Is your work being slowed down by a malfunctioning machine? If it isn’t feasible or cost effective to keep bringing your sewing machine in for servicing, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and learn how to do it ourselves!
Throughout the day we will learn the complex mechanics of how a sewing machine works, general maintenance of your machine and how to identify and remedy machine issues. By the end of the day you should have a good grasp of how timing and tension work, how to service specific problems and how to prevent further issues. This class will suit complete beginners looking to get a jumpstart on their equipment all the way up to professionals who find machine problems are slowing them down.
What will be included:
Introduction to your sewing machine’s mechanics - understanding how the moving parts of your sewing machine work
A demonstration on how to safely open your machine up
List of tools - everything you’ll need to maintain your machine at home
General maintenance and good practice when caring for your machine
Identifying and fixing issues
Answering your machine queries on persistent issues
When: Saturday 21st March 2026, 10am till 3pm
Where: Made My Wardrobe Studio, 27 Portland Square, Bristol, BS2 8SA
What to bring: You will need to bring your own sewing machine to the studio. This class is specifically for domestic sewing machines not industrial machines. We do not mind what age the sewing machine is we only ask that the electrics are safe and working as we will be focusing on the mechanics rather than electrics in class. Please also bring any instruction manuals or additional tools such as screwdrivers that came with your machine.
FAQs
Who will this workshop be taught by?
Ella Johnston is our resident sewing machine expert. As a fully trained sewing machine technician, she’s passionate about demystifying sewing machines and making repair and maintenance knowledge accessible to all sewists. As a freelance costume maker and bridalwear atelier, Ella has made costumes for various film and TV projects, The Shakespeare’s Globe, English National Ballet, Sadler’s Wells, tailors such as the Samuel Brothers and even Beyoncé. During her Masters in Historical Costume she focused on Pattern Cutting and improving Sustainable Fashion through the study of Repurposed Historical Clothing. She wants to help everyone feel comfortable on their sewing machine, so we can encourage creativity and slow fashion.
Is this workshop open to beginners?
We recommend you have tried using your sewing machine before coming on this workshop (so that you have a sense of it), but other that we are welcoming all levels of sewers on this workshop. We often find having varying degrees of experience adds to the atmosphere for all involved. We will form a supportive, encouraging, creative environment for one another.
What about food and accommodation?
We’ll provide the tea, coffee and sweet treats
We can recommend lots of cafes and tasty spots nearby for lunch or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch and eat in.
If you are visiting Bristol from out of town, we have a handy guide full of top tips here
What is your cancellation policy?
If you can no longer attend a workshop please let us know as far in advance as possible. We can usually re-sell your place and give you a 75% refund, but we cannot guarantee this if you cancel at the last minute.
Is your work being slowed down by a malfunctioning machine? If it isn’t feasible or cost effective to keep bringing your sewing machine in for servicing, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and learn how to do it ourselves!
Throughout the day we will learn the complex mechanics of how a sewing machine works, general maintenance of your machine and how to identify and remedy machine issues. By the end of the day you should have a good grasp of how timing and tension work, how to service specific problems and how to prevent further issues. This class will suit complete beginners looking to get a jumpstart on their equipment all the way up to professionals who find machine problems are slowing them down.
What will be included:
Introduction to your sewing machine’s mechanics - understanding how the moving parts of your sewing machine work
A demonstration on how to safely open your machine up
List of tools - everything you’ll need to maintain your machine at home
General maintenance and good practice when caring for your machine
Identifying and fixing issues
Answering your machine queries on persistent issues
When: Saturday 21st March 2026, 10am till 3pm
Where: Made My Wardrobe Studio, 27 Portland Square, Bristol, BS2 8SA
What to bring: You will need to bring your own sewing machine to the studio. This class is specifically for domestic sewing machines not industrial machines. We do not mind what age the sewing machine is we only ask that the electrics are safe and working as we will be focusing on the mechanics rather than electrics in class. Please also bring any instruction manuals or additional tools such as screwdrivers that came with your machine.
FAQs
Who will this workshop be taught by?
Ella Johnston is our resident sewing machine expert. As a fully trained sewing machine technician, she’s passionate about demystifying sewing machines and making repair and maintenance knowledge accessible to all sewists. As a freelance costume maker and bridalwear atelier, Ella has made costumes for various film and TV projects, The Shakespeare’s Globe, English National Ballet, Sadler’s Wells, tailors such as the Samuel Brothers and even Beyoncé. During her Masters in Historical Costume she focused on Pattern Cutting and improving Sustainable Fashion through the study of Repurposed Historical Clothing. She wants to help everyone feel comfortable on their sewing machine, so we can encourage creativity and slow fashion.
Is this workshop open to beginners?
We recommend you have tried using your sewing machine before coming on this workshop (so that you have a sense of it), but other that we are welcoming all levels of sewers on this workshop. We often find having varying degrees of experience adds to the atmosphere for all involved. We will form a supportive, encouraging, creative environment for one another.
What about food and accommodation?
We’ll provide the tea, coffee and sweet treats
We can recommend lots of cafes and tasty spots nearby for lunch or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch and eat in.
If you are visiting Bristol from out of town, we have a handy guide full of top tips here
What is your cancellation policy?
If you can no longer attend a workshop please let us know as far in advance as possible. We can usually re-sell your place and give you a 75% refund, but we cannot guarantee this if you cancel at the last minute.
