Beginners Course ONLINE - Basic Package
This Online Beginners Course is available in three separate packages so you can choose exactly how much or how little support you would like.
Basic Package - £49.00 - you are currently in this package
- Step by step pre-recorded video tutorials for the four main projects in this Beginners Course.
- Access to members only Facebook Group to share comments, questions and your makes with others on the course.
Standard Package - £59.00
- Step by step pre-recorded video tutorials for the four main projects in this Beginners Course.
- Extension Ideas with video tutorials on how to extend your practice of each project whilst adding more advanced features.
- Access to members only Facebook Group to share comments and your makes with others on the course.
Premium Package - £69.00
- Step by step pre-recorded video tutorials for the four main projects in this Beginners Course.
- Extension Ideas with video tutorials on how to extend your practice of each project whilst adding more advanced features.
- Full written instructions to accompany all video tutorials and Extension Ideas, complete with hints and tips along the way.
- Access to members only Facebook Group to share comments, questions and your makes with others on the course.
- WhatsApp messaging and one-to-one calls for support from Sarah throughout this Course.
The four projects in this course are:
Project 1: Reversible Tote Bag
Project 2: Pin Cushion with Oxford Border
Project 3: Envelope Cushion with Loop and Covered Button Fastening
Project 4: Flat, lined zip-up makeup bag
Each project includes a set of pre-recorded video tutorials which cover every step of each project. Follow each of these in order, and check your progress as you work through each video. You can re-watch any video at any time.
This package is the BASIC PACKAGE. Click to add to basket and buy.
If you would like more ideas/help/support go back to the main list of Online Courses and click on the STANDARD package or click on the PREMIUM package.
Introduction and overview of the four projects in the Beginners Course - Basic Package
Overview by Sarah of Projects 1-4
In this video I will give you an overview of the course projects and what is included in the Basic Package.
Project 1: Tote Bag (reversible)
Project 2: Pin Cushion
Project 3: Zip up makeup (or similar) Bag
Project 4: Envelope Cushion
In this Basic Package there will simply be four sets of video instructions to make each of the four projects. There will be no other supplementary materials included in this package.
Video 1Project 1: Reversible Tote Bag
Project 1: Reversible Tote Bag. Video 1: Measuring, marking and cutting the fabric
In this video I show you how to cut the fabric for the lining of your bag. These rectangles are exactly the same size as the main fabric pieces you will measure and cut out in the next video.
Video 1Video 2: Using your first cut pieces of fabric (lining fabric) as a template
In this video you can use one of the rectangles you have cut for the lining as a template to cut round to cut out your main fabric pieces.
Video 2Video 3: Measuring and cutting main flowery fabric
In this video you will see how to use one rectangle of your already cut lining fabric as a template on your main fabric. Place the lining fabric over exactly the part of the pattern you want to use from the main fabric, pin these together and cut out around the edges. Do this to cut out two main fabric pieces.
Video 3Video 4: Measuring and cutting out the handles
In this video you will cut out strips to fold over and sew together to make two long strips to form the handles on your bag.
Video 4Video 5: Getting all your pieces together
In this video we are going to check we have all the right pieces altogether.
Video 5Video 6: Folding and pressing the handles
In this video you will press and sew the handles into strips ready to attach to the main body of the bag.
Video 6Video 7: Sewing the folds of the handles
In this video you will see how to sew the folds of the handles into place.
Video 7Video 8: Measuring and marking where the handles will be fixed
This video shows you how to mark, measure and place the handles on each of the main pieces of fabric.
Video 8Video 9: Sewing the handles in place
This video shows you how to secure the handles in place before attaching the lining to the project.
Video 9Video 10: Pinning and sewing the lining and main fabric together
In this video you really start to construct the whole bag by sewing the main fabric sides together and the lining sides together.
Video 10Video 11: Opening out and pressing the seams
Opening out and pressing the seams is important at this stage for when the whole project is turned the right way round. By pressing open the seams, the main fabric and the lining will sit nicely against each other.
Video 11Video 12: Sew the main fabric around the sides and bottom into bag shape
In this video the bag starts to take shape!
Video 12Video 13: Sew lining into bag shape
In this video you will see how to sew around the edges of the lining in a similar way to the main fabric but this time leaving a gap in the bottom which we will use later to pull the whole bag through to make it lined.
Video 13Video 14: Tidying up loose ends and finger press all seams open and flat
In this video you will be making sure loose ends are trimmed and seams are open flat and pressed. Any loose threads from your fabric fraying can also be snipped off.
Video 14Video 15: Measuring and marking flat bottom corners
In this video you will learn how to pull the corners into a pointed triangular shape so that we can measure, sew and cut the flat bottom effect in the bag.
Video 15Lesson 16: Sewing across the triangular corners and trimming
In this video you will learn how to sew across the triangular corners. When it comes to cutting these triangles off, make sure you don't cut any of the main bag by mistake!
