Beginners Sewing Course XL

Beginners Sewing Course XL

This 6-week introductory course is a good starting point to learn expert sewing techniques whether you want to progress into dressmaking, soft furnishing or craft projects. It’s also a great refresher if you’ve not sewn for a while. Why is it called ‘XL’? – because it’s an extended version of my classic ‘Beginners sewing course’.  It has two additional projects to make. This extra practice gives you 50% more fun, and twice as much confidence.

Course Description

You’ll learn how to understand sewing machines, get experience of using different stitch types,  learning about stitch lengths, widths and tensions. I’ll explain what the different presser feet are for and you’ll learn how to measure and cut fabric.

I’ve been sewing since I was a child and that’s a lot of years experience. During that time, I’ve made every mistake in the book and learnt how to avoid them. Now you can benefit from my mistakes and learn to sew like a pro as I share my expert tips. I wish I’d known all this stuff when I started to sew.

Artisan Stitch won a Certificate of Excellence in January 2019 and is rated ‘Best sewing classes in Edinburgh’.

A UK Enterprise award followed for Best Sewing Classes 2020.  Artisan Stitch is the only course provider in Edinburgh, and one of only two in Scotland that is recommended by Queen Margaret University.

Level: Beginners (or as a refresher if you haven’t sewn for a while)

Who is the Beginners Sewing Course XL aimed at?

• Absolute Beginners (if you’ve never used a sewing machine before)
• Novice sewists (if you’ve recently learned and would like to know a bit more)
• Lapsed sewists (as a refresher if you haven’t sewn for a while)

What will I learn?

• How to use a sewing machine safely and confidently
• How to wind bobbins and thread a sewing machine
• Understand the importance of correct thread tension
• How to sew perfect straight lines, smooth curves and turn corners
• Learn three different seam types and when to use them
• How to take up hems
• Make machined buttonholes and how to sew in a zip
• How to make three great sewing projects to practice your new skills:
•           a lined reversible tote bag,
•           I-pad/tablet cover,
•           a zipped make-up bag,

(You will need to bring your own fabric for your projects – I’ll provide details when you book. Or choose my optional fabric pack which contains everything you need for your projects – just £11. Contains 2 x half-metres polycotton, 4 fat quarters, interfacing, wadding, zip & velcro )

Course arrangements

Sewing machines are provided or you can bring your own if you have one. If you are considering buying one, then I’m happy to give advice on what to look for. I recommend Pembertons, the specialist sewing machine dealer.

Links to related blog articles

My blog pages contain lots of informative articles about stuff you need to know when you start sewing. Why not spend a few minutes swotting up?  Here’s a couple of links to get you started.

Get to the point. How to choose the correct sewing machine needles.

To have or have not. What sewing equipment do I need?

When you’ve completed your Beginners course, you’ll be able to continue your sewing journey with Artisan Stitch by taking a Dressmaking course, make some soft furnishings, or perhaps try some of the textile workshops?