Does your child want to learn to sew? Are you looking for some creative classes for the school holidays? Then here is your answer! During my week-long summer schools, I hold a series of children’s sewing classes. These are an ideal activity for school holidays. Firstly I’ll cover how to use sewing machines safely. Then we’ll make some decorative bunting, tote bags and other fun craft projects for children.
Here’s a rundown of the sewing classes and workshops happening at Artisan Stitch throughout July. So if you’re on holiday in Edinburgh and looking for something different and fun to do, why not try a new hobby like Feltmaking, or make a gorgeous wrap skirt? Easy to make and even easier to wear!
Sewing classes for children have always been an important part of my teaching programme. I learned to use a sewing machine at the age of seven, and it shaped everything that came after — confidence, creativity, independence, and eventually a career. So I’m a firm believer that children should learn to sew when they’re young (boys and girls alike). It’s a life skill that stays with them forever.
These days, though, there’s often a generation gap. Many parents didn’t learn to sew at school, and home sewing skipped a generation. But that doesn’t mean today’s parents can’t support their children. Skills can be learned at any age, and it’s never too late to “backtrack” and pick up the basics. In fact, that’s exactly why I now run Family Sewing Classes – so adults and children can learn together, build confidence side by side, and make sure young sewists have someone at home who understands the essentials.
Recently at Artisan Stitch, I held one of these sessions for children and their parents. To join, you had to be under 16 and bring a parent (or guardian). Sophie (9) and Libby (12) arrived with their mums, Jen and Jackie, and both girls threw themselves into the lesson with huge enthusiasm. They completed their sewing practice sheets, then passed their Sewing Machine Driving Tests with distinction.
Our project for the day was pincushions — colourful, practical, and perfect for beginners. By the end of the morning we had a cheerful collection of finished pieces, and everyone (including me) thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I’m expecting to see both girls back in the studio soon… and perhaps their mums too.
If you’d like to explore sewing as a shared activity, my Family Sewing Classes are designed exactly for this — a relaxed, supportive way for children to learn safely, with an adult who can help them at home.
Since that first class, Sophie has continued her sewing journey and completed her Level 2 week. She’s also joined Young Embroiderers, the youth section of the Embroiderers’ Guild (Edinburgh Branch). Her mum, Jen, now helps out at the sessions and has discovered a love of embroidery herself. Sophie is determined to become a fashion designer — and she’s well on her way.
Libby also returned for further lessons, making make‑up bags and cushions. She even set up a little business selling her make‑up bags in the school playground at lunchtime — a young entrepreneur in the making.
Sewing has a wonderful way of skipping across generations, and this class was a perfect example. Here we have 14‑year‑old Sophie and her gran (14 years plus!) learning to make a fold‑up tote shopping bag together. It was Sophie’s very first sewing project and she absolutely loved it. Sewing really is an activity for everyone — it brings people together, no matter their age or experience.
Sophie’s mum wasn’t with us that day because the lovely polka‑dot shopper was a surprise birthday gift. And I know for certain that a handmade present like this will be treasured far more than anything shop‑bought.
People often ask me what age children should be before using a sewing machine. There’s no single answer because it depends entirely on the child. A sensible, focused 8‑year‑old can often sew safely and confidently, while a careless 50‑year‑old might be a danger to themselves (and the machine). With proper instruction and supervision, there’s no reason younger children can’t learn. I was around that age myself when my mum first showed me how to sew, and I still remember the excitement of it.
Sewing is brilliant for developing manual dexterity, concentration and creativity. Children tend to approach it with curiosity rather than fear — something many adults struggle with when learning a new skill.
At the other end of the scale, many of my clients with a little more life experience are taking up sewing for the first time, or returning after a break of 40 or 50 years. Sewing is excellent mental exercise: it requires focus, coordination, planning and problem‑solving. Add in the social benefits of attending classes and meeting like‑minded people, and it becomes a wonderful way to stay active, alert and connected.
If you used to sew years ago — or have a machine you’ve bought but don’t feel confident using — my Sewing Machine Confidence workshop is the perfect refresher. In just three hours, you’ll learn how the machine works, how to thread it, wind bobbins, sew straight lines and curves, and turn neat corners. Many people arrive feeling unsure and leave full of enthusiasm, ready to head straight to the fabric shop for their next project.
Watching Sophie and her gran learning side by side was a lovely reminder that sewing truly spans generations. Whether you’re eight or eighty, there’s always something new to learn — and always joy to be found in making something with your own hands.
My sewing classes and workshops are designed for real people at every stage of their sewing journey – from complete beginners to those returning after a long break. Each session is friendly, practical and hands‑on. There’s plenty of individual support so you can build confidence quickly. Whether you want to master the basics, refresh old skills, or try something creative, you’ll find a class that suits your pace and experience. Many students arrive feeling unsure and leave feeling inspired, capable and excited for their next project.
