Machine Sewing for Beginners - Cushions - Stapleford Library - Adult Learning

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 an array of wonderful cushions. 

This course your gateway to new and exciting sewing adventures.

The course will start by getting used to our machines and then we will dive straight in with our first cushion, a simple envelope fold cushion cover. We will move on to more elaborate cushions with zips and you can choose to make a sensory cushion or a reading cushion or carry on with comfy cushions or branch out into the world of pin cushions.  

Sensory cushions provide sensory and tactile stimulation for the restless or fidgety hands of someone with autism or dementia. They contain pockets, zips, beads and ribbons and they can also be made as a small lap quilt.  

Reading or book cushions have a large pocket to house a book, often have an extra pocket to house pencils or a handy snack and feature elasticated page keepers and a smart carry handle. 

By the end of the course, you will: 

• Have at least two cushions 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.  Old bed linen is good as are patterned duvet covers 
• Polyester Thread – to match or contrast your fabric 
• A cushion pad  
• Hand sewing kit can come in handy with pins, needles and scissors 

After week one you will need: 

• Beads, charms and buttons for decoration 
• Elastic wide in a colour to match your fabric 
• Ribbon, embroidery thread or braid for decoration 
• Any other fabric, thread, binding 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:

• Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Liverpool City Region
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
• Tees Valley
• West of England
• West Midlands
• West Yorkshire

Any questions?

Check the FAQs page, or get in touch:

• By phone: 01623 677 200
• By email: learning@inspireculture.org.uk

Book online with Eventbrite

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