Hi, thanks so much for taking the time to browse our website! I’m Kathy - the owner and founder of Sewcialising, a fabric shop and sewing studio based in the beautiful city of York, North Yorkshire.

Sewcialising has now been part of York’s creative community for over five years, which still feels a bit surreal to say. In that time, we’ve grown into something I’m incredibly proud of - and we recently were honoured to win "Small Business of the Year" at the York Press Business Awards, which was such a special moment for us! 

The Sewcialising story really began when I took on the renovation of a Grade II listed building in York city centre. At the time, I was simply looking for office space for my existing business, but then I came across 1 Coffee Yard. It was completely derelict and, honestly, a bit of a beast as it needed soooo much work doing to it… but I fell in love with it. I could see what it "could" be, even if I didn’t fully know what that meant yet. I hadn’t planned a project on that scale, but something told me to go for it, and I’m so glad I did. 

During the renovation, I found myself searching for sewing workshops that felt relaxed, creative, and genuinely fun, not overly formal or classroom-like. When I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for, the idea for Sewcialising began to take shape: a welcoming, slightly different kind of sewing space where people could come together, learn new skills, and enjoy the process.

As the plans evolved (and with all the quirks that come with a listed building!), it became clear that a fabric shop belonged alongside a cosy studio. Being in such a lovely central location, it just made sense and that’s how Sewcialising as you know it today was born.

I’m self-taught when it comes to sewing, but with many years of experience behind me - and I think that really shapes how we do things at Sewcialising. We also work with some incredibly talented tutors, so there’s support for all levels. At the heart of it all, though, is the belief that sewing should be enjoyable. You can absolutely aim for perfection, but it’s just as important to relax, give it your best shot, and enjoy the process - that’s what really matters.

Like many small businesses, our start wasn’t exactly smooth. We originally planned to open in April 2020… which, as it turned out, was not ideal timing. After a lot of hesitation (and navigating Covid and Brexit), we finally opened in December 2020. We had just 25 days before another lockdown forced us to close again but those first few weeks were unforgettable. The support and enthusiasm from the sewing community was incredible, and it meant the world to me then (and still does now).

Fast forward to today, and Sewcialising has grown into a busy, creative space filled with gorgeous fabrics, yarns, haberdashery, and, most importantly, people. We’ve hosted so many workshops, met so many lovely customers, and built a community that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

My aim is simple: to be your go-to place in York for anyone who loves making things, whether you’re completely new to sewing and crafting or have years of experience. I’d love to welcome you into our lovely shop or at a fun workshop sometime soon.

Thank you so much for being here and supporting my small business - it really does mean everything!

Kathy