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Close up of sewing machine and hands cutting fabric

How to use a Sewing Machine - Absolute Beginners

Funding area First step engagement
FOL/152135/Q/PF
Location:
The Robing Room, Folkestone
Start date:
15/09/2025
End date:
27/10/2025
Level:
Entry Level
Time:
13:30 - 16:00
Duration:
6 sessions
Course hours:
Course hours

Course hours are the total number of hours you'll spend being taught by your tutor. Self study time is not included within the course hours.

15 hours
Day of week:
MON
Tutor:
Janet Robinson
Price: £150.00 Concessions
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Who can join this course

This course is for complete beginners and those who would like to familiarise themselves with using a sewing machine.

This is one of our Tailored learning Entry level (Beginners) courses. This course is for learners who have not studied with us previously in the same subject area at Level 1 or above.
Eligible learners may enrol onto entry level courses in this subject area up to a maximum of 120 guided learning hours in total.
Please refer to our Course details for the subject area, and guided learning hours assigned to this course.
If you have already reached the maximum guided learning hours in this subject area and level, you should look to progress to courses at Level 1 (Improvers).

This course is aimed at those new to using a sewing machine, or with little or no previous experience. Those with some experience or who have already completed Beginners courses should consider our range of Level 1 (Improvers) courses.

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Is this course for me

Would you like to learn to use a sewing machine to make and alter clothes and soft furnishings? This Beginners course will focus on the basics of using a sewing machine. You will focus on sewing basic seams and commonly used techniques. You will work on a small individual project that will be discussed with the Tutor to use the techniques and skills learnt.

Our Creative Intent
Creativity is an essential aspect of human expression and plays a crucial role in fostering well-being and a sense of purpose.
The ambition of the Kent Adult Education Creative curriculum is to engage the community through an energetic and diverse programme offer planned to meet the varied needs and interests of Kent’s communities, thereby ensuring high quality learning is delivered across the county in dedicated adult education centres, online and in neighbourhood settings.
Creative courses aim to build confidence through learning, allowing students to express themselves, think critically, and collaborate with their peers. By empowering our students to become confident, imaginative, and adaptable learners, we aim to develop students' curiosity, resilience, and adaptability, preparing them for future challenges, opportunities, and personal development.

Course aims

By the end of the course you should be able to:

* Demonstrate how to thread machine and fill a bobbin
* Use a sewing machine to perform 3 basic stitches
* Produce an open seam showing 2 different edge finishes
* Explain the health and safety considerations for the tools and resources you have used

You will also be asked to think of Personal Aims to individualise your learning experience, as well as another benefits the course may have.

What will I need for my course

You do not need to bring any special equipment to the first class.
For subsequent classes you will be asked to bring a basic sewing kit. You will need to provide your own fabric and thread to make a simple project. We advise you to complete the first week before purchasing any patterns or fabric.
A folder or document wallet is useful to keep handouts. You may want to bring some paper to take notes during demonstrations.
Sewing machines are provided. If you wish to use your own sewing machine in the class, please bring a copy of the manual and ensure it has been recently serviced.

Non teaching dates

This course is scheduled to not be running on the following dates:

  • Monday, 20 October 2025

Additional Information

From 1st August 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) require that learners attending this course must identify their primary purpose for learning. This course is not available for learners whose main aim is to learn a hobby, or for leisure/pleasure.

To get the most out of your course we recommend you attend at least 85% of your sessions. If you do have a pre-arranged commitments booked during term time, please let the tutor know in advance so that we can help you catch up on missed sessions and ensure that you still achieve the course outcome.

Getting to your course

Find us

The Robing Room
The Robing Room
Studio GF12C
Folkestone
Kent
CT20 1JG

If you require any information about this location then please call 03000 41 22 22 and quote the Course Code FOL/152135/Q/PF.