It depends on the course — but on ours, everything is provided. You don't need to own a sewing machine, or buy a single tool, needle or scrap of fabric, to begin. And that's a bigger deal than it sounds, because for a lot of people, “I don't have a machine” is the exact reason they never start.
The barrier that stops people before they start
Think about it from a beginner's shoes. Buying your first sewing machine is genuinely confusing — the choices, the jargon, the price — and it feels risky to spend that money when you're not even sure you'll take to sewing. So it gets put off, month after month, and the dream quietly fades. It's such an unnecessary barrier.
What's provided on the Handicraft Sewer course
For the entire 20 weeks, we provide:
- Every machine and overlocker
- All your fabric
- Every tool, needle and notion
- All the patterns, books and materials
- Your own dedicated workspace, professionally set up in our Melville studio
You get to discover whether you love sewing — and get genuinely good at it — before spending a cent on equipment.
Now, many students fall in love with it and want their own machine to practise at home, and you absolutely can get one through us at a student price, yours to keep for life. But that's entirely your choice, and it's never required to do the course or earn your qualification. The learning, the tools and the certificate stand entirely on their own.
If the one thing holding you back is not owning a machine, let it go completely. Come and learn on ours, find out whether you love it, and get good first. Buying a machine is a lovely decision to make later — once you know exactly what you want, and why.
The Handicraft Sewer course
Everything is provided — every machine and overlocker, all the fabric, tools and patterns, for the full 20 weeks — because your only job here is to learn. You bring yourself; we bring the rest.
Everything is provided — every machine, all the fabric, tools and patterns — because your only job here is to learn.
Worried about not owning a machine? Ask below — it's genuinely the one thing you never need here.
Join the conversation
Held back by not owning a machine? Ask us anything — we reply to every comment.
loved that i could try it first. bought my own through them at the end and use it every week now
honestly this was my whole reason for not starting. didnt want to drop money on a machine i might not even use 😅
That's exactly the barrier we wanted to remove, Mpho. Come learn on ours, find out if you love it, get properly good — and only <em>then</em> decide about a machine, if you want one at all. No pressure either way. 🌿
if i do want a machine after, roughly what kind do you provide to learn on?
Good question, Thabo. You learn on proper domestic Brother machines and an overlocker, so you're on quality kit from day one. If you decide you want your own later, we'll help you choose the right one at a student price. Message us anytime.