Thursday 6 August 10.30-4.30pm

Tutor: Alison Abrahams

Level: intermediate

We all have stuff that we need to carry around, whether it’s for work, study, or play. Well, do it in style with Alison’s modern fabric backpack. Unlike many bag patterns which involve complicated pattern pieces and expensive bag hardware, Alison has developed her own pattern and she uses the bag on a daily basis! The backpacks would make a great off-to-college gift or present for a globe-trotting friend.

You’ll be using cotton canvas or denim fabric (we stock several options at Hometown). The workshop is not complicated, and Alison will lead you step-by-step, but you should be a confident and competent machine stitcher, in order to finish your bag during the day. Machine sewn.

Equipment and material needed:

• Sewing machine. Make sure beforehand that it works and you know how to thread it, wind the bobbin and straight stitch with an even tension. Remember the foot pedal, a standard foot for zig zag stitching, plus your straight sewing or ¼in foot, free motion/embroidery foot, spare bobbins, instruction booklet etc. Put in a new needle before this workshop - it needs to be sharp!

• Basic sewing kit containing sharp fabric scissors, small scissors or snips, pencil, pins and a stitch ripper

• 1m outer fabric - we recommend canvas* / mochi linen / Kobe Twill or medium weight denim

• 75cm quilting cotton for the lining

• 1.5m of 25mm heavy duty cotton webbing (Alison will also bring a roll of this stronger webbing that you can buy on the day)

• 1m heavy sew-in S13 Vilene

• 1 x 25mm metal D-rings

• 1 x 25mm Swivel clip (H482.25)

• 2 x 25mm metal sliders

• Cotton / sew-all thread to coordinate with your fabrics

  We have a *new solid colour canvas range, Kleur, on order which is due to arrive before August!

  If there is anything you’re missing, you can buy fabrics and all the haberdashery listed above from the store during the day. Refreshments will be provided at each workshop and there are plenty of options for lunch in Rochester, or you’re welcome to bring your own packed lunch.

If you have any questions, please phone us on 01634 838880 before booking. Note: we do not send out reminder emails before a workshop, as all the information you need is here! For location and car parking info, please see our Contacts page.

Please check dates carefully before booking as workshops are non-refundable. For full booking terms, please read here.