BEGINNERS MACHINE SEWING TECHNIQUES

BEGINNERS MACHINE SEWING TECHNIQUES
SAT 24 JAN 2026 / 10 - 4
One day course with Dot n Cross

COST: £110
DAY: Saturday 24th January 2026
TIME: 10 am - 4 pm
LOCATION: The School Room, Art Centre Penryn
SESSIONS: One session
LEVEL: Complete Beginner
MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 6

Master all the basic techniques to start using a sewing machine, with guided instructions and a work folder of samples to keep

TELL ME MORE

This class is designed to teach you all the basic techniques you’ll need to start using a sewing machine. Mastering these techniques will give you confidence to use a sewing machine and will also equip you with the basics to start dressmaking. 

Helen will demonstrate every technique first and then you will have a go. All of the fabric will be cut ready for you, and once you have done each sample, you can staple it into your folder to take home and refer back to!

WHO IS THIS CLASS SUITABLE FOR?

This class is suitable for absolute beginners who have never used a sewing machine before. Helen will be demonstrating every technique first and then you will have a go. This class is also suitable for people who are looking to get back into sewing but are feeling a bit rusty.

TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN

• Threading a sewing machine
• Using pins
• Sewing straight lines, curves and points
• Techniques to finish the seam allowance
• Hemming
• Gathering
• French seam
• Felled seam
• Pin hem

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

• Calico fabric and thread to practise techniques.
• Samples folder for you to take home.
• The use of our equipment and sewing machines.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Supplies

• Nothing! All the calico fabric is supplied for you

Equipment:

• Your own sewing machine if you would like to bring it, however we do provide sewing machines. If you are bringing your machine, ensure you bring the foot pedal and the various presser feet that came with the machine and the manual if you have it.
• A basic sewing kit if you have it, including pins, scissors, tape measure etc. This is not essential as we have equipment you can borrow.

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Helen Shine is a skilled pattern cutter with over 12 years of experience in London’s high-end fashion industry, working with renowned designers like Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou, and Karen Millen.

In 2019, she launched ‘Dot n Cross’, offering hands-on pattern cutting and sewing workshops. Helen is passionate about empowering others to create their own clothes, whether they are aspiring professionals or enthusiastic home sewers, by sharing her industry knowledge and love of the craft.

all images above courtesy of Dot n Cross

REFUND/EXCHANGE POLICY

Art Centre Penryn is a small, non-profit organisation and our courses form a really important part of our income, we are therefore not able to offer refunds within 30 days of the course date. We offer the following refund/exchange options:

If it is more than 30 days from the course start date, we can offer a full refund, less the booking fee. Within 30 days days from the course start date, we cannot offer a refund, but we could transfer you to another course, or offer a voucher for you to use to book another course. Alternatively, you could send someone else in your place, please just email us to let us know.

We're sorry, but we are unable to offer a last minute exchange within 24 hrs, or after the course, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Thanks for your understanding.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COURSES AT ART CENTRE PENRYN HERE