Learn how to use a sewing machine like a pro

Learn how to use a sewing machine like a pro kicks off at 63-67 St Peter's St on Wednesday 28 October, and it's a four-week course that runs every Wednesday for two hours. It's aimed at complete novices, or at people who've got a machine sitting in a cupboard they've never actually used. Over the four sessions, you'll cover the basics: threading the machine, getting to know its parts, troubleshooting when things go wrong, winding and changing the bobbin, changing needles, and adjusting stitch settings. From there it moves on to the actual sewing: straight stitching, curves, corners, pivoting, and circular stitching, along with seam finishing, buttonholes, buttons, and zips, plus basic cutting, stencilling, and project construction.

By the end of the month, you'll take home two finished projects: a cushion cover or chair bag, and a tote bag. It's a practical way to go from knowing nothing about a sewing machine to actually making things you can use. Many past learners have gone on to start small sewing businesses or offer alterations services, and the organisers provide pathways into longer NOCN-certified sewing programmes, with both in-person and online workshop options available if you want to keep going after this.

The course starts at 09:30 on Wednesday 28 October at 63-67 St Peter's St, Nottingham, NG7 3EN, and runs for two hours every Wednesday for four weeks. Tickets are £130.72 and are sold through Eventbrite.