Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
You will learn how to achieve a professional finish through making fabric samples of various methods for seams, pockets, facings and hems. You will learn how to read basic patterns so you can cut out basic samples. Skills can also be developed through practising on a basic top sample for which the tutor will supply the pattern.
What will we cover?
With individual use of a Bernina sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up tops. Seams will include plain, zigzag and French. You will also produce samples of darts, pockets and hems. Pressing and finishing will also be covered. You will have the opportunity to practise on samples and make up a top sample within the class, using techniques learnt.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Demonstrate basic machine sewing techniques • Use the sewing machine with increased confidence • Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference • Produce a basic top Advanced learners will: • Produce extra samples techniques on a challenging fabric.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is ideal for complete beginners to clothes making. No previous experience required. This is an introductory course where you can learn the basic sewing machine skills and techniques used to produce a basic top. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through demonstrations, discussions, workshop practice, one to one instruction and guidance. Some tasks may need to be undertaken at home in order to be completed, for example cutting out samples.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. Basic materials are provided and you will be advised on what other items you will need between sessions. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers progression courses in Fashion such as Clothesmaking I, II and III and Pattern cutting courses. Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.
Silvia Sacrestano is a Italian fashion print designer graduated from Central Saint Martin’s year 2000, working as a freelance artist for fashion, community projects, museums and academic schools as: Fashion textile print designer, screen print designer, carnival costume artist, pattern cutter ,clothes making & soft furnishing ,combining cad embroidery, felt making, art, craft & food for the wellbeing. Silvia is a creative, young spirited person, full of energy always looking for exciting projects to share & to work in collaboration with other creative minds & students. She is organized, patient, with lots of artistic skills, looks for challenges, specialised in working with children, families & adults. Silvia is based in central London; she is interested in helping the community by sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm & artistic tools of self-expression. She infuses others with her passion, to inspire and to be inspired. By participating in her workshops you will feel energetic, have fun and be creative, whilst exploring visual imagination & wellbeing. You will use experimental and innovative techniques with a unique artistic approach.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-clothes-making233793Introduction to clothes makinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro_to_clothesmaking_2022.jpg289289GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Clothesmaking/Courses/vm/Courses for Making Your Own Art/Courses/vm/Creative courses/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design/Courses/vm/Summer Art School Offers228511321155115717908673136081372612285113211551653Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.44.5https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/introduction_to_clothes_making_silvia.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj110_1a.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj110_5a.jpg2564140Introduction to clothes making289289https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro_to_clothesmaking_2022_46.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-02-13T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersFeb 2026Art & designVJ112289289Introduction to clothes making231188289Silvia Sacrestanointroduction-to-clothes-making/vj112-2526Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.0000-Available|2026-02-13 00:00:00You will learn how to achieve a professional finish through making fabric samples of various methods for seams, pockets, facings and hems. You will learn how to read basic patterns so you can cut out basic samples. Skills can also be developed through practising on a basic top sample for which the tutor will supply the pattern.Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.With individual use of a Bernina sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up tops. Seams will include plain, zigzag and French. You will also produce samples of darts, pockets and hems. Pressing and finishing will also be covered. You will have the opportunity to practise on samples and make up a top sample within the class, using techniques learnt.• Demonstrate basic machine sewing techniques <br/>• Use the sewing machine with increased confidence<br/>• Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/>• Produce a basic top<br/>Advanced learners will:<br/>• Produce extra samples techniques on a challenging fabric.This course is ideal for complete beginners to clothes making. No previous experience required. This is an introductory course where you can learn the basic sewing machine skills and techniques used to produce a basic top.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.<br/>Through demonstrations, discussions, workshop practice, one to one instruction and guidance. Some tasks may need to be undertaken at home in order to be completed, for example cutting out samples.Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. Basic materials are provided and you will be advised on what other items you will need between sessions. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.City Lit offers progression courses in Fashion such as Clothesmaking I, II and III and Pattern cutting courses.<br/>Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.<br/><br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.Fashion & textilesClothesmakingvirtual2564143Introduction to clothes making289289https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro_to_clothesmaking_2022_47.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2026Art & designVJ113289289Introduction to clothes making231188289Silvia Sacrestanointroduction-to-clothes-making/vj113-2526Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.0000-Available|2026-04-24 00:00:00You will learn how to achieve a professional finish through making fabric samples of various methods for seams, pockets, facings and hems. You will learn how to read basic patterns so you can cut out basic samples. Skills can also be developed through practising on a basic top sample for which the tutor will supply the pattern.Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.With individual use of a Bernina sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up tops. Seams will include plain, zigzag and French. You will also produce samples of darts, pockets and hems. Pressing and finishing will also be covered. You will have the opportunity to practise on samples and make up a top sample within the class, using techniques learnt.• Demonstrate basic machine sewing techniques <br/>• Use the sewing machine with increased confidence<br/>• Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/>• Produce a basic top<br/>Advanced learners will:<br/>• Produce extra samples techniques on a challenging fabric.This course is ideal for complete beginners to clothes making. No previous experience required. This is an introductory course where you can learn the basic sewing machine skills and techniques used to produce a basic top.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.<br/>Through demonstrations, discussions, workshop practice, one to one instruction and guidance. Some tasks may need to be undertaken at home in order to be completed, for example cutting out samples.Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. Basic materials are provided and you will be advised on what other items you will need between sessions. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.City Lit offers progression courses in Fashion such as Clothesmaking I, II and III and Pattern cutting courses.<br/>Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.<br/><br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.Fashion & textilesClothesmakingvirtual2564146Introduction to clothes making379379https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro_to_clothesmaking_2022_48.jpgInStockDaytimeTue-FriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-21T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJul 2026Art & designVJ114379379Introduction to clothes making303246379Silvia Sacrestanointroduction-to-clothes-making/vj114-2526Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.0000-Available|2026-07-21 00:00:00You will learn how to achieve a professional finish through making fabric samples of various methods for seams, pockets, facings and hems. You will learn how to read basic patterns so you can cut out basic samples. Skills can also be developed through practising on a basic top sample for which the tutor will supply the pattern.Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.With individual use of a Bernina sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up tops. Seams will include plain, zigzag and French. You will also produce samples of darts, pockets and hems. Pressing and finishing will also be covered. You will have the opportunity to practise on samples and make up a top sample within the class, using techniques learnt.• Demonstrate basic machine sewing techniques <br/>• Use the sewing machine with increased confidence<br/>• Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/>• Produce a basic top<br/>Advanced learners will:<br/>• Produce extra samples techniques on a challenging fabric.This course is ideal for complete beginners to clothes making. No previous experience required. This is an introductory course where you can learn the basic sewing machine skills and techniques used to produce a basic top.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.<br/>Through demonstrations, discussions, workshop practice, one to one instruction and guidance. Some tasks may need to be undertaken at home in order to be completed, for example cutting out samples.Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. Basic materials are provided and you will be advised on what other items you will need between sessions. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.City Lit offers progression courses in Fashion such as Clothesmaking I, II and III and Pattern cutting courses.<br/>Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.<br/><br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.Fashion & textilesClothesmakingvirtual231,303289,379188,246VJ112,VJ113,VJ114NONEFri,Tue-Fri13/02/26 - 20/03/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeks,1 to 4 weeksEvening,DaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSilvia SacrestanoBeginnersAvailable courses2026-02-13T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-21T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2026,Apr 2026,Jul 2026Art & design289289,379Introduction to clothes makingintroduction-to-clothes-making/vj112-2526,introduction-to-clothes-making/vj113-2526,introduction-to-clothes-making/vj114-2526Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.0000-Available|2026-02-13 00:00:00You will learn how to achieve a professional finish through making fabric samples of various methods for seams, pockets, facings and hems. You will learn how to read basic patterns so you can cut out basic samples. Skills can also be developed through practising on a basic top sample for which the tutor will supply the pattern.Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then you will construct a simple garment.With individual use of a Bernina sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up tops. Seams will include plain, zigzag and French. You will also produce samples of darts, pockets and hems. Pressing and finishing will also be covered. You will have the opportunity to practise on samples and make up a top sample within the class, using techniques learnt.• Demonstrate basic machine sewing techniques <br/>• Use the sewing machine with increased confidence<br/>• Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/>• Produce a basic top<br/>Advanced learners will:<br/>• Produce extra samples techniques on a challenging fabric.This course is ideal for complete beginners to clothes making. No previous experience required. This is an introductory course where you can learn the basic sewing machine skills and techniques used to produce a basic top.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.<br/>Through demonstrations, discussions, workshop practice, one to one instruction and guidance. Some tasks may need to be undertaken at home in order to be completed, for example cutting out samples.Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. Basic materials are provided and you will be advised on what other items you will need between sessions. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.City Lit offers progression courses in Fashion such as Clothesmaking I, II and III and Pattern cutting courses.<br/>Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.<br/><br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.Fashion & textilesClothesmakingconfigurable
