Sewing for Home - Beginners

Course intent

If you have never used a sewing machine and have no experience of sewing, then this beginners’ course is for you. Learn skills and simple techniques to produce co-ordinated cushions, blinds, drum lampshades and soft furnishings to give your home a more interior designed feel without the big budget spend. Explore what you can make for your home, within a supportive and creative environment and the satisfaction of saying ‘I made that’!

What will I learn?

You will learn how a sewing machine works, including different presser foot uses and stitch uses and tensions. You will learn how to use different machines through simple exercises and techniques to gain your sewing confidence. You will learn corner techniques and inserting trimmings, inserting zips, machine-made and fabric-faced buttonholes, pattern matching and how to create piping. We will do measuring, and you will learn how to cut simple patterns, seam allowances and fabric tolerances for cushions.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

This course is for Beginners.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You need to bring: A basic sewing kit which should include: fabric scissors and paper scissors, long ‘ball’ head pins, a tape measure, a long straight ruler, disappearing ink embroidery pen, all-purpose hand-sewing and machine needles, seam ripper, a universal bobbin, a reel of good quality all-purpose thread to practice. Also, a pile of assorted furnishing fabrics to practice on! Notebook and pen for your visual research and in class notes. Project-based materials to be discussed and decided in collaboration with your tutor.

What can I do when I finish the course?

You can take further sewing courses, including embroidery, or sewing clothes. We also offer Upholstery classes.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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