Classes - What to Bring (Requirements Lists) - Learn to Sew (5 week course)
General
- Sewing Machine, power lead, foot pedal and the Instruction Book
- Spare Machine Bobbins that fit your machine
- Universal Sewing Machine Needles (preferably size 80 and 90 )
- Pins
- Wonder clips
- Safety pins
- Unpicker/ Seam Ripper
- Scissors - one pair for cutting out fabric; one pair for paper and a small pair for snipping threads and clipping fabrics
- Marking tools (chalk, iron off/wash off pens, chalk pencils)
- Pen, pencil and notebook
- 30cm ruler
- Tape measure
- Thread (preferably Gutermann Sew All)
Project Requirements
- 0.5m (50cm) of calico or similar medium weight furnishing fabric/canvas to use for making samples. It needs to be plain rather than patterned and you need to be able to write on it with a standard biro.
- Contrasting thread
- 0.5m (50cm) of 140cm wide fabric or 0.7m (70cm) of 110cm wide fabric to make a sample cushion cover.
- Matching thread.
- Button to practise buttonholes – maximum 2.5cm in diameter.
- 16”, 18” or 20” Cushion pad
Note
There will be additional fabric and notion requirements for the other weeks but these will be discussed in the first couple of weeks.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course you will:
- Understand what equipment you need to start with; what each element is used for and when
- Be aware of different fabric types and what’s best to use as a beginner
- Understand what functions your sewing machine has and when/how to use them
- Be able to thread your machine and wind a bobbin
- Know what feet your machine has; when to use them; what’s available in addition and know how to use a standard foot, satin foot and over edge foot (if you have them)
- Be able to change your sewing machine needle and foot
- Have practised sewing in a straight line and on a curve with a variety of stitch styles, lengths & widths and know when to use them
- Understand about tension and when to change it
- Take home samples of stitches for future reference
- Know when to use backstitch
- Be able to sew a seam and finish it
- Know how to topstitch
- Understand some of the common reasons why your machine might not work how you to expect it to and what to do if these happen
- Be able to clean your machine; know what needles to use for which projects, how and when to change them and where/when to get your sewing machine serviced
- Understand the importance of ironing/pressing and how to press effectively
- Know how to stiffen fabrics; what types of stiffener are available and when to use them
- Know what to look for when buying a machine if you don’t own one
- Have a good idea of what you will make next and how to go about it.
All Machine Sewing Classes
We do not provide sewing machines for classes as we believe that you will learn more from using your own machine. If your machine is too heavy to lift; let us know before the class and we can make exception by prior arrangement.
We can help you to get your sewing machine from your car to the workshop space upstairs if you pull up outside the shop on the double yellow lines to drop it off. Then you can go and park in the car park behind.
Lunch Breaks
If your class goes over lunchtime you can either:
- Bring your lunch with you
- Pre-order your lunch from the lovely cafe opposite the shop (The Commute).
Our classes generally only break for a maximum 30 minutes so there isn't really time to go out and buy lunch during the day.