Workshops Rags to Riches: Creative upcycling

Rags to Riches: Creative Upcycling

Discover the Art of Upcycling and make a stunning one-off bag for a friend or for yourself. 

In the Rags to riches creative upcycling workshop, you’ll learn how to transform fabric scraps into stunning, one-of-a-kind textiles. I’ll guide you through the process of creating new fabric from old, and by the end, you’ll walk away with a beautiful, custom-made zipped bag.

Class Description

Using decorative stitches or Free-Motion Embroidery (if you’re familiar), we’ll explore how to layer together fabric scraps to give them new life. This class will spark your creativity and offer the perfect introduction to upcycling techniques in creative textiles.

What You’ll Learn:

• Upcycling Fabric: How to use fabric scraps to create unique, new materials
• Sewing Techniques: Incorporate decorative machine stitches or Free-Motion Embroidery
• Zipped Pouch Construction: Tips for inserting zippers and assembling a professional-looking pouch
• Sustainable Creativity: Discover how to reduce waste while making something beautiful and functional

No need for advanced skills! Even if you’re new to Free-Motion Embroidery, you’ll be able to use regular sewing machine stitches to complete this project. 

What’s included:
• how to use up fabric scraps or repurpose old clothing, household textiles, and scraps of trimmings
• use free-motion embroidery or the utility stitches on your sewing machine to make a gorgeous quilted fabric
•  use your new fabric to make a stunning one-off zipped pouch for yourself or as a beautiful gift. 

Further uses for your embroidered fabrics

You won’t want to stop making these fabrics and they could also be used for cushion panels, evening bags or notebook covers. They also make lovely cards, jewellery, to cover gift boxes or as ‘wearable art’. These techniques are perfect for creating a ‘memory quilt’ or a ‘memory cushion’. So you could use along old clothing from your children or another family member. Why not use Gran’s blouse or silk scarves, or Dad’s favourite tie?

Sewing machines and materials are provided. If you bring your own machine, you’ll also need a darning/free-motion embroidery foot.

This workshop is run by Jen Skedd of Artisan Stitch.  Jen is a lifelong sewist,  trained Textile Designer/Artist and a committed upcycler. She has been sewing for over 45 years and has held teaching and mentoring roles for 25 years.

Level: Improvers onwards (Basic sewing machine experience required)
Duration: 10am-4pm

Book here. Enquiries to jen@artisanstitch.co.uk

#creativeupcycling #upcycling #textileupcycling #creativetextiles

Location details

St. Margaret’s House – Sixth Floor
St. Margaret’s House, 151 London Road
Edinburgh EH7 6AE

How to find St Margaret’s House

Directions