Get to know your sewing machine
If you want to start at the very beginning this is the place for you – our ‘get to know your sewing machine’ workshop. You’ll be taught everything you need to learn to sew.
Our endlessly popular five-hour beginners’ course is perfect if:
– you’ve never used a sewing machine before
– your sewing machine gathers dust because it seems like too much of a headache to set it up
– you use your machine, but always with a nagging feeling that you don’t really know what you’re doing
– you’d like to take one of the many courses that require you to be competent with a sewing machine.
What will we cover?
This is the ultimate beginners’ sewing machine course. Learning to use a sewing machine properly will free you up to enjoy all sorts of projects, from cushions to clothes. You’ll be able to work confidently and efficiently, getting results you’re proud of.
Our beginners’ sewing machine course covers:
- the parts of the sewing machine
- threading a machine and winding a bobbin
- stitch selection
- starting to sew
- setting tension
- seam allowances
- presser feet – when to use them and how to change them
- buttonholes
- basic sewing machine maintenance
- creating and using a simple pattern
- making a cushion.
Book your space, enjoy being shown all the essentials and get sewing!
How will I be taught?
You’ll be taught in our lovely studio by a friendly and experienced tutor, through demonstration and guidance as you work.
You’ll also be able to ask questions, making sure everything is clear and that you’re getting the best results you can.
Do I need any previous experience or skills?
This course is for complete beginners.
Are materials provided? Is there anything I need to source myself?
You need to bring:
- half a metre of fabric, at least 140cm wide, for the cushion cover
- 1 or 2 buttons no bigger than 2.5cm (1 inch) diameter
- 40cm cushion pad (please avoid bringing a different size cushion pad as the class is prepared for 40cm)
- a reel of thread that matches your fabric. (If you’re not worried about it matching perfectly you’re welcome to choose from the threads available in the studio.)
If you bring your own machine, please ensure you have your foot pedal and accessories with you.
What will I take home with me?
The cushion you’ve made, an instruction sheet so you can make another at home and a new-found enthusiasm for sewing.
Refreshments
Drinks and biscuits will be available but we recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you.
“I had a wonderful time at Made and Making today. I went from being bewildered by my sewing machine to understanding and loving the process of making a cushion! Sarah is a great teacher and made everything easy to understand. There was a lovely group of people and I would love to try further classes there.”
Charlotte
“I went to a beginners sewing workshop today and was thrilled with how much I learnt and how confident I felt walking away. I’ve been to one other before this and did not have the same experience. Sarah’s experience and skill are evident and she keeps an eye on all her workshop attendees. The studio has such a lovely atmosphere and is quiet and well stocked with tools and materials.”
Evita
“Attended the basic ‘Understanding your sewing machine’ and wished I’d done this years ago. Having learnt about bobbins, tension and making buttonholes, I felt confident about trying much more at home. Lovely group of people. Sarah is an excellent teacher with a sense of fun.”
Maura
“I attended a workshop run by Sarah on getting to know one’s sewing machine. I hadn’t used my machine for many years and so I learned a great deal during the five hours. After taking us meticulously through all the necessary aspects of our own individual machines, Sarah then showed us how to make a cushion cover with an envelope opening which closed with a button. I now feel able to continue machine sewing with confidence, thanks to Sarah’s tuition!”
Penny
Photography
During all of our workshops photographs are taken for promotional purposes only. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you would prefer not to be included.
Tutor
Owner of Made and Making, Sarah has been sewing all her life. Her passion is helping others to gain the same level of enjoyment from mastering these creative skills. She's known for her infectious enthusiasm, her endless knowledge and for her knack for explaining things clearly, leading to lots of 'aha!' moments. You may have seen her share some of those on the TV channel Sewing Street. In a previous life, Sarah was a branch manager in an insurance firm. Taking redundancy in 2012 allowed her to follow her dream of creating a hub for sewing and craft. At Made and Making Sarah teaches sewing, crochet, needle felting and other craft courses. She's also one of the tutors for the children's workshops. When family life allows, Sarah loves nothing more than immersing herself in her own projects.
