Sewing - Making Clothes - Beginners

Course intent

This course is designed to help you through the first basic steps in garment making from using a sewing machine to sewing straight seams, inserting zips and ultimately having the confidence to make your own clothes.

What will we cover?

Beginners will learn the important first steps of sewing such as the different seams and when to use them, and how to insert zips. You will start by making simple projects that gradually build up your skills.

The next stage you will be guided to select a suitable pattern, take your own measurements and be able to fit the pattern and make adjustments to suit you. You will be able to finish off your garments and even accessorise them.

For those with a little sewing experience, this is an opportunity to challenge yourself and to make more complex garments whilst making sure your basic sewing skills are sound

Your tutor will be on hand to provide one to one help.

This course will build on past learning, week by week, to develop new abilities. You will find your own progress much easier if you attend every lesson.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

This course is aimed at beginners who want to learn good sewing skills from scratch and those with a little experience who want to recap the basics and build on their skills.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

Please bring your own sewing machine for this course.

You will need a basic sewing kit consisting of:

• fabric scissors and paper scissors
• pins and needles
• tape measure
• tailors chalk
• a seam ripper
• notebook and pen

To the first lesson please bring half a meter of cotton fabric and a reel of ‘All Purpose Thread’ (any colour, preferably made by Gutterman or Coates).

Any other items such as patterns and fabric for specific projects that you will need to purchase, will be discussed during the first lesson.

If you have any queries, please email the tutor at adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

To continue with Surrey Adult Learning follow on sewing courses offered throughout the year, and to enrol on one of the Saturday Workshops or other Needlecraft classes. Please visit our website – www.surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

Find another course

If this isn't what you're looking for, then we've got plenty more courses to offer!