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Dressmaking - Beginners
Begin your sewing journey and build the practical skills needed to create your own garments. Designed specifically for absolute beginners, this course introduces every stage of the dressmaking process. You will develop confidence in operating a sewing machine, mastering essential stitching techniques, reading patterns, handling fabric, and constructing garments—guiding you from your very first stitches to a fully finished project.

You will start by learning the basics of machine operation and practicing essential seams while creating a small zipped pouch, perfect for a toiletry or makeup bag. Once you are comfortable with these foundational skills, you will progress to creating a simple garment.

During the early sessions, we will discuss your garment options and identify the materials you will need. Working from a selection of beautiful, beginner-friendly patterns—including a top, drawstring trousers, or a skirt—you will learn how to interpret pattern instructions, cut fabric accurately, assemble your pieces, and apply the final finishing touches.
Prosp User 3
This course is ideal for adults who are completely new to sewing and dressmaking. If you want to learn the foundations of making your own clothes in a friendly, supportive environment, this course is a perfect starting point.
Prosp User 4
For the first lesson, please bring basic sewing equipment:
• Fabric scissors
• Pins
• Thread
• Tape measure
• Notebook and pen

To construct your zipped pouch in the initial weeks, you will also need to bring:
• Outer fabric: 45cm x 20cm (cotton or polycotton)
• Lining fabric: 45cm x 20cm
• Zip: 1 x 20cm zip
Please note: As the course progresses, you will also need to purchase or bring your own fabric and notions for your chosen garment project. Full guidance on suitable fabric types, weights, and quantities will be provided during class

Prosp User 5
The school textile room is fully equipped with Janome Sewing Machines for you to use, please bring your own thread etc. You are welcome to bring your own sewing machine, but please note the textile room is on the second floor and please ensure you use one of our PAT extension cables.

Please note there are no classes on Weds 30th September and Weds 28th October (half-term)
Prosp User 6

In order to support keeping York moving, consider travelling to your course by bus or bike. Click here to check out the bus routes closest to the venue for this course using the iTravel website, or discover York's cycle routes by clicking here.
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Alongside gaining course-specific skills, you will develop and showcase transferable skills that boost your confidence, employability, and ability to engage in further learning or volunteering.
Alongside gaining course-specific skills, you will develop and showcase transferable skills that boost your confidence, employability, and ability to engage in further learning or volunteering.
Employers highly value these transferable skills because they equip employees to excel beyond their basic job roles.
Employers highly value these transferable skills because they equip employees to excel beyond their basic job roles.
Prosp User 8

Learners who live in devolved authorities

Learners who live in devolved authorities
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
If you live outside of this area, we recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you live outside of this area, we recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.

Learners under the age of 19

Learners under the age of 19
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
AT1/TB6
16/09/2026
02/12/2026
19:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
2.00 hrs per wk
10 weeks
Christina Hoge-Morgenroth
155.00
A 65% discount of the full fee is available for people in receipt of certain means-tested benefits.