Classes | Fabrics | Patterns | Promoting Slow Fashion

Sweet Seams, founded by Sue Rawcliffe in 2010, has blossomed from offering just two regular weekly classes to providing a diverse array of classes tailored to various ages and skill levels. The hallmark of Sweet Seams is the flexibility it offers, allowing participants to pursue their projects at their own pace while receiving expert guidance. The aim is not just to impart new skills but also to foster a sense of community, where friendships can flourish alongside creativity.

Whether your passion lies in making clothes, soft furnishings or indulging in various crafts, Sweet Seams has a class suited to every interest. With small class sizes, personalised attention is guaranteed, ensuring each participant maximises their learning experience. Additionally, individual lessons can be arranged to cater to specific needs.

In 2017, Sweet Seams relocated to a charming shop in East Molesey, where all classes now take place. The shop also stocks an assortment of fabrics, patterns, and haberdashery, providing enthusiasts with all they need to embark on their creative journeys.

In addition to regular classes, Sweet Seams offers one-off sessions covering a range of topics, from introductory courses like ‘Learn to Crochet’ to more specialised workshops such as ‘Get to Know Your Overlocker’ and ‘Copy a Dress’. These one-off classes provide opportunities for participants to explore new techniques or delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

Sweet Seams has made a conscious decision to specialise in plastic-free fabrics…

…reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

• Where possible, we choose haberdashery products that are plastic-free and responsibly packaged.
• We actively seek out brands and suppliers with a similar ethos.
• Teaching people to make their own clothes, reduces waste to landfill and promotes the true value of clothing.

By opting for materials that are free from plastic and responsibly packaged, Sweet Seams aims to minimise its ecological footprint and promote eco-conscious consumption among its clientele.

In line with this ethos, Sweet Seams actively seeks out suppliers and partners who share a similar commitment to sustainability. This ensures that not only the fabrics but also the haberdashery products used in classes and sold in the shop align with the company’s values, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

Teaching people to make their own clothes serves as a powerful tool in reducing waste to landfill and instilling a deeper appreciation for the value of clothing. By empowering individuals to create their own garments, Sweet Seams promotes self-sufficiency and encourages a shift away from fast fashion towards more mindful and sustainable consumption habits.

Moreover, the act of sewing and crafting one’s clothing fosters the development of valuable skills, unleashes creativity, boosts confidence, and cultivates a sense of positivity. Beyond just the practical aspect of producing garments, the process of sewing becomes a therapeutic and fulfilling endeavour, enriching the lives of participants in myriad ways.

About Sue Rawcliffe

I have been sewing for as long as I can remember. Inspired and taught by my mum who was a brilliant dressmaker I quickly progressed to making my own clothes. I went on to take formal dressmaking classes, followed by City and Guilds Pattern Cutting and Fashion Design at Richmond College.

Making curtains and blinds and doing alterations kept the wolf from the door when the children were younger. Now that they are older the girls are following in my footsteps. I am so proud that they can both sew.

Passing on the skill of sewing gives me great pleasure and running a fabric store is a dream job. So if you want to learn to sew, or just to give it a go, come along to one of our classes, or pop into the shop to see what’s new.

The Sweet Seams Team

Alongside Sue there is a small team, including Varpu, Jess, Katka, Sarah, Bee and Mei-Wen.

All have a wealth of experience to offer, from passing on their sewing skills in classes, to advice on the right fabric for your project.

Testimonials