Arebyte Studios

Hello and welcome.  
My name is Claire and I own Couchman Bespoke an ethical tailoring company based in London, UK.  

Learn to sew beyond a straight line, we will cover curves and seams too.  We will go through your machine from all angles if needed too.  Do you have a sewing machine that you have barely touched and would love to have someone show you the ropes?  Well I can now offer this virtually.   We will explore the sewing machine through the differing components, dials and how to thread it up.  If you have questions about the different feet supplied with your machine they can be answered.  This hour and half lesson will cover the sewing machine, sewing straight lines (what to look for when sewing), taking it to a curved edge and even a few different seam styles.

As a business for good we collect donations for our Pay It Forward scheme to allow for people unable to afford classes.  Pay It Forward [here](https://www.couchman-bespoke.com/product-page/buy-1-sewing-lesson-forward).

Learn to Sew with a Machine

Amanda Bavin

Fantastic teacher! I’m a real novice with a sewing machine and have come away having mastered: straight line, curved line, french seam, how to change foot and do a button hole, tips on threading and bobbin, and tips on zips. Very good can’t recommend enough! Now I want to visit the Canning Town Centre and make something when quarantine is totally over !!

Yvonne Jeffery

Claire is a wonderful teacher - took me through all the basics with my brand-new sewing machine as I am a brand-new sewer! From setting up my thread and bobbin, finding out what all the buttons mean, and then sewing straight and curved lines and putting in seams, she put my on the right track. I’ve since sewn some bunting and a face mask, and looking forward to starting a Tilly and the Buttons pattern!

Shona Clegg

Knowledgeable teacher, really helpful and interesting class. Will be back for more!

Nicola Whiteley

If like me, you have absolutely no clue what to do with a sewing machine, but fancy yourself as a budding designer or a contestant on the great British sewing bee; this is the class for you. I loved it. Claire is fabulous! Such a great teacher! Thorough and so encouraging.
I learned everything I needed to start sewing with lots more confidence than I started with. I can’t recommend Claire highly enough. 

Marta Meloni

I really enjoyed my session with Claire. The 1-2-1 approach is perfect for me as I had very specific needs and questions. I walked away with loads more knowledge and skills. Claire was also very flexible as I needed to rearrange the class and she had no issue doing that for me even though Obby said it was not possible ( something to consider improving on there Obby? ). Thank you Claire! 

Sarah Sloman

The course was amazing - I did it with a friend over zoom . Claire asked us exactly what we wanted to know about our sewing machine - we did tension , sewing round curved , hems and even button holes - it fired up
our enthusiasm to do more with our machines - we will certainly do another one of Claire’s courses - she was great .

Vinessa Brant

My first lesson with my brand new sewing machine was a landmark moment on my life.  Claire was absolutely amazing  with tips & tricks as well as troubleshooting. My machine stitching was a bit loose (not a tension  issue) and Claire understood & resolved the problem instantly. A thimbled mechanic!!😅 Fantastic session, highly recommend!

Learn to sew with a domestic sewing machine

Learn to Sew with a Machine - online

Hello and welcome.  My name is Claire and I own Couchman Bespoke an ethical tailoring company based in London, UK  

Learn to copy your favourite garment to get continued enjoyment out of a garment that fits like a dream.   In this class you will learn how to copy a garment on paper.  If we have time, you may get part way into cutting in cloth.  Cloth is unavailable through me, so please do bring your own.  Ability to complete this depends on the quickness in completing each stage and how detailed the garment is.  If you wish to sew up the garment i do recommend 3+ hours. 
You can purchase such bundle hours through the Learn to make a garment bundle class, which are available for 3 hours plus.  

This class is for all genders and ages.   Choose from 1 to 1 or group class.  

Bring a readiness to learn and maybe a notebook.  You will enjoy a pleasant environment with a patient tutor near Canning Town station.  All equipment is provided for your learning experience.  You will be learning techniques that align with your abilities and take home all that you complete for reference.  

- Be aware that this session time is based on a fairly simple style.  For any garment with layers, corset style or a jacket, coat etc, double the time will be required to complete.  Book the 3 hour session.  
- You will copy the garment on paper.  For the opportunity to make it in cloth book the 6 hour session.  Again if the garment is more complicated with layers, corset style or a jacket, coat etc; please book for 12+ hours.  

