Arebyte Studios

Hello and welcome. My name is Claire and I own Couchman Bespoke an ethical tailoring company based in London, UK.  I have been teaching sewingskills for 6 years now.

This hour lesson will cover the sewing machine threading, sewing straight lines,what to look for when sewing, taking it to a curved edge and even a few different seam styles.  Choose from 1 to 1 or a group class.  Whether you are learning to sew for the first time or want to top up on the knowledge you already have.  Bring a readiness to learn and maybe a notebook for all that you learn, I may take some photos for use on my social media if you allow and can forward them onto you after.

Do you have a sewing machine that you have barely touched or are super new to sewing, and would love to have someone show you the ropes.  Bring your machibe alone to the class or opt for a virtual class.  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.

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 Sew

Tisha

The venue was easy to find and a nice little space - it showed me any space is possible to sew an outfit. 

From the moment I walked in, Claire was friendly and welcoming and she has given me tremendous confidence to design and pull together some exciting outfits.  

At no time did Claire make me feel stupid nor any question I asked was too dumb. She was patient and helpful. I will certainly be back! 

We chatted all the way through and I learnt how to use some very important tools - still have to work on drawing curves but practice makes perfect so I’ll get there….soon!

Thanks Claire. You’re great!

Margot Farnham

A very good session.  A low-stress experience with a clear and patient tutor.

Mary Sloane

I attended a one-to-one sewing lesson with Claire yesterday. I am a complete beginner on sewing machines & wanted to learn how to use a machine before buying one. 
Claire taught me how to set up the machine and how to use its different functions, which I then had the opportunity to try myself.  I learned more that I thought possible in 1 hour, without any sense of rushing.  I liked the one-to-one session as I could ask lots of questions & everything was based on my level of experience. 
Claire also gave me excellent advice on buying a sewing machine taking my expectations & budget into account. 
I left the lesson feeling motivated to try out my new skills & get practicing. 
I plan to return to Claire for a further lesson  when I get to a higher level of knowledge. 
I would definitely recommend a Moxie Craft  lesson with Claire. 

Emily Clark

Claire is a great sewing teacher. Her small workshop in a creative shared space in Canning Town is very cute and very easy to reach with public transport. She taught me the basics of how to use a sewing machine and we did an alteration together. She is a good communicator. Understands what you want to learn and teaches it very effectively. She is also an exceptional tailor. She has amazing skills and very knowledgeable. I am so impressed with her skills. Highly recommended. 

Kasia Nguyen

Claire was such an incredible, patient, lovely teacher. I taught me everything I wanted to learn and answered all questions I had. She even stayed a bit longer than the set time to finish teaching me something I wanted to learn. I am a beginner so I was quite nervous because I didn’t know anything about sewing but Claire was so very kind to show and teach me step by step. I would definitely recommend the workshop for anyone!

Maria Poole

Cali Jones

A wonderful class, learning is one-on-one so you can ask specific questions. We went over how to thread and use a machine, different uses for different types of stitches, a couple of alteration types, and some good tips for buying my own machine. Claire is lovely to learn from and I plan to continue taking more advanced classes as I get more involved with sewing. 

Deirdre Oshea

Fabulous as always! Claire is a really great teacher. I really enjoy attending her classes and have learned a lot.

Samantha Corcoran

Such a fun and informative session with Claire learning about how to set up a sewing machine, the different settings and some practice as a complete beginner - can't wait for the next one!

Telmo Borges

Really enjoyed my visit and already planning my return to learn and get more knowledge.
The space is great and the tutor “Claire” was helpful with all my questions and gave me some tips for my own projects.

Aba Crankson

I haven't touched a sewing machine for many, many years so this was exactly what I needed to feel confident about sewing again. I loved having a refresher on the machine and just getting to practice different types of stitches.

Yvette Riby-Williams

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

Lara Platt

Learn to sew with a sewing machine.  Choose from 1 to 1 or group class.  From threading your machine to sewing a seam.

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

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 :)

Gaining lots of experience, and insights into garment making.

Making progress and looking forward to textile printing 🤩

Lovely day at the studio with Claire and making progress !

Claire has created a lovely positive  atmosphere in the studio, and lots of attention to detail to the process 

Lots of ref books about every topic imaginable regarding fabrics and dress making

Absolutely delighted with my new top made at the studio with Claire !! 

So many exciting things happening from designing, pattern making, creative repurposing, embroidery, and alterations :))) and being able to apply learnings independently (^ー^)

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. 

Learn to pattern make a basic block to fit your measurements.   This 2 hour session  will focus on making a paper block to confirm the size.  Depending on time left we may be able to add a sleeve block or trousers, you will need an extra hour at least.  

This class is for all genders and ages.  A fit block is made to your base body shape for the type of garment you wish to make from it.  Choose from 1 to 1 or group class. 

The fit block paper pattern can be manipulated into a shirt, dress or even a jacket for the more advance learner.  If you would like further tuition on this let me know and we can arrange the details.  Be aware that the more advance the garment the longer it will take to complete with tuition.  Bundle classes are available for 3 hours plus, under Make A Garment Bundle. 

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 Pattern Make

Claire Raison

Claire was very friendly and knowledgeable, and a great teacher. I enjoyed our one-to-one pattern drafting session - I made a basic block and have a better understanding of the processes involves in pattern drafting.

Amina Uddin

Claire was very knowledgeable and answered any queries I had. She was very responsive to messages prior to the class and was helpful. I think these sessions will be more suited to someone who has some knowledge of pattern making, as I had to ask several questions to understand what we were doing a d to visualise it. The session has definitely piqued my interest to learn further.

Sarah Ameson

A great session, I came away feeling very confident to use my newfound knowledge!

Donna Goodfellow

Thank you to Claire for unravelling some of the mystery. I am looking forward to getting started with my new pattern block.

Patricia Campbell

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!

Learn to pattern make a basic block to fit your measurements.  Choose from 1 to 1 or group class.

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.

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.

The class is 2 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.  Also be aware that you will not get much more than 1 or 2 alterations completed.

Art of Alteration

Lydia Obaye

Great session, we went over taking in jeans on one side together and I was able to complete the other side on my own that evening (albeit much slower). Would definitely book again if I need more help 😊

Toyin Oseni

I am an absolute beginner and in my first class already learned quite a lot. Looking forward to picking up more skills and tips of the trade.

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

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! 

Learn how to alter a garment, step by step.

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

Learn to make a tote bag or travel pouch.  Cloth for use is made up of our studio off-cuts, though you are welcome to bring your own half meter of cloth.  Ability to complete this depends on the quickness and accuracy in completing each stage.

This class is for all genders and ages.   Choose from 1 to 1 or 2 person 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.  

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).

Beginner sewing project. Make a tote bag

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 :)

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!

Make a tote bag, with cloth from our studio off-cuts.



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 

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.

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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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