Video 16video 17: Checking the bottom seams and last lines of sewing to do
In this video we will look at the last two lines of sewing needed to finish your bag; namely to sew up the gap in the lining and then to sew a line of top stitch around the top edge of the bag.
Video 17Video 18: Pinning and sewing the bottom gap closed
In this video you will be sewing up the gap in the bottom of the lining. If you plan to use your bag inside out (as it is reversible) it is important to sew this gap up as neatly as possible. The seam will be on the bottom so won't be seen though!
Video 18Video 19: Sewing top stitch around the top edge of the bag
In this video you will be adding the final line of sewing to finish off the top edge of your bag, all the way round.
Video 19Video 20: Summing up the finished bag!
In this video you can look over your lovely new bag and all the skills you have used and gained confidence in to produce it!
Video 20Project 2: Pin cushion with Oxford border
Video 1: Measuring and cutting the fabric
In this video you will use the same tools (Quilters Ruler, large set square and Frixion pen) to measure out, mark and cut the pieces for this project in exactly the same way as in Project 1.
Video 2: Marking and pinning the base of the cushion
In this video you will be joining the two pieces of fabric to form the base of the pin cushion.
Video 2Video 3: Sewing the two base pieces together
This video shows you how to sew the base pieces together, leaving a gap for later when you push the stuffing and cardboard base inside.
Video 4: Tidying up and pressing
In this video we snip off any loose threads and press the seam allowances open.
Note: When starting and stopping a line of sewing, use a forwards and backwards stitch for approximately 1.5cms. If other lines of sewing are going to go over the beginning or end of a line of sewing and thus secure it later on, there is no need to do backwards and forwards.
Video 4Video 5: Marking and sewing the top piece of fabric to the base fabric
In this video you start to construct the square cushion shape by sewing the top and bottom layers together.
Video 5Video 6: Turning it all inside out and pressing
In this video you will start to see the shape of your pin cushion.
By rolling or pinching the edges out, make sure the side seams are sitting right on the edges and then press.
Video 6Video 8: Sewing the 2nd border of top-stitching
In this video you can add a second line of top-stitching right next to the first border.
This is optional, depending on your fabric and personal preference. It's good practice for turning corners and creating nice looking straight lines!
Video 7Video 7: Sewing the 1st border of top-stitching to form the Oxford border
In this video you will see how to add the square border of top-stitching for the Oxford border to you pin cushion.
Video 8Video 9: Stuffing the cushion
In this video you will see how to use the gap in the bottom of the cushion to stuff the stuffing in, poke it into the corners.
The cushion doesn't need to be super filled - just enough to lightly poke your pins into.
Video 9Video 10: Putting the cardboard base inside
In this video you will see how to roll the cardboard so that you can insert it into the cushion and open it out to form a protective base inside the pin cushion. Without this you will prick yourself with all the pins!
Video 10Video 11: Sewing the gap across the bottom of the cushion
In this video you will see how to use a hem stitch to sew the gap neatly closed.
Video 11Video 12: Optional ladder stitch to sew the gap closed
In this video I show you an alternative stitch called Ladder Stitch which you could try out as a way to sew the gap in the base of your cushion together.
Video 12Project 3: Envelope Cushion
Video 1: Layout for measuring and cutting.
In this video we look at how to get the pattern on the fabric all lined up so that our finished cushion will have continuity of pattern across the envelope pieces on the front.
This part can take some time and concentration but is part of learning how to create your own beautiful soft furnishings.
Video 1Video 2: Placement of pattern
In this video we take a further look at how to 'place the pattern' of your fabric so it looks good when made up into your cushion cover.
Video 2Video 3: Making the loop for the button to go through
In this video we will start to make the loop fastening.
Video 3Video 4: Sewing the loop and folding it
In this video you will be sewing the loop and folding it correctly before attaching it to the top piece of your envelope cover.
Video 4Video 5: Marking and pinning where the loop goes
In this video you will be working out exactly where the loop needs to be attached.
Video 5Video 6: Sewing the facing and the loop together
In this video you will start to sew the facing on. Facing is the term used for the fabric we are adding to our top main fabric to reinforce it with an extra layer. We could turn a section of the top layer under but we need to sew the loop in on this leading edge so it will only work with a new piece of fabric attached.
Note: This facing can be reinforced with iron-on interfacing (can be bought from dressmaking suppliers) which is ironed on to the back of the facing fabric and sticks to it to create a thicker more stable feel to the fabric. Interfacing is generally used in collars on shirts and waistbands on trousers or skirts. Also on buttonholes and buttons down the front of a shirt.
Video 6Video 7: Checking pattern and placement of top and facings
In this video we take stock of the main pieces and facings we have sewn together.
