Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.
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.
Individual use of a Bernina sewing machine will allow you to practice and build confidence in sewing. You will learn how to set up and, thread the sewing machine and, use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.
What will we cover?
You will learn how to sew practical stitches, troubleshoot problems and learn general maintenance of the sewing machine.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of the sewing machine. - Apply your learning working with the machine to stitch practical seams and hems - Be competent in using tools and equipment safely - Identify and use different machine feet to create samples - Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference - Be able to undertake basic machine maintenance.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For beginners or those who wish to improve their basic sewing machine skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning and, for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. 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. All work can be complete during the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course You may wish to bring a notebook/ folder to record your learning and collate your samples.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can develop your skills further by enrolling onto the popular Introduction to Clothesmaking course, Sewing on Sundays I or an Introductory Textiles course. Please browse the website for more details on 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.
Renata Minoldo is an artist and educator exploring the physical and emotional body through textiles, sculpture and experiences with people. She has academic training in Textiles and Visual Arts and hands on experience in the Textile Industry working in London, New York and Buenos Aires. She is interested in alternative ways to approaching art education, aiming to stimulate an intuitive learning and focusing on the individual processes and needs. She works with a wide variety of people, from children in galleries and primary schools to teenagers and older adults in community centres, charities and public spaces. Her work has been awarded with residencies internationally. https://www.renataminoldo.com/
Selina LatourSee moreSee less
I am a textile artist, craft educator, and workshop facilitator whose interest in textiles is deeply rooted in their history of community building and pedagogies of care. Alongside hand processes such as mending, sewing, knitting, and weaving, I embrace digital tools to develop my ideas, working between digital design and material making. Originally from Montreal, Canada, I hold a BFA from NSCAD University (2016) and an MFA in Fibres from Concordia University (2023). I began my teaching career during my Master’s and since moving to London in 2024, have worked as a Technical Demonstrator in Fashion and Textiles at Buckinghamshire New University, and as a Sewing Tutor at City Liy and Richmond Adult Community College. I also regularly facilitate public mending and textile workshops at The Remakery and Fix It Collective, which are both community spaces focused on creative reuse and repair.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine233958Introduction to using the sewing machinehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj130_2.jpg149149GBPInStock/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/Beginners courses in art & design228511321155115717901360812285113211551653Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.74.9https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/_/c_sewing_and_clothesmaking_4_1.jpg3030250Introduction to using the sewing machine149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj130_2_31.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-12-08T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersDec 2026Art & designVJ132149149Introduction to using the sewing machine149149149Renata Minoldointroduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj132-2627Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.0000-Available|2026-12-08 00:00:00Individual use of a Bernina sewing machine will allow you to practice and build confidence in sewing. You will learn how to set up and, thread the sewing machine and, use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.<br/>You will learn how to sew practical stitches, troubleshoot problems and learn general maintenance of the sewing machine.<br/> - Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of the sewing machine.<br/> - Apply your learning working with the machine to stitch practical seams and hems<br/> - Be competent in using tools and equipment safely<br/> - Identify and use different machine feet to create samples<br/> - Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/> - Be able to undertake basic machine maintenance.<br/>For beginners or those who wish to improve their basic sewing machine skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning and, for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. 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. All work can be complete during the class.Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course<br/> You may wish to bring a notebook/ folder to record your learning and collate your samples.You can develop your skills further by enrolling onto the popular Introduction to Clothesmaking course, Sewing on Sundays I or an Introductory Textiles course. Please browse the website for more details on our upcoming courses.<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 & textilesClothesmakingvirtual3030247Introduction to using the sewing machine149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj130_2_32.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-09-13T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVJ130149149Introduction to using the sewing machine149149149Renata Minoldointroduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj130-2627Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.0000-Available|2026-09-13 00:00:00Individual use of a Bernina sewing machine will allow you to practice and build confidence in sewing. You will learn how to set up and, thread the sewing machine and, use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.<br/>You will learn how to sew practical stitches, troubleshoot problems and learn general maintenance of the sewing machine.<br/> - Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of the sewing machine.<br/> - Apply your learning working with the machine to stitch practical seams and hems<br/> - Be competent in using tools and equipment safely<br/> - Identify and use different machine feet to create samples<br/> - Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/> - Be able to undertake basic machine maintenance.<br/>For beginners or those who wish to improve their basic sewing machine skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning and, for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. 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. All work can be complete during the class.Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course<br/> You may wish to bring a notebook/ folder to record your learning and collate your samples.You can develop your skills further by enrolling onto the popular Introduction to Clothesmaking course, Sewing on Sundays I or an Introductory Textiles course. Please browse the website for more details on our upcoming courses.<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 & textilesClothesmakingvirtual3067078Introduction to using the sewing machine149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj130_2_33.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-01-10T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Art & designVJ131149149Introduction to using the sewing machine149149149Selina Latourintroduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj131-2627Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.0000-Available|2027-01-10 00:00:00Individual use of a Bernina sewing machine will allow you to practice and build confidence in sewing. You will learn how to set up and, thread the sewing machine and, use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.<br/>You will learn how to sew practical stitches, troubleshoot problems and learn general maintenance of the sewing machine.<br/> - Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of the sewing machine.<br/> - Apply your learning working with the machine to stitch practical seams and hems<br/> - Be competent in using tools and equipment safely<br/> - Identify and use different machine feet to create samples<br/> - Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/> - Be able to undertake basic machine maintenance.<br/>For beginners or those who wish to improve their basic sewing machine skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning and, for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. 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. All work can be complete during the class.Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course<br/> You may wish to bring a notebook/ folder to record your learning and collate your samples.You can develop your skills further by enrolling onto the popular Introduction to Clothesmaking course, Sewing on Sundays I or an Introductory Textiles course. Please browse the website for more details on our upcoming courses.<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 & textilesClothesmakingvirtual3067081Introduction to using the sewing machine149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/j/vj130_2_34.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-04-11T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2027Art & designVJ134149149Introduction to using the sewing machine149149149Selina Latourintroduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj134-2627Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.0000-Available|2027-04-11 00:00:00Individual use of a Bernina sewing machine will allow you to practice and build confidence in sewing. You will learn how to set up and, thread the sewing machine and, use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.<br/>You will learn how to sew practical stitches, troubleshoot problems and learn general maintenance of the sewing machine.<br/> - Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of the sewing machine.<br/> - Apply your learning working with the machine to stitch practical seams and hems<br/> - Be competent in using tools and equipment safely<br/> - Identify and use different machine feet to create samples<br/> - Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/> - Be able to undertake basic machine maintenance.<br/>For beginners or those who wish to improve their basic sewing machine skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning and, for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. 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. All work can be complete during the class.Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course<br/> You may wish to bring a notebook/ folder to record your learning and collate your samples.You can develop your skills further by enrolling onto the popular Introduction to Clothesmaking course, Sewing on Sundays I or an Introductory Textiles course. Please browse the website for more details on our upcoming courses.<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 & textilesClothesmakingvirtual149149149VJ132,VJ130,VJ131,VJ134NONETue,Sun13/09/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:001 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekday,WeekendKSKeeley StreetRenata Minoldo,Selina LatourBeginnersAvailable courses2026-12-08T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-13T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-10T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-11T00:00:00+00:00Dec 2026,Sep 2026,Jan 2027,Apr 2027Art & design149149Introduction to using the sewing machineintroduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj132-2627,introduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj130-2627,introduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj131-2627,introduction-to-using-the-sewing-machine/vj134-2627Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.0000-Available|2026-09-13 00:00:00Individual use of a Bernina sewing machine will allow you to practice and build confidence in sewing. You will learn how to set up and, thread the sewing machine and, use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.Ideal for beginners, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, its different components, how to troubleshoot and look after your machine. You will also learn different basic sewing techniques to start your journey into the world of sewing.<br/>You will learn how to sew practical stitches, troubleshoot problems and learn general maintenance of the sewing machine.<br/> - Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of the sewing machine.<br/> - Apply your learning working with the machine to stitch practical seams and hems<br/> - Be competent in using tools and equipment safely<br/> - Identify and use different machine feet to create samples<br/> - Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference<br/> - Be able to undertake basic machine maintenance.<br/>For beginners or those who wish to improve their basic sewing machine skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning and, for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. 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. All work can be complete during the class.Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course<br/> You may wish to bring a notebook/ folder to record your learning and collate your samples.You can develop your skills further by enrolling onto the popular Introduction to Clothesmaking course, Sewing on Sundays I or an Introductory Textiles course. Please browse the website for more details on our upcoming courses.<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
