Course 1 – Beginner Sewing (Adults)

Module 1: Functions of the Sewing Machine

• Meet Your Machine
  Learn what every button, knob and lever does so you never feel lost again. Once you understand your machine, it will stop feeling scary and start feeling like a tool you can control.
  👉 In the future: you’ll sit down at any machine and know exactly how to get started.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: pressing the wrong thing, guessing, or wasting time before you even start sewing.
• Bobbin Filling & Threading the Bottom
  Learn how to wind and place the bobbin correctly. A bobbin is a small round reel that holds thread at the bottom of the machine. The machine needs both the top thread and the bobbin thread to make stitches. If the bobbin isn’t right, nothing will sew properly.
  👉 In the future: you’ll always set up your machine quickly, knowing your stitches will come out neat.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: messy tangles of thread under your fabric.
• Threading the Top
  Learn how to put the top thread through the machine step by step. When the top thread is correct, your sewing will run smoothly.
  👉 In the future: you’ll never worry about threading again — you’ll just do it and start sewing.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: skipped stitches, broken needles, or thread that pulls too tight.
• Sewing Straight Lines
  Learn how to use the foot pedal to control speed and guide the fabric to make straight lines. A seam is the line of stitching that holds fabric together, and straight seams are the base of almost everything in sewing.
  👉 In the future: your clothes and projects will look neat and professional.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: crooked seams that make sewing look untidy.
• Backstitching
  Learn how to sew backwards at the start and end of a seam to lock it. This keeps your sewing strong.
  👉 In the future: your clothes will last through wear and washing.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: seams opening after only one use.
• Turning Corners
  Learn how to stop, turn your fabric with the needle still in, and carry on sewing. This helps you sew sharp corners and smooth curves.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use this skill for necklines, armholes, hems, and cushions.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: bulky corners or stretched curves.
• Zig-zag Stitch
  Learn how to use the zig-zag setting. This side-to-side stitch is used to finish fabric edges and stop them from fraying.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use zig-zag for edges, stretchy fabrics, and even decoration.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: fabric fraying or seams coming apart in the wash.
• Overlocking
  Learn how to finish seams with an overlock stitch. This wraps around the edge of the fabric to make it neat and strong, just like in shop-bought clothes.
  👉 In the future: you’ll proudly show the inside of your clothes because they’ll look neat as well.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: garments looking messy and falling apart inside.
• Measuring Yourself
  Learn how to measure your body with a tape measure and choose the right size pattern. This helps your clothes fit.
  👉 In the future: you’ll sew garments that fit the first time, saving fabric and effort.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: sewing clothes that are too tight, too loose, or unwearable.
• Changing the Needle
  Learn when and how to replace a sewing needle. Heavy fabrics like denim need thick needles, while light fabrics like chiffon need thin ones.
  👉 In the future: you’ll feel confident sewing on any type of fabric.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: broken needles or damaged fabric.
• Changing Feet
  Learn how to change the presser foot — the small metal piece that holds your fabric while you sew. Different feet are used for different jobs, like sewing zips or buttonholes.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use the right foot for the right job, making sewing easier.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: struggling with zips or buttonholes because the wrong foot was used.
• Special Bobbin Loading (Bernette Machines)
  Some machines, like Bernette models, load bobbins differently. You’ll learn how to do this so you don’t get stuck.
  👉 In the future: you’ll be able to sew on any machine, not just your own.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: confusion when using a different brand of machine.

Project 1: Drawstring Bag

• Cutting the Fabric
  Learn how to place your pattern on the fabric and cut along the right lines.
  👉 In the future: your clothes and bags will sit straight and balanced.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: crooked cutting that makes projects twist out of shape.
• Sewing Edges
  Learn how to fold and sew fabric edges neatly so they don’t fray.
  👉 In the future: this becomes the way you hem skirts, trousers and sleeves.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: rough hems that unravel.
• Making the Channel
  Learn how to sew a tunnel for the string to go through.
  👉 In the future: this same method is used for waistbands, hoodies, and pillowcases.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: channels too tight to thread or stitched unevenly.
• Sewing the Sides
  Learn how to join two pieces of fabric with seams that are straight and strong.
  👉 In the future: all your projects will hold together properly.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: weak seams that break open.
• Putting in the String
  Learn an easy way to thread the cord through your bag without getting stuck.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use this for elastic waistbands, pyjamas, and pouches.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: cords stuck halfway or broken casings.

Project 2: Wrap-Over Skirt

• Cutting to Size
  Learn to cut fabric that matches your body.
  👉 In the future: you’ll always make clothes that fit properly.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: wasting fabric on clothes that don’t fit.
• Assembling Panels & Side Seams
  Learn how to join the skirt panels together with neat seams.
  👉 In the future: this skill will help you with dresses, trousers and blouses.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: seams that twist or pull out of line.
• Waistbands & Ties
  Learn how to make and attach waistbands and ties so they sit flat.
  👉 In the future: this is used in trousers, dresses, aprons and more.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: floppy or curling waistbands.
• Buttonholes
  Learn how to sew buttonholes with your machine.
  👉 In the future: you’ll add buttonholes to shirts, jackets and bags.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: untidy hand-sewn holes that unravel.
• Hemming
  Learn how to hem your skirt so it is straight and even.
  👉 In the future: hemming is needed for skirts, trousers, dresses and curtains.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: uneven hems that look untidy.

Project 3: Shell Top

• Facings with Interfacing
  Learn how to strengthen necklines with facings and interfacing so they hold their shape.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use this for necklines, collars and jackets.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: floppy, stretched-out edges.
• Shoulder & Side Seams
  Learn how to join the top together with seams that sit properly.
  👉 In the future: every garment you sew will fit and drape better.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: twisted or drooping seams.
• Finishing Necklines
  Learn how to sew facings that make your neckline lie flat.
  👉 In the future: you’ll make tops and dresses that look shop-bought.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: raw, uneven neckline edges.
• Overlocking & Pressing
  Learn how to finish and press seams so they are flat and neat.
  👉 In the future: this habit will make all your sewing look professional.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: bulky seams and frayed edges.
• Clipping Curves & Understitching
  Learn how to make curved seams sit smoothly.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use this for necklines, armholes and waistlines.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: puckered necklines and bumpy curves.
• Slits & Hems
  Learn how to sew neat hems and slits that look stylish and last.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use this in skirts, dresses and tunics.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: hems that tear or hang unevenly.

Project 4: Cushion Cover with Oxford Finish & Concealed Zip

• Cutting for Borders
  Learn how to cut fabric with allowance for borders so your cushion looks structured.
  👉 In the future: you’ll use this for bedding, duvets and home décor.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: floppy, uneven covers.
• Concealed Zip
  Learn how to sew a zip so neatly that it disappears into the seam.
  👉 In the future: you’ll put zips confidently into dresses, skirts and jackets.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: zips that bulge or get stuck.
• Oxford Borders & Corners
  Learn how to sew crisp borders and corners that give your cushion a luxury look.
  👉 In the future: you’ll add professional detail to quilts, table linen and décor.
  🚫 Mistake avoided: rounded, messy corners.