Archive | Beginners

Setting Up A Sewing Machine

By Alison Warner on January 10, 2021 in Beginners, How To Use A Sewing Machine, Online courses and classes, Uncategorized

In progress

module 1 – Welcome

In progress

module 2 – Winding Bobbins and Threading your Machine

In progress

module 3 – Starting To Sew

In progress

finger pointing at sewing machine needle

module 4 – Maintenance and Resources

In progress

module 5 – The complete video

In this online course you can work through the modules and lessons at your own pace. Re-watch modules as needed and dip in and out of whenever you need a little reminder.

If you like our tutorial please do drop us a line at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com or better still leave us a review on Google or Facebook. Thank you

Beginners 3 day Get into Sewing Course

By Alison Warner on May 10, 2017 in Beginners, Dressmaking Courses & Sewing Cafe

This complete beginners sewing course will set you of on new crafting adventures

Day 1- We will complete the How to Use a sewing machine class and make a tote bag to keep our sewing projects in along with a cute pin cushion.

Day 2 – We will create some useful samples that can be referred to in the future, these will include seams hems and hand and machine sewing techniques.

Day 3 – We will start the day finding out about pattern terms and then cut out and make up a pair of pj bottoms

Skill level- Complete beginner

AIMS OF THE COURSE

To teach you the skills you need to become confident with using a sewing machine and following simple patterns and make some simple projects

What to Bring to the class-

You may wish to bring your own Sewing Machine if you have one

All materials are provided for this course

Classes start at 10am and finish at 3.30pm

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

How to Use your Overlocker

By Alison Warner on September 13, 2016 in Beginners, Dressmaking Projects, How To Use A Sewing Machine

The ever scary overlocker, if you own one and feel its missing its potential, bring it along to this class and we will spend some time discussing and practicing the different stitches and techniques available on your machine and then we will put them into practice and make a simple T shirt.

Class level – Intermediate, you will have sewn other easy to make garments and have good basic sewing knowledge. Have access to and be able to bring your own overlocker to the class along with the manual for the machine.

The topics we aim to cover are:

We aim to cover the points on the list below. Depending on how many questions you have, we may not get a chance to cover everything – please let us know if there is something specific you really want help with before you leave if we don’t cover it in the class.

We aim to teach you the skills you will need to improve your overlocker use. You will make an easy to wear Tshirt using your overlocker and samples that can be referred to in the future All fabrics are included for the class

Specifically you will learn;

Overlocker techniques
Stitches and how to change them
Using stitch and tear interfacing
Attaching a continuous neck band
Working with different fabrics
The Overlocker rolled hem

What you need to bring to the class:

An Overlocker and any accessories you have
Your overlocker manual (important)

Maximum class size 4

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Handbag – The Fiesta Tote

By Alison Warner on March 25, 2015 in Accessories, Beginners

Ideal for newcomers and also those that have dabbled in bag making! The Fiesta Tote is a lovely bag designed by Mrs H.

Learn basic handbag construction methods and leave with a well finished, lined handbag and skills that you can apply to many different sewing projects. There are options for zip pockets and various handle choices.

Included in the cost of the class is a copy of the Mrs H, Fiesta Tote Bag pattern

Level -Basic knowledge of using a sewing machine is needed for this class.

The topics we aim to cover are:

Basic bag making techniques
The importance of interfacing/ stabilising in bag making
Creating a shaped bag base
Adding hardware to the bag
Ideas for making further bags using the pattern
Adding a magnetic popper closure to a handbag
Making zip pockets (optional)

Materials needed:

You will need to bring along

50cm main outer fabric
75cm lining fabric
Matching thread
3m 40mm wide webbing for the full bag or 2m 40mm wide webbing for the simpler option. Additionally for the full bag you will need bag hardware
2 x 9 inch zips
2 x swivel hooks
2 x 40mm D rings
1 x 40mm slider
1 x magnetic snap

Included in the class cost is a copy of the Tote Pattern for you to keep, foam stabiliser and interfacing.

Class cost without hardware, webbing and zips £65.00

We also have bag making packs available which includes webbing, zips and all the hardware needed to make the full bag at an additional cost of £15.00 available in Black or Navy which can be purchased on the day of the class.

