Beginners’ Sewing Course XL
My multi-award-winning course ‘Beginners Sewing Course XL’ is one of the most comprehensive sewing courses in Edinburgh. It goes further than other sewing courses in the area and offers a strong foundation of sewing skills you’ll need to move forward into dressmaking. This unique sewing course is available as 6 weekly sessions, or over 2 complete days. I designed it to tackle the issues that sewists really need to know but find difficult. The first part is knowing how to thread up a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, get the correct thread tension. Practical tutorials include teaching students to sew straight and curved seams, and turn corners.
Next in part 2, come the seams themselves. I’ll show you how to sew different types of seams and to know which type is best for the fabric and project. And of course I’ll show you how to neatening the raw edges too.
Your first sewing project
It’s always reassuring and so satisfying to get that first ‘make’ done. So once you’ve mastered basic control of the machine, I’ll take you through the stages of making a handy tote bag. Many of my past students tell me this is their favourite part; that moment they realise ‘I can do it!’ This reversible, foldable tote shopper in its own little pouch is one of those projects you’ll want to make again and again. It’s always a great pressie too! Who doesn’t love a hand-made gift?
Make Do and Mend
You’ll probably find session 4 the most useful of all: it’s mending week! Please bring along anything that’s torn, worn-out or needs a hem taken up. When you patch that hole, re-stitch that torn seam or take up the hem on those overly-long trousers, you’ll feel empowered! (But don’t tell anyone you can do this unless you want a long queue forming!)
Get to Grips with Zips
Let’s move to week 5 and it’s another technical tutorial. Many sewists would say the most scary aspect of sewing is inserting zips! I’ve met so many people who call themselves experienced, but me they don’t do zips. But that’s such a shame. Zips are really nothing to be frightened of, if you know the right technique. No self-respecting sewist should have any reason to avoid them and I don’t think you’re a fully-fledged sewist unless you can list zips as part of your repertoire. And that’s what I’ll teach you. Once I’ve taught you my favourite method, you’ll know how to tackle zips confidently. This skill is worth the price of the course itself! And then, I’ll demonstrate how to sew buttonholes by machine too. With the exception of T-shirts and elastic-waist trousers, most other garments have a fastening (either zips or buttons) to be able to get them on and off. If you aren’t able to sew these, it’s going to limit your garment project choices in future.
💖We love zips
Then sadly, it’s week 6 and the final session. So you won’t be surprised to know it’s a project involving zips! A zippy pouch no less. Perhaps this is the best project as many past students (who return to Artisan Stitch again and again to continue their sewing journey) are still using theirs years later. They’re the perfect size to store your sewing kit, or for a make-up bag. Make it bigger for a toiletries bag, and long and slim for a pencil case. I like to gift these pouches filled with those mini travel-size bottles to my travel-loving friends.
But the Beginners’ Sewing Course XL isn’t just for Beginners. The course is highly recommended as a refresher those who perhaps haven’t sewn for many years and have got a bit rusty. Or if you’re ‘self-taught’ from You-Tube and you have a few ‘gaps’.
At Artisan Stitch, the learning doesn’t stop when you leave the studio. Events are fully-supported with written notes and video tutorials for you to keep. Also, I’m happy to offer support by e-mail too; even many years after your course. Not many other sewing course providers offer this service, meaning that Artisan Stitch offers the highest-quality and best value sewing tuition in Scotland. Why would you go anywhere else?
Not the end, just the beginning
So now you’ve completed the Beginners Sewing Course XL, you’re probably wondering: What happens next? Well the fin is just starting. Now you’re equipped with the skills to take many of my other sewing classes.
Soft Furnishing
If soft furnishings is your thing, then I have a Cushion-making workshop. I’ll gently guide you through measuring and planning your cushion, through to making your own piping, and of course, there’s a zip. What a fantastic opportunity to practice your skills. But if you’ve forgotten, I’ll take you through it again step-by-step.
A partner to the Cushion-making class is of course, Curtain-making. Professionally-made curtains cost a fortune but they’re actually quite easy to make. My 1-day class will take you through all the stages of planning your fixtures, measuring up, calculating fabric quantities and matching patterns.
Of course we can’t make a full-size set of curtains but I’ll help you through making a professional-quality formal style in a mini sample size. It’s yours to take home to remind you of all the steps. And of course, there’s that Artisan Stitch ‘learning doesn’t stop’ guarantee. You’ll get exclusive access to my resource file; only available to enrolled students. It contains a 20-page set of notes with many appendices covering every aspect of measuring, and sewing several different styles of curtains. So you’ll be able to furnish your whole house and never need to buy those badly-fitting ready-mades or take out a mortgage for a professionally-made pair of drapes.
Links:
