Fashion, textiles and crafts
Sewing skills for beginners
Who the course is for
This course is suitable for absolute beginners, those with no sewing experience at all, those who did a little bit of sewing at school and need a refresher or those who would like to progress their skills from a little basic knowledge.
It's a fun, learner-centred, practical-based course full of content. Students have the opportunity to make at least one finished item to take home.
Course location
- Thomas Calton Centre, Alpha Street, SE15 4NX
- fully equipped sewing rooms
What you’ll learn
- how to thread a domestic sewing machine safely and correctly
- the basic operational symbols and functions of a sewing machine
- the purpose of different machine feet
- create a folder of sewing samples including different seams
- practice a range of sewing techniques
- manipulate fabric to create pleats and gathers (optional)
- make at least one stitched item to take home
- projects include cushion covers for beginners and aprons/shopping bags for improvers with sewing experience
How the courses are taught
Courses are taught using demonstrations, visual samples, group discussion and one-to-one support. Learners are also encouraged to support each other and discuss their work and progress.
Materials you’ll need
- a folder
- blank A4 paper or notebook
- pen
- pencil
- ruler
- eraser
- cotton fabrics
- you may like to bring your own fabric scissors, pins, needles, tape measure
Please note the £5 materials fee for these courses covers sundry items used in the first few weeks of your course. For your subsequent projects, you must provide your fabric, threads and other relevant materials.
What will I be able to do after my course?
Make your own items and have increased confidence in taking on projects and preparing for employment where appropriate. Progress to further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at Southwark Adult Learning, or at City Lit or Morley College and into Further Education.
How to enrol
Complete an enrolment form online
Find out how to enrol, locations and more about our services.
Course details
Title |
Days and times |
Course code, start date, number of weeks |
Fees £5 annual registration fee also applies |
Sewing skills for beginners |
Monday 6pm to 9pm |
FT 4015 13 January 2025 10 weeks |
£150 standard £75 concession Materials fee £5 |
Sewing skills for beginners |
Tuesday 10am to 1pm |
FT4017 7 January 2025 11 weeks |
£165 standard £82.50 concession Materials fee £5 |
Sewing skills for beginners |
Saturday 10am to 4pm |
FT4022 8 March 2025 2 weeks |
£55 standard £27.50 concession Material fee £5 |
Contact information
You can:
- email adult.learning@southwark.gov.uk
- phone 020 7358 2100 or 020 7358 2101
Page last updated: 22 November 2024