Address: The North Chapel, Ashlands Road, Ilkley, LS29 8JT
Welcome to The Sewing Shed where we teach adults and children to sew, no matter how much (or little) experience you have!
We’re a fabulously warm and welcoming community of more than 100 adult and junior sewers, so if you’ve been thinking about taking up a new hobby for 2025 or you’ve been inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee, read on to find out about the classes we offer.
Our small class sizes guarantee you plenty of individual, nurturing tuition from our tutors while our well equipped bespoke studio is the perfect space to sew, make and create. We run daytime, evening and weekend classes for adults while classes for teens and children aged eight and upwards are taught after school or in school holidays, in line with Bradford education authority term times.
Adults: Daytime and evening Mixed Ability and Beginners weekly sewing classes, Weekend Workshops and Saturday Sewing Socials.
Tweens & Teens: Young Designers After School Club for Year 6 & secondary school children aged 10-18 years.
Younger Children: Children’s Holiday Sewing Classes for children aged 8 to 16. Click here for dates and booking!
Simply email Leonie for more information on all our classes or to book yourself in. Online booking is now available for Children’s Holiday Sewing Classes and gift Vouchers online, just click here or follow the link at the top of the page.
Get the latest class news and sewing inspiration from The Sewing Shed and our community of sewers with our email newsletter. All you need to do is contact Leonie and she’ll add you to the list!
Our student WhatsApp group means you can manage your diary and swap classes with other students when you can’t make your usual day and time. This way you don’t miss out on any sewing plus, you meet even more students and see what they’re creating too!
*Contact Leonie to check availability*
If memories of the last series of The Great British Sewing Bee still have you reaching for the pattern book and wishing you could make and wear your own ‘me mades’, you might be interested in our new Wednesday evening Beginners class.
We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable at the sewing table and sometimes it helps if you’re learning alongside other newbies. Our classes are small which means there’s plenty of time for personal tuition, so if you’ve been thinking about learning to sew, now’s the time!
The classes are led by Leonie who’s known for her patient and gentle teaching style which is perfect if you’re feeling a little daunted at the idea of learning a new skill.
Why not get in touch and book yourself in! Classes cost £110 for a six-week course.
Come and learn core dressmaking skills including how to measure accurately, read patterns and achieve a shop bought finish with us. Our mixed ability daytime and evening sewing classes are perfect whatever your starting point. We love teaching people to sew, no matter how experienced, skilled or confident you are, and even if you do call yourself a beginner, you won’t stay one for long!
Becky teaches our Monday morning Mixed Ability class and with nine Mixed Ability sewing classes across the week hopefully you’ll find a day and time that works for you. Classes are booked in blocks of six at a cost of £110 for ease of payment and run in school term time.
Our Specialist classes include monthly weekend workshops in Patchwork & Quilting, perfect for all levels of experience and run ten months of the year on a Saturday or Sunday. We also offer tuition in Curtains and Roman Blinds as well as 1:1 tuition at a mutually agreeable time.
Saturday Sewing Socials: We’ll be holding our hugely popular sociable sewing sessions on Saturday 12th April and Saturday 23 August 2025. Open to all sewers, these 10-4pm sewing sessions are a great chance to spend a focused time working on your sewing project in the company of other sewers.
We’ll be there ready to welcome you with our usual tuition and top tips, while the studio will be fully kitted out, ready for you and your sewing project and whatever food you bring for the bring ‘n share lunch.
If you want to keep up to date with the latest workshop dates, class updates and news from The Sewing Shed, contact us and we’ll add you to our mailing list.
Our Young Designers After School Sewing Club is designed to give Year 6s and above time and space outside of school and home to further their sewing and creative skills.
These classes are perfect for young creatives whether they’re learning a new skill for Duke of Edinburgh, supporting their school studies or simply want a creative outlet. From pyjamas to prom dresses and everything in between we’ll give you your first sewing project and then it’s down to you!
When: Tuesday 4-5.30pm or Wednesday 3-4.30pm
Online booking now available for 2025, book for a single day or more!
Children’s Holiday Sewing Classes are perfect for crafty children wanting to learn to sew or improve their sewing skills. Previous holiday clubs have sewn bunting, bags, cushion covers, door stops, pencil cases aprons, soft toys and sew much more!
February 2025 half-term: Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th February.
Easter 2025: Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th April.
May 2025 half-term: Tuesday 27th May.
Summer 2025: Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th July.
October 2025 half-term: Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th October.
To find out more or book a place Contact Leonie or call for a chat 07525 029986.
"You've saved my sanity! The first day I walked in, I was terrified. You instantly you put me at ease, and very quickly taught me the sewing basics - and, as the weeks went by, the not-so-basics."
"Whatever class/group I'm in, the atmosphere is always wonderful. Lots of friendly banter, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Leonie is an excellent, patient sewing teacher. I love The Sewing Shed!"
"Thank you Leonie. Thursday is my favourite day of the week. I am completely addicted to sewing (as you know). I love coming to class and I'm so inspired seeing what everyone else is making. A perfect way to spend a morning/afternoon/evening or just all day!"
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