As a business for good we collect donations for our Pay It Forward scheme to allow for people unable to afford classes.  Pay It Forward (https://www.couchman-bespoke.com/product-page/buy-1-sewing-lesson-forward).

Copy your Favourite Garment

Janet Adams

Informative , relaxed and friendly . Would thoroughly recommend this one to one class . 

Shiri Begum

Claire breaks down the lesson so well - I had opted to take a simple dress to copy during the class and Claire taught me carefully how to draw out the pattern, cut the different sections and we were even able to put together some of the sections. 

I have only recently started my sewing journey and I'm really happy to have found Claire and I'm really looking forward to booking another session very soon.

Seojin Lee

Highly recommend for those who want to make their own clothes. 


Ellie Eriksson

I booked the Copy Your Favourite Garment class and Claire was brilliant. She's nice and friendly and helped me understand the mysteries of pattern making. I was a complete sewing novice, but with her help I've already managed to make a shirt! Highly highly recommend!

Evangeline Gowie

Very informative, packed a lot into a short time and I feel confident I can repeat this at home.

Karen  Lloyd

Absolutely brilliant!  Thank you Claire for sharing your expertise in helping me walk away with a pattern for my favourite top.  I didn't realise pattern making was so involved.  Relaxed and friendly setting and tutor. I am so looking forward forward to making my top.  Thank you! 

Learn to copy your favourite garment for continued enjoyment.  Choose from 1 to 1 or group class.

Learn to Make a Garment Bundle.  From learning to sew through to pattern making, to sewing up a garment.  Whether you are a beginner to sewing, wanting to understand the make up of garments or are coming back to sewing from a long break.  The bundle class will allow you to learn at a steady pace for any garment.  

I have set bundles of 3 hrs classes, 4 hrs, 5 hrs 6 hrs,  8 hrs or 10 hrs classes depending on the scale of project or what you need the most help with.  These classes are 1 to 1 only to allow for a fully bespoke style of class.  

*  A single class of 1 hour is not very long to get much completed.  The point of this listing is for the bundles.

*  The more complicated the garment the more time it will take to make.  Layers and paneling both add time to the construction process.

E.G.  A dress can take 6 plus hours.  A shirt can take 10 plus hours.  A jacket can take 20 plus hours.  Though you can choose to only do the bits you need help with the most and carry on with elements at home.

Bring a readiness to learn and maybe a notebook.  You will enjoy a pleasant environment with a patient tutor near Canning Town station.  All equipment is provided for your learning experience.  You will be learning techniques that align with your abilities and take home all that you complete for reference.  If you wish to learn a specific technique, please ask before the class date so I can be prepared for you.  

As a business for good we collect donations for our Pay It Forward scheme to allow for people unable to afford classes.  Pay It Forward (https://www.couchman-bespoke.com/product-page/buy-1-sewing-lesson-forward).

Learn to Make a Garment Bundle

Lara Platt

A great class, sewing is such an interesting  journey with so much to learn about, the first top of my spring collection is almost ready, love the studio workshop and very grateful to Claire for making the journey possible, with her knowledge and experience!

Another lovely day at the studio making progress and learning more about my new hobby craft with Claire :)

1 to 1 class only.  Learn to Make a Garment Bundle.  

Hello and welcome.  
My name is Claire and I own Couchman Bespoke an ethical tailoring company based in London, UK.  

A fit block is the base upon which all garments can be drafted from. The fit block will be drafted using your measurement and will take upto 2.5 hours to complete.  This time will include drafting the fit block on paper and making a cloth toile of the fit block to enable you to make any adjustments.  I will show you how to make these adjustments, it is good if you have someone to help you with the initial measurements and for the cloth part only (15 mins max) but this is not essential, I can help you virtually.  From these adjustments on the toile I will show you how to transfer them onto the paper, and then how to manipulate this fit block into other styles.  

Let me know if you require paper and / or cloth to be sent out.  This is at additional cost, see instructions for more details.  For the toile you need to sew up a couple of seams, for everything to be finished within the timescale please have this set up ready.  If you do not have a sewing machine then you can sew by hand, extra time can be given for this.  

