Our Thursday sewing group have been busy learning new skills and creating beautiful handmade items.
Over the past 12 weeks, participants have learnt the fundamentals of sewing and crafted a variety of products such as pillowcases, makeup bags, and tote bags.
The course covered everything from understanding fabrics and sewing machine components to reading patterns and applying basic sewing techniques. Each week built on the previous week’s learning, ensuring everyone was able to support one another and increase their confidence and ability at the same pace.
This course was in high demand, and we are happy to share there are a few places left for next year, beginning on Wednesday 7th January 2026.
Please note: weekly attendance is essential, as skills learnt early on will be needed for later projects.
When: Every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm, starting Wednesday 7th January
Where: Big Dome, Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre, Edgbaston Reservoir, 79 Selwyn Road, Birmingham, B16 0SL
Course Content (may be subject to change):
Dates:
- Week 1 – 7th Jan
- Week 2 – 14th Jan
- Week 3 – 21st Jan
- Week 4 – 28th Jan
- Week 5 – 4th Feb
- Week 6 – 11th Feb
- 1-week break (half term)
- Week 7 – 25th Feb
- Week 8 – 4th March
- Week 9 – 11th March
- Week 10 – 18th March
- Week 11 – 25th March
- 2-week break (Easter)
- Week 12 – 15th April
Weeks 1-6:
- How to use fusible interfacing
- How to sew straight lines and how to finish them
- How to thread the machine, wind / insert the bobbin, how to thread the machine needle
- How to change the machine foot for different projects
- How to insert a new needle and why you use different needles
- How to trim / finish seam allowances and corners
- How to pin fabric together
- Create templates: various seam allowances, French seams, zig zag edges, etc.
Making:
- Fully lined tote bag
- Pillowcase
- Makeup bag / pencil case
Weeks 7-12:
- Tailor tacks and how to transfer markings
- Understand sewing pattern markings / grainlines / symbols
- Understand a sewing pattern and select your size
- How to sew darts, understanding their uses and construction
- How to correctly take your measurements
- Understand pattern matching and how much extra fabric you may need
- How to cut out fabric pieces using a sewing pattern
- How to alter the pattern to fit you
Making:
- 2 examples of drawstring bags
- Make a book cushion cover
- Create a project of your choice
Ready to book your place? please contact Maria – maria.chapman@bsettlement.org.uk
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.