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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 term 2025

Tuesday 7 October – 9 December 2025 (10 Tuesdays evenings, 18.00-21.00)

Spring term 2026

Tuesday 13 January – 17 March 2026 (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: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£359

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.

Course materials included in the price

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

  • Attendees shall be required to bring their own personal domestic sewing machine for all sessions, ideally with the information user guide/manual.
  • Your sewing machine will be electrically PAT tested in the first session.
  • Basic sewing kit: small scissors, needles, pins, threads, 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.
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If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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

About this course

A perfect starter course for those new to machine sewing craftsmanship!

You may have a sewing machine and never really got to grips with it, or possess some experience but wish to tie up loose ends in your practical knowledge and understanding.

This course will teach you the essential technical skills of operating a sewing machine safely and allow you to maximise your creative potential, designed for complete beginners and sewing enthusiasts eager to build a strong foundation in using their own sewing machines confidently and efficiently.

This course is a hands-on journey that 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.

The course is the ideal starting point for someone who has an existing interest in sewing but would like to further their knowledge in sewing machines to help take their projects to the next level; for example mastering more complex techniques such as buttonholes and gathering. Through a series of immersive tutor-led demonstrations, discussions, and practical workshops you'll learn the essential processes, allowing you to build upon your new skills for future sewing projects.

  • 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 new clothes making projects using your new sewing machine skills and techniques.
  • You'll have a comprehensive overview, understanding and hands-on practical experience working with various fabrics, styles, and methods.
  • Group share of work produced at the end of each session with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning.
  • 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.

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Book your place today

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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.

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

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