The Ultimate Beginners Sewing Course

Order now

Ultimate Beginners Sewing Course

Want to start sewing, but find the sewing machine a little bit daunting? Or have you returned to sewing and feel like you need a refresher?

Then this is the course for you.

If you've never used a sewing machine, I'll take you step by step through everything you need to know to become sewing machine confident.

You'll learn how to make not one but 3 main sewing machine projects including a cushion, zip bag and pyjama trousers.

At the end of this online course you'll be ready to start sewing your dream projects.

Join me Claire-Louise Hardie and learn to sew

About your teacher

Claire-Louise Hardie is a seasoned Professional Costumer with an impressive CV and over 20 years experience working around the globe in all aspects of the exciting world of Costume for stage and screen.
From sewing on buttons backstage to teaching sewing: Dressing early morning newscasters: Shortening hot-pants for celebrity workout DVDs, there’s not much sewing Claire-Louise hasn’t done across her rich and varied career
She was the original Sewing Producer ( Mastermind) for The Great British Sewing Bee, and is thrilled that her contribution to the show across the first 4 series has helped to inspire millions of viewers! She's a magazine columnist and has been teaching beginners to sew in London as The Thrifty Stitcher for over 10 years.  Her debut book, The Great British Sewing Bee-Fashion with Fabric was voted the best UK sewing book in 2015.

Claire-Louise recently gained a Masters Degree in Pattern and Garment Technology from London College of Fashion

Claire-Louise learnt to sew with her Grand-Mother as a very young child, and was inspired to start dressmaking as a teenager when her “diminutive” height prohibited her from buying mainstream fashion. She has been sewing her own clothes since she was 14. Her passion for fashion is undiminished by her 20 + years as a professional stitcher and she's currently learning how to do use 3d digital technology to get patterns to fit well in a more sustainable way.

Here's What You'll Learn

  • 1

    Get sewing machine confident

Starting right at the very beginning, learn everything you'll need to use a sewing machine for the first time

  • Anatomy of a sewing machine
  • Winding on a bobbin
  • Threading a top loading sewing machine
  • Threading a front loading machine
  • Sewing machine driving test
  • Essential sewing tools
  • 2

    Your first machine project- the simple envelope cushion

Envelope cushions are a fantastic first project on a sewing machine.

  • Pinning and cutting out from a simple pattern
  • creating a double folded hem
  • Building the cushion
  • Sewing simple seams
  • Neatening your seams
  • Bagging out your cushion
  • 3

    Introduction to Dressmaking

Dive into dressmaking with these basic skills

  • How to measure correctly
  • Choosing fabric
  • Understanding patterns
  • Adjusting patterns
  • Preparing your fabric
  • How to correctly cut out your fabric
  • 4

    Pyjama project 1- Kid's pyjama trousers

These easy kid's pyjama trousers are a great intro to dressmaking

  • Pinning and cutting out from a pattern
  • Learn a simple way to construct the legs
  • Create a simple elasticated waist channel
  • Narrow double folded hems
  • 5

    Pyjama project 2- ladies pj trousers

Make the perfect pair of pyjama trousers with an elasticated waistband and ribbon drawstring.

  • Learn a simple method of trouser construction
  • Insert buttonholes
  • Create and attach a waistband
  • Sew narrow double folded hems

  • 6

    Pyjama project 3- Men's boxer shorts

Improve your basic skills with a fly opening. Men's boxer shorts are a great introduction to sewing menswear

  • Construct a fly fastening
  • Create and attach a waistband
  • Threading Elastic
  • Create narrow double folded Hems
  • 7

    Boxy zip up bag

This useful bag is a great way to tackle your first zip. Made from sturdy mid weight cotton, these  bags make great pencil cases or make up bags.

  • Drafting a simple pattern
  • Inserting a zip
  • Top-stitching
  • Creating shape with a gusset

BONUS MODULES!

  • 1

    How to make and apply piping

Piping is a great way to make your sewing look that little bit more professional!

  • 2

    How to sew darts

Darts are essential for adding shape to clothes and even bags. Learn how to sew and press 2 types of darts like a pro!

Key points of note about this course

  • Regular Updates

    We are constantly refining our teaching materials, and they are reviewed and updated regularly.

  • Wonderful Team

    The “Learn to Sew with a Pro” Team uses expert consultants to provide the very best illustrations, videography, fabrics and tuition.

  • Great Community

    Claire-Louise is an avid social media user, and we stay connected to tutors and sewing enthusiasts around the globe.

  • Fun Facts!

    We have taught over 5000 beginners to learn to sew!

  • Get in touch

    If you get stuck, help is just an e mail away!

  • 100% Top Rated

    As one of the oldest private sewing schools in London we’ve seen many happy students return again and again. If you don’t love our course we’ll refund within 30 days!

Reviews From Happy Students

"This class is without doubt the perfect introduction to learning how to sew. Not only are the instructions, clear and easy to understand, the tips and tricks are incredibly useful. Claire-Louise is a wonderful teacher, and it is clear she is not only incredibly talented, but has a wonderful passion and understanding for teaching. I would recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in sewing, but be warned, you will want to do every class once you have finished this one."

Anna
Anna

"A great class - clear instructions and a great teacher. The sessions was very practical, with great hands-on practice and repetition. Thoroughly recommended!"

Lindsey
Lindsey

"Excellent class, I would recommend this class for all beginners and the not so beginners.
Fun, easy to learn, and great advice. I now have the skills I need to start basic projects . Will be signing up for more classes .

You have nothing to lose but a lot to learn."

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

"Claire-Louise is a very enthusiastic teacher who shares a wealth of knowledge and useful tips in her video courses.  She takes it at a slow pace ideal for beginners and makes sure that every single step is clearly demonstrated. The next best thing to taking an in person class with her."

Fiona
Fiona

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We are confident that you will love learning to sew with us, so we offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you fail to learn to sew after following our lessons. We would only ask that you show us some of your failed sewing exercises / projects before we issue the refund

Business Info

Learn to sew with a pro is the online branch of The Thrifty Stitcher, a North london sewing school. We have been teaching and inspiring beginners to sew since 2009.