HOW TO
Workshops

This friendly, hands-on workshop is ideal for anyone who understands the basics of using a sewing machine but lacks confidence when it comes to actually making something or finishing a task – such as inserting a zip, sewing neat seams, or completing an ongoing project.

If you’ve ever thought “I know how to do this… I just want someone to check I’m doing it right”, this session is for you.

What to bring (important)

To get the most out of the session, it’s helpful to come with an idea of what you’d like to work on. This could be:

• A project you are already working on
• A specific repair you want to complete (for example, a zip replacement — please bring the replacement zip with you)
• A particular skill you want to practise or master (please bring appropriate fabric or materials for this)
• A sewing machine, machine hire or borrowing is not available for this workshop. Please also bring the manual if you have it, along with your power lead and foot pedal.

Being prepared in this way will help you make the most of the tutor support available.

What the workshop includes

With a volunteer tutor on hand, you’ll work at your own pace and get support exactly when you need it. The session may include:

• Refreshers on threading, bobbins, and basic setup
• Help with specific sewing tasks and tricky techniques
• Understanding stitches and machine settings for different jobs
• Simple troubleshooting and confidence-boosting guidance

The focus throughout is on building confidence and helping you feel comfortable using your own machine.

Practical details

• Adult-only event
• Suggested donation: £10, or £5 for students, those in financial difficulties
• Sessions last between 1–2 hours
• We may contact you in advance to confirm arrival times

P.S. Don’t forget your power lead and foot pedal — they’re essential!

An introduction to using a variety of small power tools and hand tools. This may be a cordless drill, sander, jig saw or hammer, screwdriver, hacksaw etc. 

It will include 

– Learning which tool is the best one to use

– How to set up for different materials 

– Using, for example drilling a hole for putting up a shelf

– Safely using and issues to lookout for

• Experienced craft people will demonstrate and help with hands on experience as well as try and answer individual problems where possible.
• A range of tools will be provided, bring your own tool for specific advice.
• This workshop is for those with limited or little knowledge and will give a basic understanding. This is not for the experienced or professionals and is not certified training.
• We are asking for a suggested donation of £10

If you would like to get involved in running our HOW TO Use Power Tools workshops, please email volunteering@shareandrepair.org.uk or sign up on our Volunteer Page

This hands-on workshop is for beginners and those who haven’t used their sewing machine in a while. It will guide you through setting up and help show you how to get the most from your sewing machine.

It will include:

• Learning to wind the bobbin and thread your machine
• Understanding the various functions and stitches of your sewing machine
• Simple problem solving

1. Our volunteer tutors will help answer any specific questions and resolve issues you have with your machine.
2. As this workshop is primarily intended to help you get the most out of your own machine, sewing machines do vary, it is best to learn on your own machine.
3. Don’t forget to bring your own machine (and the manual for your machine would be helpful too!) If you don’t have your own sewing machine we have a limited number that you can borrow (please select Borrow A Sewing Machine at checkout).
4. Please note that under 18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and we are asking for a suggested donation of £10
5. P.S. don’t forget your power lead and foot pedal!

Join us for a hands-on morning learning all things bike! We’ll teach you the basics of maintaining and repairing your bike.

This session is for beginners who want to learn how to make sure their bike is safe to ride and make basic adjustments and repairs, under 18s are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

It will include three workstations:

1. Checking your bike – learn how to check your bike is safe to ride and when you need to take it to a bike shop
2. Wheels – learn how to remove your wheel, repair a puncture and more
3. Brakes – learn how to check your brakes, adjust your brakes and more

We are asking for a suggested donation of £10 and don’t forget to bring your bike with you, it’s best to learn on your own bike

If you would like to get involved in running our HOW TO HOW TO Maintain Your Bike workshops, please email volunteering@shareandrepair.org.uk or sign up on our Get Involved Page