Beginners Intensive Sewing Course Learn to sew like a pro in 3 days!
This three‑day Beginners Intensive Sewing Course is a firm favourite in the Summer School line‑up, but I couldn’t wait until July; it’s here for Easter. This multi-award-winning course is the perfect place to start your sewing journey. It’s a unique opportunity in Edinburgh to learn solid, skills‑based sewing in a friendly, supportive studio environment. If you want to build real technical confidence — whether your goal is dressmaking, soft furnishings or creative projects — this course gives you the strongest possible foundation.
My teaching philosophy is simple: learn the skills, and you can sew anything. Over three full days, you’ll gain the knowledge, techniques and good habits that set you up for years of enjoyable, frustration‑free sewing.
Wed 8 – Fri 10 April 2026
10am–5pm each day
Adults only (16+)
Course Description
Please read the full course details before booking. Tickets are non‑refundable once purchased. You’ll receive an automatic confirmation email with your dates and times — please save it and add the event to your calendar.
We start right at the beginning: how to use a sewing machine safely and confidently. Each session builds on the last, gradually expanding your skills, understanding and technical ability over 18 hours of guided learning. You’ll get to grips with machine controls, presser feet, fabric handling, accurate measuring and cutting, and essential fastenings such as zips, buttons and Velcro.
The course is structured around short tutorials followed by enjoyable, achievable projects so you can immediately put your new skills into practice.
I’ve been sewing since childhood, and I’ve made every mistake there is — which means you don’t have to. Throughout the course, I’ll share the tips, shortcuts and professional techniques I wish I’d known when I started.
What others say:
What an inspiring 3 days!
Jen was a really good and enthusiastic tutor and did the theory in manageable chunks with plenty of practice opportunities. We then made three projects, one on each day, which used the skills we had learned, and each project built on those skills. As it was a small class we had as much help as we needed and Jen was very patient. She also shared her own tips and ways of doing things to make sewing great fun.
I am looking forward to attending more of her courses and becoming even more confident.
Artisan Stitch has been recognised repeatedly for excellence in sewing education, including:
• Certificate of Excellence 2019
• Best Sewing Classes (UK Enterprise Awards) 2020
• Best Private Sewing Education 2021
• Most Outstanding Sewing Classes 2021
• Best Creative Workshops 2022/23
• Best Craft Course Provider 2023/24
• Best Sewing Class Provider 2024/25, 2025/26 & 2026/27
Who is this course for?
- Absolute beginners – if you’ve never used a sewing machine
- Novice sewists – if you’ve recently learned and want to build confidence
- Lapsed sewists – if you’d like a refresher after time away from sewing
Adults 16 years +. Children’s classes are listed in the ‘Kids’ section of the website
What will I learn?
- How to use a sewing machine safely and confidently
- Winding bobbins and threading the machine
- Sewing straight lines, smooth curves and accurate corners
- Understanding thread tension
- Stitch types, lengths and widths
- Common seam types and when to use them
- Managing raw edges
- Taking up hems
- Making buttonholes and sewing on buttons
- Basic mending and repair skills
- Inserting a zip
- Introduction to the overlocker
- A lined tote bag
- An envelope cushion with button fastening
- A zipped make-up bag
- A padded tablet/iPad cover (bonus project to complete at home)
Course arrangements
Sewing machines are provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own. If you do, please remember your power cable/foot control, instruction manual, accessories and spare bobbins.
There will be a lunch break each day and short breaks throughout. Meals, travel and accommodation are not included.
Useful links
If you’re looking to buy a sewing machine, Pembertons are my trusted specialist retailer. They’re the ONLY place I’d go to buy a sewing machine in fact, and they offer a goody bag of ‘extras’ for Artisan Stitch clients.
Want help choosing a sewing machine?
If you’re thinking about buying machine, I’ve written a clear jargon-free blog post that explains sewing machine features, and what you’ll need to look for; and what to avoid.
What sewing equipment will I need?
(I have a small stock of quality scissors, pins and marking tools for sale in the studio)
