Sewing - Sewing With a Machine - The Very Basics - Beginners [SSK]

Course intent

This one-day workshop is an introduction to using a sewing machine. Increase your confidence through new knowledge and skills together with lots of opportunity to learn, use and practise the different features. Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment.

What will we cover?

• Anatomy of a sewing machine – how they work, some different types

• Tension – top and bottom
• How to thread and use a sewing machine
• Using a machine safely
• Sewing machine needles and thread
• Basic machine feet and stitches, including how to form buttonholes
• Handy accessories to make sewing with a machine easier
• Tips and trick.
• Basic troubleshooting and maintenance

There will be plenty of time to practise everything we’ve learnt to give you confidence when using a sewing machine on your own

• Safeguarding, Prevent & British Values

Learners will be inspired by the contemporary and historical context and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback they receive from the tutor.

There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner on their Individual Learning Plan.

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

Beginners (and those who may have completed a one-day workshop).

For adults aged 18 years or older.

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?

• basic sewing kit: dressmaking scissors and embroidery scissors/snips, tape measure, ruler, dressmaking pins

• machine thread
• seam ripper
• chalk pencil/wash out marker pen
• small note pad and pen
• magnifying glass if you might need it to help you thread the needle
• quilting cotton fabric or similar - at least A4 size for doing sample stitches. Ideally please prewash and iron fabric to pre-shrink it before sewing. You might like to turn this into a small item at a later date so also bring
• co-ordinating or contrasting machine thread (your choice).

Sewing machines belonging to the centre are available to use during the workshop.

Please email adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk before the session if you have any questions

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto further longer sewing and dressmaking courses or try other workshops such as Sewing - Sew a Super Summer Sun Hat - Beginners on 22nd June. Or why not try our summer skills workshops in July which offer some inspiring sewing projects. Ask your tutor for other courses she will be teaching.

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

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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