Introduction to Sewing: Your First Garment (5 weeks)

Course overview

Take your first steps into the world of machine sewing!  

Join us for a great introduction to machine sewing; perfect for building confidence in your new skills and discover the satisfaction of creating your own clothes, guided by expert tutor Helen Cauvy-Foster. 

This sewing course is specially designed for complete beginners or those with minimal experience. You’ll learn essential sewing machine skills while creating a pair of elasticated trousers with patch pockets.  

You will learn how to thread a sewing machine and master essential sewing techniques, including sewing seams and hems, and how to work with stable woven fabrics so that you can confidently sew independently. 

You will also learn how to complete a toile (a garment made in calico fabric used to adjust the pattern) and you’ll gain the confidence to complete the trousers using a sewing machine. 

 

This course is specially designed for complete beginners or those with minimal experience.  

By the end of this course you will have made a pair of elasticated trousers with patch pockets. 

 

You will develop skills and confidence through practical, hands-on sessions: 

  • Threading and sewing with a machine 
  • Key sewing and measuring techniques 
  • Following commercial pattern instructions and information 
  • Accurately cutting fabric from a pattern 
  • Garment construction skills such as seam allowance, top stitching and hems 
  • Fabric overview and how to work with woven fabrics 

You will be provided with 1.5 metres of calico.  

You will need a non-stretch woven fabric for your trousers. The fabric will be discussed during the first lesson, so there is no need to purchase any for the start of the course. However, it may be a good idea to make a trip to the shops beforehand to get an idea of what fabric non-stretch woven fabric is out there and what you might like to use. 

 

Please bring a basic sewing kit if you have it:  

  • Fabric scissors 
  • Paper scissors 
  • Pins 
  • Tape measure 
  • Un-picker 

After having completed this introduction course, ‘Sewing Progression: Crafting Your Next Garment – Tunic Tops and Beyond’ would be an ideal next step to progress your skills.

Course Starts in 311 Days

Tue 24 February 2026

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Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OXAEL013EA

Meet the tutors

We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.

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