What you need for a textile workshop

A textile workshop needs more than fabric and sewing tools. Plan materials per participant, then add shared equipment for each table, including sewing machines, irons, cutting boards and power supplies. Prepare fabric before the session by washing, drying and cutting it to size. You will also need name badges, signage, refreshments and cleaning supplies so the workshop runs smoothly from registration to the final tidy-up.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet table
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Sewing machinesqty 6
Ironsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Soup bowlsqty 3

Tableware

Platesqty 35
Mugsqty 35
Drinking glassesqty 35
Cutlery setsqty 35
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 35
Wayfinding signsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Textile materials

Cotton fabricqty 35
Sewing kitsqty 35
Scissorsqty 35
Pin cushionsqty 6
Pinsqty 12
Sewing threadqty 35
Embroidery threadqty 35
Fabric markersqty 35
Stampsqty 12
Fabric dyeqty 12
Brushesqty 35
Apronsqty 35
Protective filmqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Apples - 35 pieces
- Bananas - 35 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 5 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Plain hummus - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare one sewing kit, pair of scissors, pincushion and set of pins for each participant or workstation. Add a small spare supply of pins and thread so one missing item does not stop a table.
Allow one sewing machine for every one or two participants, depending on the technique. Check the machine count before invitations go out, and test every machine at least one day before the workshop.
Use one cutting board for each active cutting station and keep scissors dedicated to fabric. Cut a sample piece for every participant before the session so the first exercise can start immediately.
Count extension cords and power strips by table, not just for the whole room. Leave clear walking routes around cables and test the iron locations before participants arrive.
Set aside 10 to 15 minutes before opening for name badges, wayfinding signs, table setup and ventilation. Put waste bins, a dustpan and brush, and buckets where spills or fabric scraps can be handled quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need for a textile workshop?: For each participant, plan cotton fabric, a sewing kit, fabric scissors, a pincushion and pins. Add shared sewing machines, irons, cutting boards and power supplies according to the number of workstations.
How much fabric should I buy per person for a textile workshop?: The amount depends on the technique and finished item, so define the cut size before shopping. Buy enough for one prepared piece per participant plus at least 10% extra for mistakes, shrinkage or damaged fabric.
How many sewing machines do I need for a workshop?: A practical starting point is one machine for every one or two participants. For a group of 12, prepare 6 to 12 tested machines, depending on whether participants work individually or share.
When should I prepare the textile workshop materials?: Wash and dry the textiles at least one day before the workshop, then cut and sort them by workstation. Test sewing machines, irons and power connections on the same day, preferably several hours before participants arrive.

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