Sewing for Beginners

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Ages 16+

Course Dates & Times

Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 July 2025
10am–5pm

About Sewing for Beginners 

This two-day course will teach you core sewing techniques and will equip you with confidence to use a sewing machine. Whether you are looking to get into costume design, create your own fashion garments, or are just looking to make more sustainable choices by creating or repairing existing clothes within your wardrobe, this course is for you. 
 

Who is the course for?

Anyone interested in learning core sewing skills. The course is suitable for complete beginners or those wanting to refresh existing knowledge.

What can I expect?

You will make the following three items using a sewing machine: a simple origami bag, a zipped pouch, and elasticated waisted pyjama bottoms/lounge trousers. The course will be practical.

You can expect to learn about:

• How to use a sewing machine
• Straight stitching
• Pressing
• Putting in a zip

Do I need anything for the course?

You will need to bring:

• Your own sewing machine (please note that this is optional, we encourage you to bring your own sewing machine if you can to ensure that you familiarise yourself with it, but please let us know if you can't and we will have one available for you during the course)
• Fabric (to be confirmed)
• Basic sewing kit containing the below: 
  
  • Fabric scissors
  • Pins
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Ruler
  • Tailors chalk

Please get in touch with the Short Courses Team at shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk if you have any questions about the above. 

Course Fee

£275

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Eligibility

• We welcome participants from all ages 16 and over
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course 

About the Course Tutor

This course is taught by Nikki Weston. 

Nikki started sewing at the age of five and has been making throughout her life. Before going to university to study costume construction in 2019 she worked for the Home Office but was always teaching sewing and making for herself. 

In the last four years she has worked as a dresser, wardrobe manager, costume supervisor and maker for TV, theatre and opera. Achieving a first class honours degree last year has led her to working on productions at Guildhall School and teaching Costume students.

Most recently she has worked for Evolution Productions on ten pantomimes.