Thread together
by Metropol | September 16, 2026 8:33 am
Christchurch is full of crafty creatives – especially if we’re talking about textiles. With a few taster workshops, you might find the next Caitlin Crisp is in your family.
Beyond a fun, family-friendly and screen-free way to spend a few hours together, learning textile craft makes fashion accessible and personal. Whether you join a class with your teens or watch as your younger ones interpret textiles in their own way, crafting with fabric is a fresh way to be creative. It builds practical life skills like mending seams or replacing buttons, while threading needles and following patterns boosts hand-eye coordination and focus. This is your chance to reclaim your family’s collective sense of creativity.
“Being able to sew is radical, liberating and canny, which is why I’ve taught my six-year-old to fix his own socks,” writes Nell Frizzell for The Guardian. “I truly believe that the skill of sewing opens the door to a lifetime of self-sufficiency, creativity and thrift.”
So, join a studio or set out on your own joint project this spring (the season’s colour palette is simply begging to become a tote bag or simple pull-on skirt) and lean into the sustainable habits of making your own and upcycling old garments. We rounded up five of the region’s wonderful spots to test out a class or workshop.
Clay and Cotton, Rangiora
With two main hubs, one covering pottery and various arts and the other focused on textiles from sewing to stitching, embroidery and patchwork, Clay and Cotton Rangiora is a perfect school holiday spot and day trip from the city. Hub manager and sewing tutor Julie Hassall is a visual artist and designer drawing inspiration from her fashion design background, with a passion for empowering creatives. Catering for kids from five years to adults, there’s something for everyone, with off-site party and group bookings available. clayandcotton.co.nz
Valley Threads and The Stitchery Sewing School, Ferrymead
A sunny sewing studio in Ferrymead where you can come to learn how to sew from the complete beginner to advanced techniques. Inspired by her “super talented” mother who made all her clothes growing up, founder Jo had a dream to own a small sewing studio for new exciting projects to sell under her Valley Threads label, and to teach people the joy of creating wearable garments from a piece of fabric to fit their bodies. Find kids to adult beginner classes, and fun, stylish bag sew-along workshops at Jo’s sewing school. www.valleythreads.com
Tūranga, Christchurch
Specialised workshops and beginner classes are common at Christchurch’s main library. Come as a family and join an appropriate class, or split off into your respective passion areas – one might read while the others craft. Plus, find a plethora of resources and books for sewing, knitting and other crafts inside. my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/crafts/
Imprint Studio, Avonhead
“In a tech-heavy society, returning to the pure act of making something from scratch with your hands is truly wonderful. What a joy to see children come alive as a creation takes shape before their eyes. We use fun, simple materials to help kids find the inventor, creator and artist that lives inside,” says Carla Watson, owner, tutor, designer, and crazy craft inventor at this creative skill-building studio in Avonhead. Find a variety of classes, activities and events to suit a range of ages and abilities. imprint.net.nz
Audsley Sarah Designs, Somerfield
From pattern-drafting, beginner and kids sewing and quilting to cloning your favourite piece of clothing, classes at Audsley Sarah Designs offer tailored learning to all skill levels in a proudly zero-waste studio. audsleysarah.com
SAVE THE DATE
1-6 October: Quilt Symposium 2026
Stitch it, quilt it, create it! The theme of this year’s Quilt Symposium is Threads of Our Time, a celebration of quilting, creativity, and community. Hosted at Burnside High School and proudly partnered with Bernina, this week-long celebration is all about colour, creativity, and community.
Over several inspiring days, immerse yourself in workshops with leading tutors, explore exhibitions that showcase the skill and imagination of quilters, and connect with a vibrant community who share your passion. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just quilting-curious, come get tangled up in inspiration. quiltsymposium.com
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/thread-together/