Machine Sewing for Beginners - Bags - Arnold Library - Adult Learning

Arnold Library, Nottingham

Date	22 April - 20 May 2025
Sessions	Tuesdays: 10am - 12:30pm
No. sessions	5
Venue	Arnold Library, Nottingham View venue details
For ages	19+
Group size	5 - 8
Cost	FREE - £43.75

About this course

This course is for anyone who wants to learn to use a sewing machine, even if you have never touched one before. We will learn all about our machine from threading up, filling a bobbin and beginning to stitch, cutting patterns, adding pockets, zips and buttons and in the process make wonderful tote bags, phone cases and sewing accessories.

This course is your gateway to new and exciting sewing adventures.

We will start by getting to grips with our machine and making a simple envelope style bag for a notebook or mobile phone. We will then move on to larger shopping tote or craft bags containing zips, pockets and buttons. Additional time can be spent making sewing accessories such as pin cushions and scissor holders or embellishing our bags with beads or handmade fabric tags.

By the end of the course, you will:

Have at least two bags to take home and use
Be able to work safely and confidently with a sewing machine
Understand the importance of using the correct needles, feet and thread for the project
Understand how simple patterns are used and made to create bags and accessories
Be able to create and finish different types of seams
Fit a simple zip correctly
Create pockets and closures
Use bindings and create ties
Have an understanding of different types of fabric and thread and be able to choose the correct ones for the project

Resources required:

You will not need everything on the first day of the course

Fabric 2 meters of cotton or polycotton woven fabric, not stretch. Patterned or plain, something contrasting is nice for the bag lining. Old bed linen is good as are duvet covers
Polyester Thread – to match or contrast your fabric
Hand sewing kit can come in handy with pins, needles and scissors
Fabric iron on interfacing is handy if your fabric is thin (optional)

After week one

Wadding – flexible bag wadding 1 meter
Bias binding to match or contrast your fabric
Beads and buttons for decoration
Elastic, ribbon, embroidery thread or braid for decoration (not essential)
Any other fabric, thread or decorative items you might like to use

Suggested Reading for the course:

Very Easy Guide to Using Your Sewing Machine by Wendy Gardiner. Publication 2013  ISBN 13/EAN: 9781844488285
Half Yard Summer Collection by Debbie Shore. Publication 2021. ISBN 13/EAN: 9781782219286
Dressmaking: The Easy Guide by Hellen Rhiannon. Publication: 23 June 2023 ISBN 13/EAN: 9781782218913

Booking your place and fee information

If you are in receipt of certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course, please visit our webpage for further information https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/funding-your-courses/

To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING, AND
Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking. If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required). As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas: