Let’s make something beautiful
Sewing classes and workshops for all ages and abilities in North Shields. No experience needed, just the desire to make something.
Whether you've never threaded a needle or you've been sewing for years, Craft-A-Rella is your kind of place. We're a little corner of North Shields where people come to learn, make, laugh, and occasionally unpick the same seam three times without judgment.
Every class is hands-on from the start. No long lectures, no sitting and watching. You'll have Barbara, Nina and Janet by your side the whole way, making sure you always know what to do next and never feel stuck for long.
What you'll take home isn't just something you made with your own hands. It's a skill that stays with you, and a community that does too.
Featured classes
Slow down, stitch together, and enjoy good company.
Whether you're picking up your needles for the first time or bringing along an unfinished project, our weekly Crochet & Knit Club is a relaxed, welcoming space to create, chat and learn together.
There's no pressure, no deadlines and no experience required—just bring yourself and enjoy a couple of hours doing something creative.
Perfect for
Beginners
Experienced knitters & crocheters
Meeting new people
Unfinished projects
Club Includes
🕒 Twice Weekly 2-hour sessions
☕ Tea, coffee & biscuits
👥 Friendly, supportive group
😊 Help when you need it
🧶 Bring your own project or start something new
Take Home
New skills, new friends and a little more progress every week.
Learn Pattern Making – Create Your Own Perfect-Fit Patterns
Mondays 1:00pm–3:00pm | Tuesdays 6:00pm–8:00pm Fridays 10:00am-12:pm
6-Week Pattern Making Course
Have you ever struggled to find commercial sewing patterns that fit properly? This practical and inspiring 6-week pattern making course will teach you how to create your own personalised pattern block, giving you the skills and confidence to design garments that fit your body perfectly.
Suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike, this course provides a solid foundation in professional pattern cutting techniques while encouraging creativity, sustainability, and independent making.
A 6 week beginners programme. You'll go from first stitch to finished project, hands-on from day one. Learn all the basic sewing techniques, making a creative project each week. Join one of our classes, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am-12noon
Your first stitch starts here.
Always wanted to learn to sew? This relaxed introduction covers the basics of using a sewing machine while making a simple project you'll take home. It's the perfect way to discover whether sewing is for you.
Perfect for
Complete beginners • Curious makers • Gift experiences
Experience Includes
🕒 2-hour guided experience
🧵 Sewing machine & materials
☕ Tea, coffee & biscuits
👥 Small friendly group
Take Home
A finished project and the confidence to keep creating.
Bring a project or just turn up ready to make some thing new, possibly from something old. A relaxed, friendly, weekly sessions on for sewers to make and chat. Mondays 1-3pm, Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm, Saturday 1-3pm.
Give your favourite clothes a second life.
Bring along a jacket, shirt, jeans or another well-loved item and learn how to repair, customise or transform it into something uniquely yours. A creative, sustainable way to fall back in love with your wardrobe.
Perfect for
Friends • Beginners • Creative days out
Experience Includes
🕒 2-hour guided experience
✂️ Decorative fabrics & trims
☕ Tea, coffee & biscuits
👥 Small friendly group
🎁 Gift vouchers available
(Bring one garment to work on.)
Take Home
A refreshed piece you'll be proud to wear again.
A fun, creative after school session for younger makers to learn a skill and make something they're proud of.
Make a bag you'll actually want to use.
Learn the basics of sewing while creating a stylish, lined tote bag from a choice of beautiful fabrics. Perfect for beginners, you'll leave with a practical bag and the confidence to make more.
Perfect for
Friends • Beginners • Creative days out • Gift vouchers
Experience Includes
🕒 3-hour guided experience
🧵 All materials provided
☕ Tea, coffee & biscuits
👥 Small friendly group
😊 No experience needed
Take Home
Your own handmade tote bag.
What Our Makers Say
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Sarah
“My daughter has been attending Craft-a-rella for just over a year now & absolutely LOVES it! Barbara & her team are truly kind and inspirational ladies, who she looks forward to seeing every week. Her bedroom is full of the quirky & beautiful things (photo is only a small sample) that she has made at Craft-a-rella. Barbara is incredibly talented & has years of experience in both industry & HE behind her. My daughter is a lucky girl to have her as her teacher!”
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Mackenzie
“Really friendly people! Great experience and very helpful, I had help making my blanket which I’m very great full for as it turned out amazing as well as everything else that I made there!”
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Manjit
“A wonderful, safe space to meet and make friends, learn a new skill and enjoy life. For a short time you forget all your worries and just enjoy the day. Love it and Barbara is a wonderful teacher.”
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Jackie
“I love spending time at Craft-A-Rella. I have learnt so much and met many interesting and lovely people. Barbara is incredibly patient with me as a learner and is always happy to share her wealth of knowledge. I highly recommend this little hub of joy in North Shields.”
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Lee
“Barbara is a lovely, thoughtful lady that is very knowledgeable about all things sewing and crafty. When you walk in to Craft-a-Rella you always get a warm welcome from Barbara, Nina and Janet.”
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Nicola
“My nine year-old has been practising her sewing🪡 at Craft-a-rella for the past year. She absolutely loves Barbara‘s classes and has sewn many fabulous creations during this time. From makeup bags to soft toys, aprons to a party dress 👗 and much more. I thoroughly recommend it both for the skills they share and the nurturing, inclusive environment they have created ❤️”
Your People at Craft-A-Rella
Nina
Chief encourager, confidence builder and expert at making sewing classes feel more like fun than work.
Janet
Barbara (founder)
Sewing is her superpower. With years of experience, Barbara helps turn "I can't" into "I made that!"The friendly face making sure everyone feels welcome, supported and encouraged every step of the way.Get in Touch
🪡 Let's ✂️ make 🧵 something 🧶 beautiful
🪡 Let's ✂️ make 🧵 something 🧶 beautiful
