Sewing & Textiles
Learn new skills. Get creative. Make connections.
Our Sewing & Textiles sessions bring people together to learn practical skills, work on creative projects and enjoy time with others. From making your own clothes to repairing and upcycling existing garments, there's plenty to explore, whatever your experience.
At Wesley Hall, we offer two regular activities: Sew Together, focusing on garment making and machine sewing, and Mindful Mending, exploring creative hand stitching, repair and sustainable textiles.
JOIN THE SESSIONS
Sewing & Textiles Sessions at Wesley Hall
TUESDAY
Beginners Sewing Session
12.30 pm - 2.30 pm
Term time.
Bring your own equipment & materials.
Sewing machines available.
WEDNESDAY
Mindful Mending
10 am - 12 pm
Term time.
Materials & equipment will be provided.
Hand-sewing session.
THURSDAY
Advanced Sewing Session
12.30 pm - 2.30 pm
Term time.
Bring your own equipment & materials.
Sewing machines available.
Sew Together
Learn to sew, create and make something of your own.
Our sewing sessions are a highly popular regular activity. They are
delivered by experienced tailors who are on hand to assist with all
requirements, taking attendees through the process of drafting
blocks, creating paper patterns, cutting fabric and machine stitching.
We have 8 sewing machines and 5 overlockers. The sewing
machines are maintained and available for use by attendees.
Attendees are required to bring their own equipment and materials.
The continued popularity of these sessions over the years is
testament to their success. Attendees reference their enjoyment of
each other’s company alongside learning useful skills that save them
money. They make a variety of soft furnishings, accessories and
clothing for themselves from casual clothing to occasion wear.
What You'll Learn
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Pattern Making & Cutting: Drafting blocks, creating paper patterns and preparing fabric.
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Machine Sewing: Learning stitching techniques and developing confidence using sewing machines.
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Overlocking: Creating neat, professional finishes on garments.
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Creative Projects: Making clothing, accessories, soft furnishings and occasion wear.
What the sessions mean to people
Sewing class participant, September 2026
"It’s a place where I can meet
people and do something for
myself as I have had a lot of
trauma in my life so this is a step towards building myself."
Sewing class participant, September 2026
"I love coming to these sessions because it takes me away from isolation, gives me strength to face tasks and I feel relaxed and connected with like minded people."
Sewing class participant, September 2026
" I love sewing. (It) makes me feel more confident, less stressed and (gives me) full satisfaction bycreating (my) own dress. It makes me feel happy to meet new people and learn new techniques."
Mindful Mending
Repair. Create. Connect.
Our Mindful Mending Project was established in May 2024 to respond to the social and environmental impact of clothing production, textile waste and changes within Leicester’s garment industry.
Weekly sessions give participants a welcoming place to learn hand-sewing skills and textile techniques for repair and upcycling.
Alongside practical skills, the sessions have developed into an important space for friendship, confidence, creativity and mental wellbeing.
We work with donated and second-hand clothing and textiles so that participants can learn how to extend the life of items that might otherwise be discarded.
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What participants have explored
Visible Mending
Creative repair techniques that celebrate rather than hide a mend, including colourful woven repairs and decorative stitching.
Embroidery
Florals, initials, decorative motifs, personalisation and embellishment to upcycle clothes & textiles.
Patchwork & Quilting
Layering, quilting, patchwork and decorative surface design work, including Kantha & Kawani-inspired textiles.
Traditional Hand Sewing
From basic hand sewing skills to more advanced techniques such as blanket stitch and buttonhole stitch.
Sashiko-Inspired Slow Stitching
Japanese-inspired decorative reinforcement using repeated running stitches and geometric patterns.
Zero Waste Textiles
Using scraps and leftover materials to make bag charms, key rings and decorations.
Helping Clothes Last Longer
Textiles & Climate
Mindful Mending encourages people to repair damaged clothing and see unwanted textiles as a resource. By developing repair and upcycling skills, participants can reduce waste while creating something individual and useful.
Working with White Rose Charity Shop
We partnered with White Rose Charity Shop on embroidery and upcycling projects, including floral embroidery on spring denim and snowflake embroidery on knitwear. These collaborations helped show how unwanted clothing can be transformed while giving participants the chance to apply their new skills in practical and creative ways.
What the sessions mean to people
Mindful Mending participant, March 2026
"I enjoy attending the sessions. It is relaxing and I feel connected to the community. I learn how to upcycle fabric and create new things I can use in routine life."
Mindful Mending participant, March 2026
"Very good session, learning new skills. Please continue this mindful mending. I always wait for the sessions."
Mindful Mending participant, March 2026
"Coming here relaxes me and makes me feel calm... taught me that it is OK to make mistakes and helped me develop my confidence so much."
