Introduction to using the sewing machine
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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.
- Start Date: 14 Sep 2025End Date: 14 Sep 2025Sun (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00
- Start Date: 09 Dec 2025End Date: 09 Dec 2025Tue (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00
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.
What is the course about?
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, how to use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing.
What will we cover?
We cover practical stitches, troubleshoot machine problems and learn about 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 demonstrations, hand-outs and for 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. Handouts are provided. All work can be completed 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/
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.