The Upcycled Kitchen Coaster and Potholder Maker: 2 Hour Workshop

Welcome to the perfect starting line for your sewing journey! This 2-hour intensive session is designed with the absolute beginner in mind. We know sewing machines can look intimidating, so we strip away the overwhelm and focus on hands-on fun.

By the end of this workshop, you won’t just walk away with a beautiful, handmade item—you’ll leave with the confidence that you can actually sew.

You will learn how to:

• Navigate the core basics of operating a sewing machine.
• Sew straight lines and turn corners smoothly.
• Understand basic piecing and assembling fabric layers.
• Work with different textures by upcycling pre-loved denim alongside premium cotton and lace trims.

You will finish the class with a gorgeous, fully functional patchwork pocket coaster made entirely by your own hands.

Is 2 hours really enough to finish a strap?

Yes — it's a focused, single-technique session: cutting and prepping scrap strips (~20 min), folding and edge-stitching or turning the strap (~40 min), attaching hardware and reinforcing stress points (~40 min), and final trim/finishing (~20 min). You'll leave with a complete, wearable phone strap in one sitting.

Tip 1: The "Right Sides Together" Rule: Always remember to place the "pretty" sides of your fabric facing each other before you sew a seam. When you flip it right-side out, your stitching will be hidden inside!

Tip 2: Respect the Seam Allowance: Keeping a consistent distance from the edge of the fabric to your needle (your seam allowance) is the secret to straight lines and pieces that fit together perfectly.

Tip 3: Don't Pull, Just Guide: Let the feed dogs (the little metal teeth under the needle) do the work of pulling the fabric. Your hands are just there to gently steer the fabric straight.

Tip 4: Upcycling Prep: When cutting up old jeans for future projects, avoid the thick seams unless your machine is heavy-duty. Stick to the flat panels of the legs for easier sewing!

We keep the barrier to entry entirely stress-free. You don’t need to bring a whole craft room with you!

Do I need to bring my own fabric and materials?

Participants are encouraged to bring their own scrap fabric — it's a great way to upcycle leftover pieces from past projects and personalize your strap. Don't have scraps on hand? No worries, a curated selection is provided as backup. Hardware like clips, rings, or clasps, plus thread and interfacing (if needed for structure), are all included regardless.

Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

No — machines are provided and ready to go, so class time is spent on technique, not setup.

Can I pick my own fabric scraps or design?
Yes — bringing your own scraps means your strap reflects your own style and materials, while the provided backup options ensure everyone can participate either way. It's a low-pressure way to practice precision topstitching and hardware attachment on a quick project — skills that build directly toward tackling bigger makes, like bag straps or structured handbags, with more confidence.

I have zero experience and clumsy fingers. Can I really finish this in 2 hours?Absolutely! This specific coaster is designed to be the ultimate beginner victory. The project breaks down into simple, manageable steps, and our instructor will guide you through every single stitch. You will finish it, and it will look great.

Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?
Not at all. We provide fully set-up, beginner-friendly sewing machines for every participant so you can just show up and start creating.

Can I choose my own fabrics? Yes! While the sturdy base relies on upcycled denim, we will have a beautiful curation of floral, geometric, and complementary patterned cotton fabrics alongside lace trims so you can customize the pocket to match your personal style.

What exactly is the "pocket" on the coaster for?
It’s both beautiful and functional! It's perfect for holding a tea bag, a stir spoon, a little sweet treat, or even tucking away your phone or desk accessories while you enjoy your drink.