Learn to sew in Ilkley, West Yorkshire


Welcome to The Sewing Shed where we teach adults and children to sew, no matter how much (or little) experience you have!

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 weekly sewing classes and weekend workshops.

Tweens & Teens: Young Designers After School Club for Year 6s & secondary school children aged 10-18 years.

Younger Children: Children’s Holiday Sewing Classes for children aged 8 to 16.

Manage your classes with our friendly WhatsApp group

We run our classes in six-weekly blocks, but we know that sometimes you might not be able to make your usual class. It’s why we set up a student class-swap WhatsApp group.

It 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!


Adult Mixed Ability Sewing

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!

Classes are booked in blocks of six for £110 for ease of payment, but only run in school term time. Get in touch to see when you can start, we offer nine classes a week so there are plenty of opportunities to come and sew with us!

Adult Specialist Classes

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.

We are currently compiling our Spring/Summer 2024 Weekend Workshop timetable so do contact us and we’ll add you to our mailing list to ensure you receive our latest news.

Young Designers Sewing

Now taking bookings for May Half Term 2024

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

Children’s Sewing

Now taking bookings for 2024, book for a single day, two days or all three

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!

May Half Term : Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th May.

Summer: Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th July.

NEW DATES ADDED**  Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th July.

Autumn Half Term: Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th October.

Christmas: Monday 23rd & Monday 30th December.

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!"