What you need for a fabric bag sewing workshop

Use this shopping list to prepare a sewing workshop where each participant makes a fabric bag. Plan materials per attendee, then add shared tools for cutting, sewing and pressing. Cotton fabric, bag straps, thread and needles are easy to underestimate, while extension cords, power strips and extra scissors often get forgotten. Prepare the fabric and pattern pieces before the workshop so the session can focus on cutting, pinning and sewing.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 22
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Sewing machinesqty 10
Ironsqty 3
Ironing boardsqty 3
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Vacuum cleaner

Sewing and craft supplies

Cotton fabricqty 24
Cotton bag strapqty 45
Sewing threadqty 20
Universal needlesqty 40
Machine needlesqty 30
Pinsqty 300
Pin cushionsqty 10
Fabric chalkqty 10
Measuring tapesqty 10
Scissorsqty 12
Wire cuttersqty 10
Box Cuttersqty 10
Fabric clipsqty 100
Paper scissorsqty 2
Pattern paperqty 2
Cutting matsqty 6
Rulersqty 6
Mini vacuumsqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 22
Glassesqty 22
Platesqty 22
Cutlery setsqty 22

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving bowlsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 4 tubs
- Wraps - 30 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Rye bread - 2 packs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Bananas - 25 pieces
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Allow one prepared fabric-bag kit per participant, plus material for at least two extra kits in case of cutting mistakes or late registrations. Include cotton fabric, a bag strap, matching sewing thread and the correct needles.
Provide one sewing machine for every two participants if the workshop includes active sewing time. Test every machine before the session and keep spare machine needles and universal needles available.
Plan at least one pair of fabric scissors for every two participants, with separate paper scissors for patterns. Add measuring tapes, rulers, fabric chalk, pins and pin cushions to each shared work area.
Set up one ironing station for every four to six participants. Check that each iron, ironing board, power strip and extension cord is safe and that cables do not cross walking routes.
Buy or bring refreshments for the confirmed attendance, then add about 10 percent extra cups, glasses and plates. Coffee and tea are easiest to manage when they are ready before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much fabric do I need per person for a fabric bag workshop?: Prepare enough cotton fabric for one complete bag per participant, based on the finished pattern dimensions. Add material for at least two extra bags, or about 10 percent above the registered number, to cover cutting errors.
How many sewing machines are needed for a bag-making workshop?: Plan one sewing machine for every two participants when people take turns sewing. For a group of 12, six machines allow everyone regular practice without making the workshop wait for a single machine.
What sewing supplies should each participant receive?: Give each participant the fabric pieces, one bag strap, sewing thread, suitable needles, pins or fabric clips, and access to measuring and marking tools. Prepare the kits at least one day before the workshop so missing materials can be replaced.
How early should I prepare a sewing workshop shopping list?: Check registrations and buy the consumable materials at least 7 days before the workshop. Cut the fabric and prepare the pattern pieces 1 to 2 days beforehand, then test the machines and ironing stations on the day before.

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