Discover the joy of making your own fly-front trousers at this creative and supportive sewing workshop, featuring The Flaneur Pants by Friday Pattern Company.

Designed as a two-day workshop, this course offers a relaxed and thoughtful learning experience. Spreading the workshop over two full days allows time to focus on each stage of the process, ask questions as they arise, and build confidence without feeling rushed. The emphasis is on understanding fit, construction and technique, in a calm and sociable setting where enjoyment of the making process is just as important as the finished garment.

What you will learn

• How to adjust and refine trouser fit so your finished trousers suit your body and feel great to wear

• How to insert a zip and construct a fly front with confidence

• How to work with a flat front and elasticated back waistband for comfort and flexibility

Workshop details

• Dates: Wednesday 18th – Thursday 19th March 2026

• Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm each day

Led by experienced sewing teacher Emma Smith, the workshop is taught at a steady, supportive pace. Emma has been teaching for many years and is known for her patient, attentive approach. There will be plenty of opportunity for individual guidance and questions throughout the two days.

This workshop is best suited to intermediate sewers.

About the pattern

The Flaneur Pants are a wide-leg, mid-rise trouser featuring a zip fly with a flat front and elasticated back. They do not have a side seam, making them easier to cut and sew, and particularly well suited to print fabrics. Optional patch pockets on the side and back can be added, and the overall fit is designed to be comfortable and flexible.

You can size up for a relaxed, slightly oversized fit, or size down for a more fitted look. Emma will guide you through these choices to help you achieve the best fit for you. The pattern is an inclusive size range, fitting hips from 86.4cm / 34” to 157cm / 62”.

The Flaneur Pants pattern is included in the cost of the workshop. This printed pattern includes a full instruction booklet and full-sized pattern pages, packaged in a full-colour coated cardstock envelope for easy storage.

You’ll be guided through the construction step by step, with plenty of support along the way. This session is very much about learning, tweaking and understanding fit, so you leave with trousers you genuinely love to wear*.

Fabric recommendations

We recommend mid- to heavy-weight woven fabrics, such as linen/cotton blends, denim, cotton drill/canvas or twill. For a lighter-weight trouser, viscose twill, linen or suiting fabrics also work well.

If you’d like help choosing fabric, just let us know - we’re always happy to point you in the right direction. You’re also very welcome to arrive 30 minutes early on the day to choose and purchase fabric in the shop.

There will be a ½-hour break for lunch.

A friendly and supportive couple of days of sewing, fitting and finishing - and hopefully the start of many pairs of handmade trousers to come!

What do I need to bring?

• A sewing kit with the essentials: small scissors, large scissors, pins or clips, hand sewing needles, a fabric marking implement and a seam ripper

• Materials for your garment. You can bring your own (please see the photo of the back of the pattern for fabric quantities and notions), or purchase from the shop

• If you wish to buy your supplies on the day, please arrive at least 30 minutes early so the class can start on time

• A notebook (recommended for jotting down tips and notes to refer to at home)

• A water bottl3

Should you require any notions or haberdashery, these can be purchased from The Fabric Boutique. Attendees of sewing classes receive 10% off shop purchases when spending over £25 on the day.

What’s included

• Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake (because sewing is always better with refreshments!)

• Use of Janome 5060QDC sewing machines, overlockers, ironing boards and irons

• Small class sizes of 5–6 people, ensuring plenty of individual attention

Location & access

The sewing studio is located within The Fabric Boutique, 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch. The studio is accessed via a flight of stairs.

Parking is available next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard Car Park (maximum stay of 3 hours, charges apply). A long-stay car park is also available a short walk away on South Street (charges apply).

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the class start time so we can begin promptly.

Important information

This class is not suitable for beginners. You must have some knowledge of dressmaking patterns and be confident using a sewing machine. If you are new to dressmaking, we recommend starting with the Introduction to Dressmaking workshop, or the Sew a Pair of Elasticated Waist Trousers workshop if you are still quite new.

* Most participants do complete their project during the workshop. However, as everyone works at their own pace, completion can vary. Any remaining steps will be clearly explained so you can confidently finish your trousers at home.

Booking, terms & conditions

• Pre-booking is essential as places are limited

• Places are reserved once payment has been made

• Payment is required in full at the time of booking

• Fabric Boutique gift cards may be used in part or full payment for classes

• Classes will only run if sufficient numbers are reached (minimum of 3 participants)

• Classes are for individuals aged 18 and over

Cancellation & refund policy

• If The Fabric Boutique needs to cancel the class due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient numbers, a full refund will be issued

• If you cancel up to 14 days before the class date, a full refund will be given or payment may be transferred to another date (subject to availability)

• Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 14 days before the class are non-refundable

• Eligible refunds will be issued immediately; please allow up to a week for funds to appear in your account