Introduction to Machine Sewing Course - 6 Weekly Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 6
Level 1: Complete Beginners. No prior sewing experience required.
Our most popular course, this six-week programme is the ideal way to start your sewing journey. Designed for complete beginners, it covers a wide range of essential techniques and introduces you to working with patterns, fabrics, and construction skills in a friendly, supportive environment.
Across six weekly sessions (three hours each), you’ll build your confidence through a series of guided projects—starting with the basics and ending with a fully lined and piped holdall bag that showcases everything you’ve learned.
Course Overview:
Week 1 – Tote Bag with Front Pocket & Reinforced Straps
- Threading and operating a sewing machine
- Sewing straight lines, corners, and curves
- Using seam allowances
- Pinning, cutting, and pressing fabric
- Finishing seams with a zigzag stitch
Week 2 – Essential Sewing Techniques for Garment Making
- Marking fabric
- Straight darts
- Inserting an invisible zip
- Creating pleats (box, inverted & knife)
- Hemming and alternative seam finishes
Week 3 – Zipped Lined Pencil Case or Make-Up Bag
- Understanding notches, grainline, and seam allowances
- Inserting a zip
- Topstitching
- Hand slip-stitching
Weeks 4–6 – Final Project: Fully Lined Holdall Bag
- Constructing and reinforcing strap handles
- Inserting a channel zip
- Making and attaching piping
- Creating an inside patch pocket
- Assembling and lining a structured bag
Your teacher will share useful tips throughout, helping you build good habits and learn techniques you’ll use again and again.
Materials: All materials are provided for Weeks 1–3.
For the final project, you’ll need to bring your own fabric and notions—guidance will be given in class. You’ll receive 10% off everything in-store for the duration of your course and one week following.
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.
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?
Once you’ve completed this course, you’re ready to move on to garment sewing and more advanced techniques.
Essential Skills for Garment Making – build a strong technical foundation before tackling garments
Introduction to Garment Making – begin working with commercial patterns to sew wearable pieces
Before you book, please take a moment to read our cancellation policy:
Unfortunately, our classes are non-refundable. Due to small class sizes, transferring to a different date is difficult. If you notify us at least two weeks before the class starts, we may be able to offer an alternative date, but this is not guaranteed—please give as much notice as possible.
In the event that we need to cancel a class, we will provide as much notice as possible and offer either a full refund or an alternative booking date.