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Medway Adult Education

Sewing: Dressmaking and machine skills for beginners  

Visual of the course

Course summary

Code: R2540A  

Location: Rochester Adult Education Centre  

Cost: £186.75 to £360.00 

Starting: Wednesday 10 September 2025 

Duration: 12 sessions over 12 week(s)

Time: 18:30 


By continuing you confirm that you are 19 or over on 31 August and have agreed to the the Terms and conditions

 

Course Information Sheet

Description

Join our welcoming sewing class tailored for those with basic sewing skills looking to enhance their confidence and expertise! You'll have the flexibility to work on your personal projects or decide as a group to all make the same garment. Throughout the course, we'll explore various sewing machine functions, delve into overlocking techniques, and learn methods for achieving a polished finish. By the end, you'll gain a solid understanding of commercial patterns and relevant terminology while completing at least one project.


If you are interested in developing your creative skills, book onto one of our courses from the Creative Arts offer.


PLEASE DO NOT BUY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT UNTIL YOU KNOW THAT THE COURSE WILL RUN.  

What Will I Learn On This Course?
Learners will: 1. practice at least 2 different functions of the sewing machine 2. use a commercial pattern and size for better fit for at least one item 3. learn good cutting techniques and demonstrate this on at least one garment/item Whether you would like to learn new creative skills or to investigate the possibility of a new sewing-based career, MAE Community Learning courses can provide you with a stepping stone to progress

Is This Course Suitable For Me?
Suitable for complete beginners or those who have rusty skills and need a refresher course. .

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About This Course?
Please be aware that whilst this course is practical in nature some sessions will include theory and professional related training such as H&S, risk assessments, public liability etc Learners will need the following tools and equipment please do not purchase until you are sure the course will run: You will need to prepare the following tools and equipment before the start of the course: A basic sewing kit including dressmaking scissors, un-picker, tape measure, notebook, small scissors or snips, some sewing threads etc. You WILL need some scraps of fabric to practice techniques on, and it is always a good idea to have an old (CLEAN) sheet or duvet cover to use as practice fabric when we come to make a garment.

Will There Be Additional Costs?
You will need to buy a pattern and fabric – but please wait until after the first week of the course so that we can decide as a group what the course will cover.

What Could I Go On To Do After This Course?
Your tutor can talk to you about other subject related course available. Your progression course is R2541A Sewing: Dressmaking and machine skills for beginners and improvers Medway Adult Education works with many partners locally such as MidKent College, Medway School of Arts and the University of Kent; information about their courses can be found in our studios, café and on Moodle. Medway has an exciting and wide-range of events, exhibitions and activities to inspire and help you make further progress - please see the community noticeboards in the Rochester Centre and again on Moodle. Your tutor will be able to talk through your individual progression options. If you wish to explore your learning, work or career options, you can speak to a fully trained careers advisor on 0800 100 900. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk If you need further advice please telephone 01634 338400.

What Is The Attendance Policy?
Multiple sessions- To get the most out of your course you will need to attend as many sessions as possible. We recommend at least 90%. If you do have a holiday booked during term time, please let the tutor know in advance so that we can help you catch up on missed sessions and ensure that you still achieve the course outcomes. If you are unavoidably ill or unable to attend, please contact 01634 338400 so that we can let your tutor know, and so they can send you any work you may have missed

Health & Safety
Health and Safety Disclaimer By participating in the live class, you accept that you understand that sewing involves potentially hazardous tools and equipment and that such activity carries the risk of injury. You understand that it is your responsibility to judge your motor skills and physical ability. It is your responsibility to ensure that by participating in classes and activities from Medway Adult Education, you will not exceed your limits while performing such activity, and you will select the appropriate level of task for your skills and abilities. You understand that this is a sewing activity, and you will need to be suitably dressed, you will need protect your work surface and be mindful of the correct Health & Safety processes when working with art materials. MAE is not responsible for damage to items in your house / home or person. The creators, owners and distributors of this site and the material available MAE are not responsible for any injuries you may experience because of your use of this site and the material contained here on. By remaining on this site and/or accessing and / or using any material, you are accepting that you have read, understood and agreed to follow these basic instructions.

 

Location

Rochester Adult Education Centre  
Rochester Community Hub  
Eastgate
Rochester  
ME1 1EW  

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