faqs and t&cs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park?

We offer free onsite parking!

In the off chance the parking lot is full (we do share it with two other businesses), there is paid street parking on our street or you can use the paid parking lot of The Oracle shopping center (search for The Riverside Car Park, RG1 2AG.)

I've never sewn, can I hire a workstation?

Our workstation hire is intended for sewers with at least some sewing experience, who will work independently on their own project. If you have never sewn, we recommend you take one of our beginner workshops and classes.

What is included in the price of a sewing workstation session?

You have full, free access to the sewing machine in your workstation, the height-adjustable cutting tables, the overlocker and the coverstitch machines; the professional steam irons that are always hot and the mini steam irons you can use at your workstation; our multiple scissors, shears, and rotary cutters; the garment-making rulers, quilting rulers, regular rulers; needles (for the machine and for hand sewing), pins, and threads, our library of books (to read while you are in our shop) and patterns (please don't cut the patterns, trace them!); scraps of fabrics, yarn, thread, embroidery threads; snap button applicator and belt hole puncher; and myriad of tools and gadgets.

What do I need to bring if I hired a workstation for a sewing session?

Bring any fabric, patterns, and notions you need. We have a small haberdashery with notions on sale, but we do not carry every color, size, and type of everything. If you forgot anything and we don't have it, you can walk to the local John Lewis haberdashery (6 minutes away) or to Hobbycraft (20 minutes away.) 

I've ever used the sewing/specialty machines you have. Will you show me how to use them?

The first time you come to our shop (and as many times as you want!), we will show you how to thread the sewing machine in your workstation and how to operate that specific brand and model. We will also show you the particulars of operating our overlock and coverstitch machines, should you need to use them.

Is there a sewing teacher available to help me if I get stick with my project?

No, there isn't a teacher present in the shop; sewers are expected to work on their projects independently. However, in our experience, other sewers are always happy to lend a hand to a fellow sewer and help with sewing conundrums!

Can I bring my own sewing machine?

Why would you? Our sewing machines are state-of-the-art and serviced regularly. No need to lug your own around!

Can I book a session/workshop and pay it in person?

We only take advanced bookings and payment. If you are not able to book online, you are welcome to pop in and book and pay in person prior to your session/workshop day. 

Do you take walk-ins for the workstation hire sessions?

Yes! If you pop in to see if there is a workstations available and there is, you are more than welcome to hire it on the spot. Bear in mind that sessions have fixed start and end times, so if you come in the middle of a session, you will have to pay for the whole slot and still leave at the end time. 

What If I book a session/workshop an I arrive late or have to leave early?

Sessions/workshops are booked and paid in full slots. If you have to leave early or arrive late (even due to an emergency), unfortunately we cannot give you credit or a refund for the hours you did not use. If you arrive late for a workshop, we might have to turn you away and you will not be eligible for a refund or reschedule.

I booked a session/workshop but I can't make it. Can I cancel?

Sure! You have up to 4 working days prior to your session/workshop to cancel and get a full refund. Due to the admin costs of refunding an electronic payment, we can't refund you if you cancel within 4 days of your booking. We might be able to reschedule, though, so please give us a call to see if it is possible.

Is Reading Sewing Bee accessible?

Unfortunately, we could not secure a ground floor location; Reading Sewing Bee is on the second floor, so you need to walk up two flights of stairs. This said, our sewing machines are accessible, as they can be used with or without a pedal, as they have a "start/stop" button for full hand-only operation.

Can children come to Reading Sewing Bee?

While we will run workshops for older children and teenagers, for insurance reasons, children can't be in our shop accompanying their grown-up who has booked a sewing session.

Can I bring my pet to Reading Sewing Bee?

Although we looove furry friends of all sorts and there is no greater joy than crafting in their company, our shop is not prepared for them, as they can disturb other crafters and mess with their projects. We do accept service dogs, of course!

• Gift cards will be valid for one calendar year starting on the date of purchase.
• Gift cards are non-refundable and there are no credits for partially unused funds.
• Gift cards can be used as you would use cash or card, you can use it to pay for sewing sessions, workshops, or courses. You can use it for online bookings or in-person bookings/purchases.
• Upon purchase, you will receive the gift card information (a 16-digit number) and you can use it to complete your bookings or purchases online or in person.
• Gift cards can't be used to pay for haberdashery items.
• Reading Sewing Bee Ltd. reserves the right to change the terms at any time.