how it works

The videos work best when children work alone or in pairs per device and sewing  machine. The group can start by watching the video together before beginning to work at  their own pace. Any adults present need no sewing skills. In fact a benefit if the trial group  has been that the children enjoy experiencing the adults learning as they go too.  

Work your way through the Zones and learn all aspects of how to use a sewing machine.  

Each zone offers different new learning possibilities. 

The Beginners Zone can be visited time and time again until the user is confident. It  offers all the basics, choosing & using a sewing machine, threading up, how to sew, start,  stop and turn corners and can be revisited whenever needed.  

The Info Zone is all about why we should upcycle and repair our clothes, what kind of  fabrics are best for beginners and lots of examples of how upcycling can be done. The  videos here are informative and tailored to appeal to young people making them a useful  classroom teaching tool.  

Head to the Tech Zone for any technical issues you might have either with your machine  or your stitching. These clear helpful videos will help you identify and correct any problems  you’re having without any frustration. 99.9% of the time it’s the threading up! 

Now we’re into the Starter Zone and your creative journey can really get going. This is  where you’ll find lots of fun product videos that will appeal to everyone. My advice would  be to work your way through as many of these projects as possible and see your speed  control, dexterity & confidence increase with every piece you make. Then try making your  own versions of each one. Once you’ve completed the starter zone you’ll be ready for the  mini maker zone. 

In the Repair it Zone you’ll learn how to fix your clothes. From rips and tears to broken  zips and missing buttons. Become a magician at repairing clothes on your sewing  machine.  

Go to the Alter It Zone if you have something that’s too big or too small, too long or too  short. Here you’ll find easy ideas to alter the fit of clothes so that you can wear them for  longer. Extending the life of clothes by 9 months decreases their carbon footprint by  20-30% so alterations are a great way of helping to save the planet.  

In the fun & fabulous Creative Zone you will learn how to embroider on your sewing  machine as well make logos and add graphics and all kinds of other special details to  update, customise and transform your clothes. 

Go to the Trim it Zone to learn how to add interesting touches, edgings, ribbons, frills,  flounces or lace to update your wardrobe.  

The Rookie Maker Zone is where you’ll go to after completing the starter zone for  completely upcycled makes. You’ll find the next skill level of projects here. These projects  require a little more skill & dexterity & some of these projects require a pdf pattern which  can be downloaded and printed off. You’ll be a whizz on the machine once you’ve  completed these.  

When you’re feeling ready you can enter the Rebel Maker Zone. This is the full making  deal! It’s stuffed full of exciting makes most of which require a pdf pattern to be printed off  and assembled. There’s also tips on how to add your own unique ideas to each piece.  New projects will be added to maker zones on a regular basis. Well done, you are now a  super-skilled Fashion Rebel sending a strong message to manufacturers that things need  to change. 

  Make sure you share photos of your makes with us on Instagram. Tag us @thefashionrebellion and we will feature it on our page to inspire others. Alternatively email your photos to us info@fashionrebellion.co.uk for our gallery.