Beginner Dressmaking Workshop - Sew a Japanese Apron

Learn the basics of dressmaking and sew your own beautiful Japanese cross back apron.



6 hours Class size 3 to 6 guests       £75 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Improve your dressmaking skills with this Japanese cross back apron sewing workshop. Known as ‘Maekake’, these practical aprons were traditionally used as a work garment and made from old sails for fishermen to wear whilst out at sea.
This beautiful apron is the perfect garment to serve you in your daily household chores, gardening, or creative endeavours and features two large front pockets so your essentials are close at hand. Comfortable, absorbent, and easy to wear, it is sure to be a wardrobe essential for years to come.
In this full-day workshop, Lauren will expertly guide you through the process of creating your very own beautiful Japanese apron. Learn how to cut out a pattern from your fabric along with sewing a variety of seams and finishings.
Sewing machines and accessories will be provided, however, you are also welcome to bring your own. Please advise on booking.
What you’ll learn:
  • How to cut fabric using a pattern
  • Different sewing techniques
  • Using interfacing
  • Finishing seams
  • How to use an overlocker
You will need to bring:
Either cotton, linen, linen/cotton blend or denim fabric of your choice. Knitted (stretchy) fabric (e.g. jersey) is not suitable. It is recommended to pre-wash the fabric before cutting to obtain optimal shrinkage during future use of the apron.
Basic knowledge using a sewing machine is required to attend this workshop.
This sewing workshop is ideal for anyone who has a little bit of experience but would like some guidance to help build their confidence in basic dressmaking techniques. If you need that little extra push to dust off your sewing machine, then this is the perfect opportunity!
What people are saying:
"Lauren is a lovely host, very friendly, helpful and a patient teacher. I greatly enjoyed the workshop. It has reminded me of the basics of sewing and renewed my love for making things." - Karen Carswell
"“I recently did the apron making workshop with Lauren and it was simply great! Lauren is a brilliant (and patient) teacher, and with her guidance I managed to sew a beautiful Japanese cross back apron. The workshop was fun, friendly, relaxed, very informative, well-structured and well-paced, with a great musical soundtrack! Lauren is a very skilled seamstress and teacher. She is funny, kind, supportive and full of handy sewing tips and tricks! She helped me to improve my somewhat rudimentary sewing skills and I would highly recommend her workshop!” - Hanne Rysgard
What you'll get
A beautiful apron to take home and enjoy wearing!
You'll also get the pattern instructions via email so you can make it again.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Basic knowledge of a sewing machine/how to thread is advised.
What to bring
Either cotton, linen, denim or a blended fabric of your choice. Knitted fabric (e.g. jersey) is not suitable. It is recommended to pre-wash the fabric before cutting in order to obtain optimal shrinkage during future use of the apron. You would need 1.5 metres if the fabric is 150cm in width or 2 metres if it's 90cm width.
Location

Creative Space (Staple Hill) - 39 High Street, Bristol, BS16 5HD, England

Beginner Dressmaking Workshop - Sew a Japanese Apron location
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Your teacher

Lauren Holloway
Lauren Holloway

5.0 (44)

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.
2026-06-26 15:00:00
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production bristol Bristol South West GB bristol