Sewing skills for beginners

Timetable, cost and enrolling

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

On completion, 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

You'll also:

• create a folder of sewing samples showing different seams
• practice a range of sewing techniques
• manipulate fabric to create pleats and gathers (optional)
• make at least 1 stitched item to take home

Projects include cushion covers for beginners and aprons and shopping bag for those with some sewing experience).

How it's taught

Classes are taught using:

• demonstrations
• visual samples
• group discussion
• one-to-one support

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

What to bring

You'll need:

• a folder
• blank A4 paper or notebook
• a pen, pencil and eraser
• a ruler
• cotton fabrics

You may bring your own fabric scissors, pins, needles and tape measure.

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.