Video 7Video 8: Zigzagging the facing edges
In this video you learn to use the zigzag stitch to tidy up the edges of the facing.
Video 9: Assembling and pinning the cushion together
In this video we start to assemble the cushion pieces in the correct order, making sure the top envelope piece sits properly vertical.
Video 9Video 10: Sewing all the layers together all the way round the edges
In this video you will see how to sew all the way round your cushion cover, taking in all the layers whilst leaving a 1.5cm seam allowance all the way round. (Seam allowance is the distance from the line of sewing you make to the edge of the fabric as it goes through the machine.
Video 10Video 11: Trimming ready for zizag
In this video we trim the edges of all the layers of fabric so that the zigzag stitch will catch all the edges and bind them.
Video 11Video 12: Zigzagging and empty bobbin alert!
In this video you will be making the binding zigzag all the way round.
Note: whilst filming, the bobbin ran out - I've kept this bit in as it does happen just like this when you least suspect it, so keep an eye on your bobbin thread as you go.
Video 12Lesson 13: Turning cover right way round and starting to make the covered button
In this video we tidy up threads and press what we have made. And we start to make the cover for the button.
Note: Remember to roll or pinch the edges around the seams out so the seams all sit right at the edge of the cushion cover all the way round.
Video 13Video 13: Making the covered button
In this added Video 13 we are making the covered button.
Video 14Video 14: Stuffing the cushion into the finished cover
In this video you will see how you need to be boss as you push the cushion into the corners of your cushion cover.
Video 15Video 15: Sewing on the button and Ta-dah!
In this video you learn to pull the top layer of the cushion cover across to mark and sew the button in the correct place.
Video 16Project 4: Small, lined zip up make-up (or similar) bag
Video 1: Measuring and cutting the main and lining fabric
In this video you will see how to use your skills again to measure and cut out all the fabric accurately.
Note: The more accurate your measuring and cutting can be, the easier it is to sew everything together for a great look.
Video 1Video 2: Getting your piees together and preparing the zip ends
In this video we get all our cut pieces together and start to assemble the decorative ends to the zip.
Video 2Video 3: Sewing first end fabric onto zip end
In this video you will see how to attach the folded fabric to the end (bottom end first) of the zip.
These small squares of fabric create a tiny feature of different fabric at each end of your zip so that the zip ends are covered rather than showing the metal stoppers at the top and bottom of any zip.
Video 3Video 4: Sewing the other 'end fabric' onto the top end of your zip
In this video you will see how to sew the fabric to the top ends of your zip. This can be a bit tricky as the open zip ends don't want to stay together! You have to do some careful pinning and encouraging your machine to slowly sew over the top ends of the zip whilst keeping everything close together at the top!
Video 4Video 5: Overview of sewing with a zipper foot
In this video I give you an overview of the stages we need to follow when working with a zipper foot.
Note: When you start sewing the zip in, open the zip to start with and flip the zipper tab to a forward position.
When you get near to the zip mechanism, put the needle down, lift the metal foot up, and push the zip mechanism back along the zip, tooth by tooth. Ticky but doable!
Once the mechanism is back out of the way, drop the metal foot and continue sewing.
Video 6: Sewing one side of the zip
In this video you will learn how to sew one side of the zip into your project.
Video 6Video 7: Sewing the other side of the zip in
In this video you will see how to use the same process to 'get past' the zip mechanism to sew in the other side of the zip to your project
Video 7Video 8: Tidying up and pinning main fabric of the body of the bag together
In this video you will see how the two parts of the bag (main body and lining) are sewn to form the outside and the inside of your bag.
Video 8Video 9: Sewing the right-hand sides of the main fabric together
In this video you will sew the right-hand side of the main fabric together, and half way along the bottom of the main fabric.
Video 9Video 10: Sewing the left-hand sides together on the main fabric
This video shows you how to sew the left-hand side of the main fabric to completely sew round the main part of your bag.
Note: starting at the top of the sides each time means that you are sewing in the same direction downwards each time so the fabric will not pucker this way.
Video 10Video 11: Checking the main fabric and the contrast fabric at each end of the zip turns the right way round OK
In this video we check the ends of the zip and how they sit when turned the right way round and pushed outwards and upwards. Requires a bit of pushing and pulling to get everything to sit nicely!
Video 12: Pinning and sewing the lining pieces (sides) together
In this video you will be sewing the sides of the lining together and the bottom too, BUT leaving a gap along the bottom so you can pull the bag inside out.
Video 12Video 13: Snipping threads and turning inside out (the right way round)!
In this video we are tidying up loose threads and turning the bag the right way round and pressing everything in place.
Video 13Video 14: Sewing up the bottom of the lining and Ta-dah!
In this video you will press the opening in the bottom of the lining so the sides sit neatly together and can be sewn to hardly show at all in the inside of the bag.
Video 14No related materials
There are no related products or courses available for this course.