Skip to main content Go to Site Map
Student using a sewing machine

Basic Sewing Machine Skills

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Autumn, spring
  • Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This 10-week course is the perfect introduction for machine sewing. You’ll be taught the essential skills and master the techniques needed to stitch your projects to life.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Autumn 2024

Tuesday 8 October – 10 December 2024 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00-21.00)

Spring term 2025

Tuesday 4 February – 8 April 2025 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00-21.00)

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: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£339

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide some sewing equipment and 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.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

  • Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes
  • Domestic sewing machine (required for all sessions) ideally with the information user-guide/manual. Your machine will be electrically PAT tested in the first session
  • Basic sewing kit: small scissors, needles, pins, threads and a tape measure

  • You'll need to supply fabric, but your tutor will advise you on this as your course progresses, so we advise you wait to purchase this.

A student stands painting two cherries in a sketch book.

Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

A flower and a pair of sunglasses rest on a pair of boxes. A stiletto heel shoe and a handbag are sitting in front of another box. The other stiletto heel shoe is on top of one of the boxes.

Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

A person leans in and looks closely at a big display board with assorted pieces of graphic design work.

Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

This is the perfect starter course if you're new to machine sewing craftsmanship. Over 10 weeks you'll learn the essential skills needed to operate your sewing machine safely and effectively and discover your creative potential at the same time.

This course covers the crucial skills required to operate a sewing machine with ease. From understanding the anatomy of a sewing machine to mastering various stitches and techniques, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to bring your sewing projects to life.

Through a series of tutor-led demonstrations, discussions, and practical workshops, you'll learn the essential sewing processes and ultimately prepare yourself for future sewing projects.

Designed for both complete beginners and sewing enthusiasts, you’ll take a hands-on journey that involves mastering stitches, fabric-cutting and more complex techniques such as buttonholes and gathering.

  • Introduction to sewing machines and construction
  • Machine setup and maintenance
  • Stitches and stitching techniques
  • Fabric handling and cutting
  • Basic sewing projects

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Feel confident approaching projects using your new sewing machine skills and techniques to make strong, professional garments with decorative stitching
  • Know the anatomy of a sewing machine, with independent knowledge on use and troubleshooting
  • Have a comprehensive understanding and hands-on practical experience working with various fabrics, styles, and methods
  • Share and swap your work with others in the group, per each session, to support and inspire future creative ideas
  • 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 shortcourses@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.

Text reads: join our creative community

Book your place today

Book now

Meet your tutor

Chloe Scrivener

Chloe Scrivener

Chloe Scrivener is a professional Milliner with more than 20 years experience working in the fashion industry...

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your sewing skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.

Close-up image of a person's hands working on a colourful floral-patterned piece of fabric.

Clothes Making – an Introduction (Stage 1)

This practical 10-week beginner course will equip you with the skills needed to design and make your own garments with confidence.

Student cutting colourful material

Customised Pattern Cutting and Fitting (Stage 2)

This 10-week hands-on course gives you the essential skills of pattern making so you'll be able to create your own clothes with confidence.

Illustration of a woman in a bikini reaching forward with a pink fish to her right. A shark is shown behind them. The text "A day in the deep" appears above the illustration.

Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media

Study Foundation Art, Design and Media at Arts University Bournemouth. Find out about the course, fees, how to apply, and more...

A group of fashion models lining up.

BA (Hons) Fashion

Study Fashion at Arts University Bournemouth. Find out about the course, fees, how to apply, and open days

A person in Elizabethan-style costume looking down towards the floor.

BA (Hons) Costume

Master the skills you need to become a professional maker, tailor and costume supervisor for the film, theatre and events industries

BA (Hons) Textiles

BA (Hons) Textiles Design

Study Textiles Design at Arts University Bournemouth. Find out about the course, fees, how to apply, and open days

More information about evening and weekend courses

Screenprinting

Why choose AUB for your short course?

We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

People standing in front of artwork and talking at the MA Painting Lighthouse exhibition

Reasons to study a short course

There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...

A close up of a layered fabric

How to book

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

Similar courses