beginners INTRODUCTION TO machine sewing techniques









GROUP WORKSHOP PRICE: £110
GROUP WORKSHOP LOCATION: Art Centre Penryn
SESSIONS: 1
DATE: Wednesday 19th November 2025 OR Saturday 24th January 2026
MAXIMUM PARTICPANTS: 6
LEVEL: Complete Beginner
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings through Art Centre Penryn
TELL ME MORE
This class is designed to teach you all the basic techniques you’ll need to start using a sewing machine. Mastering these techniques will give you confidence to use a sewing machine and will also equip you with the basics to start dressmaking.
I will demonstrate every technique first and then you will have a go. All of the fabric will be cut ready for you, and once you have done each sample, you can staple it into your folder to take home and refer back to!
TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN
Threading a sewing machine
Using pins
Sewing straight lines, curves and points
Techniques to finish the seam allowance
Hemming
Gathering
French seam
Felled seam
Pin hem
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Calico fabric to practise techniques and thread.
Samples folder for you to take home.
The use of our equipment and sewing machines.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Supplies
Nothing! All the calico fabric is supplied for you
Equipment:
Your own sewing machine if you would like to bring it, however we do provide sewing machines. If you are bringing your machine, ensure you bring the foot pedal and the various presser feet that came with the machine and the manual if you have it.
A basic sewing kit if you have it, including pins, scissors, tape measure etc. This is not essential as we have equipment you can borrow.
WHO IS THIS workshop SUITABLE FOR?
This class is suitable for absolute beginners who have never used a sewing machine before. We will be demonstrating every technique first and then you will have a go. This class is also suitable for people who are looking to get back into sewing but are feeling a bit rusty.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER
Helen Shine is a skilled pattern cutter with over 12 years of experience in London’s high-end fashion industry, working with renowned designers like Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou, and Karen Millen.
In 2019, she launched ‘Dot n Cross’, offering hands-on pattern cutting and sewing workshops. Helen is passionate about empowering others to create their own clothes, whether they are aspiring professionals or enthusiastic home sewers, by sharing her industry knowledge and love of the craft.
WORKSHOP LOCATION
This workshop is held at Art Centre Penryn, in the Art Room which is located in the School Room building.
Art Centre Penryn is a newly refurbished art space in the former Penryn Methodist Church in the heart of Penryn. The art room will support creativity for health and well-being and offer a range of courses, skills training and other opportunities for the benefit of local people. The vision is to convert the former church into an accessible, welcoming and high-quality contemporary art gallery showcasing work by local, national and international artists.
The class room/accessibility:
My workshops will be held in the Art Room.
Click here to be taken to their accessibility page.
Unfortunately the three steps into the School Room are too steep for a temporary ramp and therefore we apologise that it is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Address:
Art Centre Penryn
The Terrace
Penryn, TR10 8EH
Parking:
Commercial Road Car Park. 3-4 hours £4.70. 24 hours £5.10
Permarin Car Park. 3-4 hours £5.00. 24 hours £6.30
Please note: Saracen Car Park on Saracen Place is only a 3 hour short stay carpark and wont be suitable for my workshops as they will all require more time.
Travel:
By train from Truro and Falmouth
Penryn Train Station, 10 min walk
By bus from Falmouth, Truro, Redruth & Penzance
nearest stop: Penryn Spar / Seven Stars
By bicycle
Bike stands and electric Beryl bikes nearby by the Seven Stars bus stop
TESTIMONIALS
HOW TO BOOK
Bookings are through Art Centre Penryn
CANCELLATIONS
Art Centre Penryn is a small, non-profit organisation and our courses form a really important part of our income. Our courses are therefore non-refundable, but we offer the following options:
If it is more than 30 days from the course start date, we can offer a voucher worth the same amount for a future course. Within 30 days from the course start date, we cannot offer a voucher, but you could send someone else in your place, just email us to let us know.