As a business for good we collect donations for our Pay It Forward scheme to allow for people unable to afford for classes.  Pay It Forward [here](https://www.couchman-bespoke.com/product-page/buy-1-sewing-lesson-forward).

Learn to Make a Bespoke Fit Block

Claire is a brilliant teacher, this was my second lesson with her and she exceeded my expectations again! She patiently took me through step-by-step (online learning is not a barrier!), and answered all my questions. Now I have my own fit block and the confidence to make my own patterns fit me. Looking forward to seeing what she offers next!

Learn to make a fit block for your measurements

Learn to Make a Bespoke Fit Block - online



Are you a budding fashion designer or someone who loves loves create their own clothes? Look no further, because you can now rent a sewing machine, overlocker and use of a creative space from us and embark on your sewing journey with confidence! Whether you are an intermediate or an experienced sewer, our sewing machines are perfect for all your creative projects. 

Our sewing machines and overlocker are top-of-the-line models, designed to make your sewing experience easy and enjoyable. They come with a variety of features, including different stitch patterns, adjustable speeds, one step button holes and automatic threading, making them ideal for both simple tasks and more complex projects.  All sewing tools, cutting equipment and thread are provided too.

Renting a sewing machine from us is not only cost-effective but also convenient. You don't have to worry about the hassle of purchasing and maintaining a sewing machine, as we take care of all that for you. You will have the chance to sew at your leisure, pace and within a creative space. Any further help may need a private sewing class booked. 

So, whether you want to sew a beautiful dress, alter a pair of jeans, or create unique home decor items, rent a sewing machine from us today and let your creativity soar!

You can now rent a sewing machine from us by the hour to use at your leisure. 

Rent a Sewing Machine 

Hello and welcome.  My name is Claire and I own Couchman Bespoke an ethical tailoring company based in London, UK.  

You have an item of clothing that fits badly, is not the style you want or has a non-repairable rip.  We all have such items that were nice loved or that were brought but never worn, this is my sustainable answer to such an issue.  I will show you how to alter this with a step-by-step guide of what to do and when.

I would recommend that you have another person around to help with the fitting, however we will work around this if you are on your own during lockdown.  You will need cloth scissors, unpicker,  pins, chalk and some paper to write on.  A sewing machine can be useful though is not essential to this class.

The class is 1.5 hours long though this can be added to, time wise, for longer projects.  The class time will be taken up assessing the garment fit and talking you through how to measure or pin the changes for fit.  Or how to start making changes to the style of a garment, I will talk you through these changes step-by-step.  It is up to you how much information you want from me, time is our only constraint and this can be added to.  Unpicking and sewing take up most of the time.

Art of Alteration

Learn how to alter and the best ways to alter a garment, step by step.

Art of Alteration - online 

Hello and welcome.  
My name is Claire and I own Couchman Bespoke an ethical tailoring company based in London, UK.  

Learn to copy your favourite garment is a great way to get continued enjoyment out of a garment that fits like a dream.   This class is to learn how to copy a garment on paper.  If we have time you may get part way into cutting in cloth.  Cloth can be purchased via Organic Textile Company or remnant sources via Amo Threads, The New Craft House.  Bring a readiness to learn and maybe a note book.  You will be learning techniques that align with your abilities, and take home all that you complete for reference.  - Be aware that this session time is based on a fairly simple style.  

For any garment with layers, corset style or a jacket, coat etc, double the time will be required to complete.  Book the 3 hour session.  - You will copy the garment on paper.  For the opportunity to make it in cloth book the 6 hour session.  Again if the garment is more complicated with layers, corset style or a jacket, coat etc; please book for 12+ hours.  

As a business for good we collect donations for our Pay It Forward scheme to allow for people unable to afford for classes.

Copy a Garment

Copy your favourite garments for continued enjoyment.

Copy a Garment - online

This is a group class to learn new skills for life.  In this class you will learn how to darn holes in clothes loved by moths, hand sew a seam that has come undone, or patch a pocket that has become over-used just enough, even how to re-sew a dropped hem.  All done by hand as visible repairs.

