Sewing skills mixed level

Timetable, cost and enrolling

This course is for beginners, those who need a refresher, or who want to progress their skills. 

It's a fun, learner-centred, practical course and you'll take at least 1 item home with you.

On completion, you'll be able to make your own items.

You can progress to further fashion, textiles or crafts courses with us, at City Lit or Morley College. 

It could be a stepping stone to further education and a new career.

What you’ll learn

You'll learn how to:

• thread a domestic sewing machine safely and correctly
• the basic operational symbols and functions of a sewing machine
• the purpose of different machine feet
• a range of sewing techniques
• create zips and buttonholes by hand and machine (improvers)
• sew with jersey or velvet if you have some sewing experience
• manipulate fabric to create pleats and gathers (optional)

You'll create a portfolio of samples showing the different seams.

Projects include:

• a simple bag for beginners
• aprons and/or shopping bags for improvers
• a simple garment for the more experienced sewers

How it's taught

Courses are taught using demonstrations, visual samples, group discussion and one-to-one support. 

You'll be encouraged to support each other and discuss your work and progress.

What to bring

For all levels you'll need:

• a folder
• A4 paper or notebook
• pen
• pencil
• ruler
• eraser

Improvers should bring a simple commercial pattern, or item you would like to copy.

We can provide a toolkit of:

• scissors
• pins
• needles
• tape measure

You can bring your own if you prefer.

There's a £5 fee to cover materials used in the first few weeks of your course. 

After that you need to provide your own fabric, threads and other relevant materials.