Sewing Machine Techniques for Beginners - Part-time

Key details

Course area: Fashion and Textiles
Student type: Courses for 19+ students
Course type: Part-time Further Education course
Course level: Entry Level
Start date: Tuesday 22nd September 2026
End date: Tuesday 8th December 2026
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Economic Development Centre
Fees: £125.00
Course code: Parent course code:C060703 Child course code: Q060704

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Course introduction

Community courses are “first steps” for adults to learn new skills, develop confidence, meet others in welcoming classroom. The purpose of courses is to support students into further learning or employment (paid or voluntary).

This practical course for complete beginners who want to learn how to use a sewing machine with confidence. you'll be taught step by step experienced by an experienced tutors in a well-equipped sewing room, each week builds on the last, so you'll feel supported has your skills grow. Learn to sew from scratch in a friendly, supportive class. Over the 10 weeks you’ll learn how to thread and use a machine safely, Master straight and curved stitching, and try key techniques including seams, hems, zips, buttons, darts and gathering.

You’ll also learn how to work with different fabrics and use specialist machine feet. In the final weeks you’ll plan and make your own small project, such as a tote bag or cushion cover.

Specific knowledge and skills:

Knowledge: Parts of sewing machine, health and safety, needles/threads/fabrics, garment construction terms.

Skills: Independent machine setup, accurate stitching, 3 seam and hem types, inserting a zip, sewing buttons, creating darts/gathers, adjusting tension for different fabrics, using a specialist feet

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Set up and thread a sewing machine safely and independently.
Sew accurately with consistent seam allowances on straight and curved lines.
Complete a range of seams, hems and finishes.
Insert a zip and sew on a button to a professional finish.
Adapt machine settings for different fabrics.
Use machine feet to improve accuracy.
Plan and complete a finished sewing project.
Produce a portfolio of technique samples for future reference.

You should attend regularly and arrive on time to make best progress on course.

You will complete a short diary weekly in class time, to record your progress and receive written tutor feedback.

You will use Microsoft Teams whilst on the course. Microsoft Teams is a free, safe online app used by Nottingham College for tutors to contact students.

Using Teams will also enable you to develop and feel confident using digital skills.

For more information on using Microsoft Teams and the induction process, please visit our Induction Information for Community Students page.

Course information

Qualification

College Certificate

Entry Requirements

You must be aged 19+ and have a good standard of English as you will be required to complete a short workbook with the help of your tutor.

Teaching & Assessment

No formal qualifications or experience is required.

You should attend regularly, be punctual and have a good standard of written and spoken English.

All students are required to complete a mandatory course workbook (Unique Learning Programme) each week, with the support of their course tutor.

Progression

The course tutor can discuss appropriate opportunities for if you wish to further your learning in this subject area. Information will be made available to you about other course opportunities at Nottingham College. You will have the opportunity to access external Careers Guidance to aid your next steps.

Additional Information

Please bring the following basic tools and equipment: