Penneys announce free in-store sewing classes so shoppers can repair their own clothes

Need a refresher on your Junior Cert home ec skills?

No need to fork out for an expensive course - just get yourself down to your local Penneys where you can learn all you need to know about hemming and stitching. The Irish contingent of fast fashion brand Primark are rolling out free sewing workshops so shoppers can learn how to repair their own clothes. The free workshops are set to launch in the Penneys store in Liffey Valley, Dublin, in April followed by master classes in Galway, Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Tallaght in Dublin.

Launched as part of the Primark Cares campaign, the "Love It For Longer" workshops will focus on basic hand-sewing techniques including learning how to fix a zip, replacing buttons and hemming or taking in pieces of clothing. The one-hour workshops will be hosted by NCAD (National College of Art and Design) textiles graduate Orla Kelly, the Independent reports.

Orla's interest in sustainable fashion stems from a small business she set up with her mother called OhNoo, where the pair upcycled old pieces and made garments from reclaimed and vintage fabrics. Each class has space for 15 people, but there will be more than one session per day. Speaking to the Irish Mirror about the classes, Lynne Walker, Director of Primark Cares said: "Our goal is to strengthen the durability of our clothes and keep clothes in use for longer as part of our commitment to become a more circular business. Educating customers on repair is one small step forward in our journey.” Header image via Shutterstock READ NEXT: Rural Donegal pub added to 2023 Michelin Guide