Introduction to Machine Sewing Course - 6 Weekly Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 6
Our popular Introduction to Machine Sewing course is an intensive six-week programme for complete beginners. The 3 hour sessions take place at the same time each week for 6 weeks.
The ideal start to your sewing journey - learn all the essential skills and techniques to become a competent sewist.
Starting from scratch in the first session, we'll familiarise you with the sewing machine itself, showing you the various settings of the machine, how to wind a bobbin and correctly thread it up. Building on your skills as we guide you through several different projects over the weeks, you'll cover a wide range of invaluable sewing techniques. Complete the course by putting all your new skills into practice so that you can impress everyone with your own custom made, fully lined and piped hold-all bag!
The breakdown of this six week course is as follows:
Week 1 - Make a Tote bag with front pocket and reinforced straps
- Familiarise yourself with the sewing machine and how it works
- Learn how to sew straight lines, corners and curves using a seam allowance
- Lay a paper pattern correctly, pin and cut the fabric,
- Learn how to press your fabric and finish seams with a zig zag to stop them from fraying.
Week 2 - Accomplish all the essential processes that you need to know in order to start making your own clothes
- Marking the fabric
- Straight darts
- Insert an invisible zip
- Alternative finishing techniques
- Three types of pleats (box, inverted & knife)
- Hemming
Week 3 - Make a zipped lined pencil case or make up bag
- Practice and develop your skills
- Notches, grain line and seam allowance
- Insert a zip
- Learn how to do top stitching and hand slip-stitching.
Week 4, 5 and 6 - Make a fully lined large holdall bag
- Put all your new skills into practice for a more advanced project
- Create & sew an inside patch pocket,
- Reinforced stitching for strap handles
- Insert a channel zip
- Insert a lining
- Make and attach your own piping
During the time that you will be constructing the holdall your teacher will impart a variety of sewing tips which will help you master more advanced techniques.
Materials: All materials will be provided for weeks 1, 2 & 3 however in week 4 you will need to bring with you the materials needed to make your final project, details for this will be given in class. If you wish you buy these from our shop you will be entitled to 10% off everything for the duration of your course and one week following. Our shop team are happy to help and advise on fabric and notions for your bag.
If you are under 16, you will need to bring a responsible adult with you who has also booked a place. Please email school@raystitch.co.uk prior to booking for advice on suitable times and sessions. You must be over the age of 12 to attend one of our classes.
If you would like to learn to sew on your own machine, please get in touch so that we can notify the teacher. Please note we can only accept machines that are less than 10 years old.
Booking a class at Ray Stitch entitles you to 10% off everything in-store for one week where our team are happy to help and advise on fabric.
Testimonials:
"I just wanted to write a note to say how much I enjoyed the 6 week introduction to sewing course. I thought Jess was an excellent facilitator/teacher and really clear and patient and stayed late with us to make sure we finished what we had made. Thanks so much!" Tamsin
“Brilliant course! Very high quality information. I learnt far more than I thought I would and I’m very happy with my Holdall, proud to be using it!” - Will
“An excellent introduction to sewing on a machine. We covered so much in such a short period of time and great to have something new to take home every week.” - Laura
“I’d sewn before, but had never really taken the time to learn the basics of how to use my machine properly. This course has given me the confidence to get my machine out at home and feel like I know what i’m doing. Can’t wait for Intro to Dressmaking next! Lovely environment to learn a new skill among friendly people!”
“Perfect course for the beginner. Great for confidence building and very patient teachers, I'm looking forward to my follow-on course in the New Year” - Emma
What's Next?
Continue adding essential sewing skills to your repertoire and follow on with our Skills Classes which cover more advanced garment making skills and techniques.
Or, if you feel ready to jump straight in and have a go at making your first garments, book on to our Introduction to Garment Making Course for Men and Women.
Booking a class at Ray Stitch entitles you to 10% off products in store on the day of the class!
Please take a moment to read our cancellation policy before booking: Unfortunately our classes are non refundable. Due our small class sizes it is also very difficult to transfer your booking to a different date. If you cannot attend a class and are able to notify us at least two weeks before the class starts, it may be possible to fit you in on another date but this is not guaranteed so please give us as much notice as possible to increase your chances. In the event that we are forced to cancel a class, we will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible and offer either a full refund or swap your booking to another suitable date.