Basic Sewing Machine Skills

• Introduction to sewing machines and their construction
• Machine setup, safe operation and basic maintenance
• Understanding stitches and stitching techniques
• Fabric handling, cutting and preparation
• Practical sewing exercises and basic projects

• Week 1: Introduction to course and plan for the 10 weeks. Looking at the sewing machine throughout history. Some basic tips for using your sewing machine. Setting up your sewing machine (threading and unthreading, winding the bobbin, looking at the machine's different features). Completing simple sewing tasks (simple straight lines, wavy lines, creating different seams, creating a buttonhole).
• Week 2: Continuing to develop simple skills – gathering, attaching zips, creating a simple pocket, looking at options for bag handles. Planning and starting Project 1 – tote bag, apron or a simple pattern of your choice. Create a paper pattern and/or toile of Project 1. Looking at the grain and bias of a fabric, selvedge edge, right and wrong sides. Pinning patterns onto fabric, using tailors chalk and cutting fabric out.
• Week 3: Continuing to develop simple skills – gathering, attaching zips, creating a simple pocket, looking at options for bag handles using shirring elastic. Working on Project 1 with support of tutor. Marking out pattern on fabric, cutting out and preparing to sew on your machine.
• Week 4: Discussion about embellishments for Project 1 – complete sewing and add embellishments to Project 1. Complete Project 1.
• Week 5: Discussion and planning for Project 2. Start Project 2 with support from tutor.
• Week 6: Continue to work on Project 2. Look at finishes and embellishments.
• Week 7: Complete Project 2.
• Week 8: Plan for Project 3 with support from tutor. Start Project 3.
• Week 9: Continue to work on Project 3.
• Week 10: Completion of Project 3. End-of-course review and feedback – what next?

At the end of the course you'll:

• Feel confident approaching new clothes making projects using your new sewing machine skills and techniques
• Have built a comprehensive overview, understanding, and hands-on practical experience working with various fabrics, styles, and methods
• Feel confident using your own machine including trouble shooting simple technical issues
• Understand basic stitches, decorative stitches, buttonholes and produce neat and professional-looking seams
• Possess improved artistic skills
• Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
• Have boosted creativity and imagination
• Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on. You'll receive ongoing assessment, appraisal, and feedback throughout the course.

There will also be group shares of work produced at the end of each session with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning.

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide basic materials. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase one for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details. You may wish to purchase extra materials throughout this course.

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

• Your own domestic sewing machine (with user guide/manual if available)
• Your sewing machine will be electrically PAT tested during the first session
• Basic sewing kit: small scissors, needles, pins, thread and tape measure
• Notebook and pen
• Students may wish to purchase specific fabric for their personal projects, your tutor will advise you further in your first session.