Get To Know Your Sewing Machine - 1st February

Get To Know Your Sewing Machine

Do you have a sewing machine yet to come out of its box? Perhaps it's been a few years since you've sewn and you're in need of a refresher? In this day course, Helen will guide you through the foundations of using your machine, giving you confidence with threading your machine, troubleshooting common issues, and producing a simple item by the end of the day. Choose between a simple cushion cover, tote bag, or apron as your project for the day. See below for futher details. 

Suitable For: Level 1 - Complete Beginner 

Course Duration: Saturday 1st February, 9.30am - 4pm

You will learn:

- How to thread your machine 

- How to wind your bobbin

- How to sew and neaten seams

- The foundations of machine sewing 

- Common troubleshooting and machine care

You will need to bring:

Tools:

- A sewing machine in good working order. Please note that a machine that has been sat unused for some time will likely need a service in order to run to its full potential. 

- Your sewing machine manual if you have it

- General sewing kit to include: scissors, tape measure, dress maker's pencil or other fabric marker, pins, needles, seam ripper

- Spare sewing machine needles

Materials:

Choose one of the following:

Cusion Cover: 

- 80cm cotton fabric

- Matching Thread

- 3 medium to large buttons (optional)

Apron: 

- 80cm cotton fabric

- 2 metres of webbing for ties or extra fabric to make your own

- Matching thread

Tote Bag:

- 80cm main fabric

- 80cm lining fabric. Cotton or other medium weight woven fabrics

- matching thread

Get 10% off your course materials at Truro Fabrics (excluding sewing machines). Please show your confirmation email at the till to access this discount. 

About Your Tutor:

Helen has a passion for sewing and textiles. Currently she does private tuition, workshops, commission sewing, repairs and alterations. 

She has over thirty years teaching experience, both with children and adults. She especially enjoys passing her knowledge onto others and seeing their delight in their achievements.

She enjoys time out gardening and walking her dog, Kelsey!

Workshops Class Levels

Level 1:

Complete Beginner
No previous experience required. You will have either never used a sewing machine before or haven’t used one in a long time enough to need to start from scratch. 

Level 2:

Beginner Plus
You’ll know the foundations of machine sewing and will have started to make simple projects such as tote bags or cushions. You are gaining confidence but are still fairly new to sewing.

Level 3:

Improvers 
You are gaining confidence in machine sewing and have maybe started to look at making your own clothes; you might have made a simple garment but are unfamiliar with pattern terminology and usage. 

Level 4:

Intermediate 
You have made multiple garments and are growing familiar with pattern terminology as well as multiple techniques in machine sewing.  You are looking to start using trickier fabrics or develop your dressmaking skills. 

Level 5:

Advanced
You are confident using patterns and making garments. You are now looking to develop your skills with fitting and adjusting patterns and garments. You are looking to take your sewing skills to a more technical level. 

Where to Find Us:

The Studio is located opposite our shop on Calenick Street. Look for the grey door with the pink signage next to the Moorfield Car Park and PIP Consultation centre. 

Cancellation Policy

Please note that all workshops are paid in full at the time of booking.

In the event that you need to cancel your workshop booking, we ask that you give at least two weeks’ notice.

Workshop fees are only refundable if the place can be resold and a £10 administration fee will be charged.

Places cancelled in less than two weeks prior to the workshop date are non-refundable.

If you cancel less than two weeks before your workshop date but are able to send a lucky friend in your place, no fee will be charged.

In this case, please ensure all details of the new attendee are confirmed with The Studio at Truro Fabrics.

We need a minimum number of students for a class to run. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel a workshop in the event of low numbers, tutor illness, or other unavoidable circumstances. In these rare instances, we will offer you your place on an alternative course or a full refund.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

We encourage attendees to bring their own sewing machines as it is best to learn on your own machine. In some circumsatances a machine can be loaned to you if you need one but we would need to know in advance. 

My machine hasn't been used for a long time, can I still use it for a workshop?

Yes you can! But we would advise getting a service beforehand. A machine that has been sat unused for some time may not run to its full potential without one. We are a drop off and collection point for Mid Cornwall Sewing Machines - speak to one of our staff for more information. 

I haven't had a confirmation email for my workshop? 

Sometimes our emails can end up in Spam or Junk folders instead of your Inbox. 

I would like to book a workshop as a gift for someone else, is that possible?

Absolutely! Just leave their name and contact details in the notes when you checkout!

Are your workshops suitable for children and teens?

Not all of our workshops are designed for young people. We do occasionally run classes specifically for children and teens but the majority of our classes are for adults only. If ever in doubt, you can contact us at [email protected] for more information.