Rebecca, attended Nov 2025: Really fun class. Luke was amazing (& so patient) and taught us everything we needed to know. We had the best afternoon. Super happy and proud of our new bags! Thank you!
  • 5/5 from Heather, attended Nov 2025: Fantastic class and experience! Luke is a fab teacher and helped us all to feel confident in our ability to sew a bag. Definitely recommend this class to anyone who wants to give sewing a try.
  • 5/5 from Jenny Troth, attended Oct 2025: I really loved this class. Luke was such a good teacher and made it great fun. I love my bag and can't believe I made it!! So looking forward to another sewing class with Luke. Definitely recommend.
  • 5/5 from Robbie Troth, attended Oct 2025: We had such a fun time during this workshop! I was a complete noob when it came to using a sewing machine, this was my first time. Luke made it so easy and explained everything. The class was super chill and the space is beautiful. I love my bag and can't get over the fact I made it myself. It's so so worth the money and I'll deffo be booking on to one of the other classes in the future.
  • 5/5 from James de Silva, attended Sep 2025: So fun. I've not touched a sewing machine since I was a kid in primary school. I learned so much and ended up with a bag I could've only dreamt I'd ever make. Looks like a bought one! We did this straight after Sashiko which Luke also taught. Highly recommend. You can't go wrong!
  • 5/5 from Natalie Gilbert, attended Sep 2025: I’ve had the best afternoon making my own bag. Super friendly relaxed vibe. Lovely lovely lovely teacher Luke. Expert knowledge and encouragement. Cannot wait to show everyone I know what (I can’t quite believe) I’ve made. Brilliantly awesome workshop. Thanks so much.
  • 5/5 from Michelle Naclerio, attended Jul 2025: Luke was a great teacher and made it so easy and fun!
Your teacher

Makers Quarter
Makers Quarter

5.0 (99)
female Women-owned

We are Makers Quarter a brand new Makerspace in the heart of Manchester City centre. A one stop shop for creativesr, designed to support many different practices. We have a fully equipped pottery school, Art & Design studio equipped with screen printing beds, jewellery making facilities and a textiles and upholstery studio. The facilities will be bookable for members and most excitingly we will be hosting classes in all mediums giving the wider public the chance to learn a creative skill. The classes will be hosted by our members, local experts and well regarded international crafts people.
With the combination of classes and members drop in sessions we are giving visitors the chance to get hands on and seasoned pros a space to thrive….“We are evolving spaces for creatives & communities alike, which will hopefully make a positive impact in the way creative people can work”.

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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production manchester Manchester North West GB manchester