Bring your garments along to repair in person or try out some hand stitching on a pre-prepared cloth sample.   All equipment is provided.

This class is for all ages, abilities and is a group class.  You will be in safe hands learning from myself (Claire) The Ethical Tailor with over 5 years of teaching behind me, in sewing and garment making skills.  These classes also give back when brought, giving to a project helping people with learning difficulties gain cooking skills in the UK.  This class will only happen on the dates and times available to book.

Learn hand sewing techniques that can be used to repair a garment

Learn to Repair Garments by Hand

Receive 2 metres of spot and cross paper for use in drawing out a garment pattern.  With 2 metres of calico (natural cotton) cloth for use in making a sample garment, to achieve the best fit.  These can be used alongside a number of classes.

Paper and cloth basics 

Get 2 metres of spot and cross paper with 2 metres of calico cloth.   To help when making a new clothing block.

L Platt

Had a wonderful time at the studio, thank you Claire, sooo looking forward to my tops that are currently in the worls and learning the process through and through! 

Great day in the process of repurposing old dress and turning it into a top, and knowing the process on how to do that ! 

Learn to Sew

Beginner sewing project. Make a tote bag

Claire took great care with every step of my sewing plan, and I am advancing with my sewing knowledge and skills,  I am so happy with the result!

I absolutely love my new tote bag, it has so much elegance, and getting more familiar with the sewing process too, Claire was happy to answer all of sewing process questions ! looking forward to making a sewing tool bag to go with it :)

Learn to Pattern Make

Faye Taschner

I had a wonderful time learning how to make a pattern tailored to my own measurements. Claire explained everything perfectly and the two hours flew by. Thank you!

Yvette Riby-Williams

Clare is an amazing teacher, i always have a wonderful time and the trousers i made are exquisite.

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Sharing Skills Stories

From sewing for the first time, cutting a pattern to making a garment from scratch.  All that you require is ready for you to learn within a pleasant environment and with a patient tutor.  Claire has 10+ years of design, making and retail experience since leaving Brighton University.  Pick the class you would like to work within and speak with us about your abilities.  You are welcome to bring along cloth you have at home; it is better to use cloth rather than to store it and miss out on the time spent wearing it.  Otherwise we do provide all the equipment you may need.  Make your own classes are for the more adventurous machinist who would like to try something new, and for someone who can sew by machine.  Choose to make a shirt, trousers, dress, a jacket or copy a garment you love and already own.

Clothing shouldn't cost the earth which is why Moxie Craft is dedicated to reduce the environmental and human impact from the clothing industry.  By creating zero waste through pattern cutting, natural dyeing and sourcing the most sustainable cloth and haberdashery we aim to have very little negative impact against the planet and local people.  Resulting in luxury British tailoring that is stylish and ethically made.  

Moxie Craft

Moxie Craft takes pride in passing on the knowledge of garment sewing.  A very human skill that many take for granted.  Getting crafty has the ability to help calm anxiety and stress, with the reward of something self made at the end.  

Moxie Craft started out as a way to teach people how to alter and repair garments after hearing people express how expensive alterations are.  This has since developed into a full sewing journey for any ability, from basic threading a machine upto garment making.  Teaching 1 to 1 classes or with a friendly plus 1 ensures a more interactive session.  Each class can be customised around the specific wants and needs of the student(s). 

With over 17 years experience in garment making and alterations Claire has key knowledge in the field.  Gradutating in 2007 from a menswear BA at Brighton University, clothing and textiles have been a big part of Claire's life.  Sustainable practices have always been a part of the business values which lead to garment alterations being a great way to reduce the impact both to the environment and people involved.  Since 2019 teaching others how to alter garments was the launching point of the repertoire of classes you can attend today.  Every session brings learning of how to best adapt to meet the needs of anyone from beginners to those coming back into sewing after years away.  Each class is very adaptive for different learning styles and is intended to inspire people to continue on their creative path.  As someone who likes human interaction Claire treats every interaction with warmth and curiosity.  Sewing brings such happiness and a sense of joy to all who try it.  To pass on skills that people can use for life is the best feeling, with a continued effort to adapt classes to meet the needs of anyone who wishes to learn.

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