Sewing Machine Skills: Step 1

During this course you will receive both group and individual support in order to help you learn more about Sewing Machine Skills. 

This course will start at the very beginning by looking at the basics of how a sewing machine works and help you to gain confidence operating a sewing machine successfully. 

Topics that may be covered include: 

• Identifying the parts of a sewing machine 


• Threading & using the bobbin 


• Operating a sewing machine safely 


• Use guides on the machine to determine stitching position 


• Change stitch settings, seams and hems 


• Make a basic sewn craft item following a handout or simple commercial pattern. 


• Applique, zips and buttonholes. 


• Experiment on different fabrics with your machine. 


• Build up a range of stitched samples as a reference for the future. 

All our courses are made up of elements of speaking & listening, reading and writing, and you will work using these elements throughout the course. 

There will be an opportunity to choose a practical project to be completed from the selection offered by the tutor. Projects are chosen to give you the chance to put into practice the skills and knowledge that you will be taught during the course. 

You will have the option to adapt choices made to suit your ability and to be able to use any opportunity you may have to carry out additional work on your project. 

This course can help you to cut your costs and by recycling and renewing, make the most of your existing wardrobe and furnishings, making a contribution to a greener environment and helping you financially. 

Some of the skills you gain on this course could help increase your opportunities for employment or working within the community. Learning takes place in a friendly classroom setting, which is a great place for social interaction and helping you meet new people. 

Practice at home and completion of homework is advisable to enhance your learning experience. 

This course is subsidised by Government funding so you should aim to attend the whole course. 

There are no Pre-course information sessions or interviews in order to enrol on this course. 

Please ensure you have read and understood our STEPS guidance in order to accurately enrol upon the correct level course for you. 

Your tutor will work with you to develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP) which will help you review your progress towards achieving your goals during the course. 

There is no qualification or examination attached to this course. 

This is a Step 1 course, it is for people who need a brush-up, if they have not used their machine for a long time, or maybe have never used it. 

You will need to bring your own sewing machine as this will help you understand how it works and enable you to successfully continue sewing at home. Please ensure it is in safe, good working condition and bring your user manual. 

You will also need a basic sewing kit. Advice about appropriate choices will be given during the first session. 

Before buying expensive materials and equipment please discuss their purchase with your tutor. You will be expected to purchase your own materials as the course progresses. 

You will need to provide the materials for the project item that you choose to make. 

You will need a notebook, pen and A4 folder. 

During the first session your tutor may discuss additional materials to bring if possible.