Beginners Sewing Course XL

Beginners Sewing Course XL

This 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 200% more fun, and twice as much confidence. This course will take you right through to intermediate level at which point you should be confident enough to move onto Dressmaking. No other sewing course includes more. This course takes place over 6 weeks, 2.5 hours per week. For Adults (16 years +)

Course Description

Please read the entire course description and all the other information given on this page and check here before booking. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. Ensure you have entered your information correctly. You will receive an automatic booking confirmation e-mail giving the dates and times of your class(es).  You should save this e-mail and add the event to your phone’s calendar.

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 holds a Certificate of Excellence is rated ‘Best sewing classes in Edinburgh’.  A UK Enterprise award followed for Best Sewing Classes 2020 and Best Private Sewing Education and Tuition in 2021. Scottish Prestige Awards for sewing tuition followed in 2022 & 2023.

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)
• This event is for adults (aged 16 and over).

What will I learn?

• How to use a sewing machine safely and confidently
• How to wind bobbins and thread a sewing machine
• Sewing machine care and maintenance
• 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 by hand and machine
• Make machined buttonholes and how to sew in a zip
• Mending skills: repair a split seam, sew on a button
• 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 fabric pack which contains everything you’ll need for the 3 projects for £15 (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.

Artisan Stitch operates a ‘Covid-sense’ policy in accordance with the Scottish Government’s guidance for businesses and workplaces. Protection measures including wearing of face-masks are in place to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and attendees. If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact me for clarification BEFORE you book.

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.

What sewing machine features do I need?

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

Here’s where you can buy sewing equipment:

I have a small selection of fabric scissors, trimming scissors, pins, marking pens & pencils for sale in the studio. Otherwise Hobbycrafts, The Range, Fabric Focus, Edinburgh Fabrics, Dunelm Mill, and John Lewis or everything can be obtained from Amazon. I recommend buying good quality equipment that will perform well and last a lifetime.

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?