Tutor – Sue Bridger

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

How To Use A Sewing Machine

By jacqui on November 6, 2014 in Beginners, How To Use A Sewing Machine

A class for absolute beginners and a fantastic course to get you on your way – learn how to thread and operate a sewing machine confidently. Take your samples home with you and have everything you need to refer to in the future. This is one of our favourite sessions as it’s like teaching someone to drive, as soon as you get it, you’re on your way. Scheduled classes are shown at the bottom of the page.
Class level- Total beginner / Refresher

What we will cover in this session

We aim to cover the list below, but depending on how many questions you may have we may not get a chance to cover everything – please let us know if there is something specific you really want help with before you leave which we haven’t covered.

How to thread the machine

How to wind on the bobbin and insert the bobbin

Stitching straight, curves and corners

ZigZag stitches and stretch stitches

Understanding tension and problem solving tension issues

Importance of a completing the stitch cycle

Reversing

Importance of steering the fabric

Machine feet and how to use them

Have a go at creating seams a rolled hem and applique

Understanding which needles to use with different fabrics

Basic troubleshooting

What you need to bring with you

Nothing! All is provided, but if you have one you may wish to bring your own machine to get the best from the class

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Hand Sewing

By jacqui on November 6, 2014 in Beginners

Some hand made pants, threads and scissors

This class is for anyone who would like to gain confidence with hand sewing techniques that can be used to finish projects or mend garments. In the class we show you how to handle fabric and finish projects with lovely neat stitches. You will go home with samples that we have tried out different stitch techniques on. Scheduled classes are listed at the end of the page Skill level- Beginner/Refresher

What we aim to achieve

Hemming stitches

Slip stitch

Sewing on a buttons

Thread loops

What you need to bring

Everything is provided for this class

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Beginner’s Sewing Masterclass

By jacqui on November 6, 2014 in Beginners

This is great class if you know a little sewing – so long as you can use a machine you will be able to handle this class no problem. We will show you techniques that you will use time and time again. Knowing a few simple techniques will help you go a long way to complete all sorts of projects whether used in craft, dressmaking of furnishings. You will leave with a folder of samples to refer to in the future.

Class level – Beginner

What we will cover in the session

We aim to cover the following in the lessons

Convex curves
Concave curves
Darts
French Seams
Facings
Hems
Buttonholes
Simple zip
Piping

What you need to bring with you

All materials are provided for this class

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Beginner’s Patchwork

By jacqui on November 6, 2014 in Beginners, Home Furnishings, Patchwork & Quilting

Different fabrics and tools for patchworking

Have you often looked at quilts on line and in books and wondered where to start? Well, this is the class for you. In this one day workshop we take the mystery out of ‘modern’ patchwork using a sewing machine and hopefully kick start your creative side to produce easy but effective patchwork items (quilts/table runners/cushions) for all your friends and family. A full day packed with tips and inspiration that will have you going home with a small project and big ideas.

The topics we aim to cover in this lesson

Fabric Terminology

Handling your fabric

Rotary Cutting – Equipment and use

Basic Sewing Machine Use

Achieving an accurate 1/4” seam

Pressing

Nine Patch Blocks

Easy triangle Blocks

Using the blocks you create we will make a simple table runner

Materials Needed:

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own please advise us at the time of booking. If bringing your own machine, a 1/4” foot would be useful, but not essential. You will also need to bring along 4 coordinating cotton fabrics these will need to be 50cm X 60cm (fat quarters) and a thread in a colour that blends with all your fabrics.

We will supply Batting (wadding) to complete your table runner

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Patchwork table runner with wooden bowl — Beginners Patchwork table runner

Free Motion Machine Embroidery

By jacqui on November 6, 2014 in Beginners, Free Motion Machine Embroidery

In the 4 hour class you will learn how to hoop up your fabric and set your machine up ready to create wonderfully wobbly lines. You’ll then get to grips with using your machine without feed dogs, ‘drawing’ with your machine and adding splashes of colour with fabrics.

By the end of the class you’ll have a selection of sample pieces and have created your very own framed card to take away.
Not artistic? No sewing experience? No problem! This fun, versatile technique has no rules and knows no boundaries, you are free to create with it as you fancy. Learn to use your sewing machine to create works of art.
Class level – All levels

The Topics we aim to cover are:

Setting up your machine for FME
Tools required
Hooping
Fabric choice and preparing your fabric
Thread choice
Needle choice
Transferring designs
Where to find inspiration
Applications for FME
Great practice ideas
Creating backgrounds
Resolving issues
Learning good FME habits

What will I need to Bring

All fabrics and tools are provided for this class

Tutor

Meg Harris

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.