Beginners Sewing Course XL

Beginners Sewing Course XL

The Beginners Sewing Course XL is an introductory skills-focused sewing course. It’s the best 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. 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 read the terms and conditions 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.  This skills-based approach underpins all your future sewing projects, enabling quicker learning and greater understanding.

With a small number of students, I’m able to personalise your tuition and you’ll benefit from lots of individual attention.

My Sewing Experience

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.

What others say:

Just finished this 6 week class !
A wonderful enjoyable experience learnt so much .
Jen is So skilled and is a great teacher not everyone that is awesome at their craft can teach But Jen is So talented and her passion for what she does is so inspiring !
I would recommend anyone that enjoys sewing to sign up !
First class ! From start to finish !

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 in 2021, they won the Corporate Vision Education and Training award for Best Private Sewing Education and Tuition in Scotland. Scotland Prestige Awards have followed for three consecutive years in 2022/23,  2023/24 and 2024/25.

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)

For Adults (16 years +)

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 by hand and machine.
• Make machined buttonholes and how to sew in a zip
• Hand-sewing skills for mending/repair: bring something damaged or needing the hem taken up and I’ll show you how to do it.
• How to make three great sewing projects to practice your new skills:
•           a lined reversible tote bag,
•           a zipped make-up bag
•           I-pad/tablet cover (this project can be completed at home using my video tutorial)

All fabrics included.

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. Please read my blog Sewing Machine Features  so you don’t make the common mistake of buying too basic a machine. I recommend Pembertons, my trusted specialist sewing machine dealer for over 30 years. I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else for sewing machines and accessories.

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?