Here at Start to Stitch we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics, and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Home Interiors.  But questions we often get asked about our courses are 'which is the right course for me?' and  'what course should I do next'.  So we have created this handy info-graphic to help you make that decision.... we do love a flow chart!
​

Many people come to our courses with some prior knowledge of sewing, be that from learning many years ago at school, learning from a friend or family member, or being self taught from books or online videos.  Often learning in these ways can sometimes mean that techniques may not be fully understood which can lead to mistakes being made and frustration.  Our mantra here at Start to Stitch is 'you don't know what you don't know' and often returning to the very basics of sewing can provide real 'lightbulb' moments in your sewing journey.  As such, and in the words of Julie Andrews in the Sound of music, our advice would be
'Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start'

Our beginners course is the Back to Basics course.  This takes you from total beginner, or returner to sewing, though to competent and confident creator of lovely handmade things in only 5 sessions.  The first module of this course is available totally FREE as a 21 lesson mini course which teaches you everything you need to know to get off the starting blocks with your machine. It also gives you the chance to see how our courses are structured and an opportunity to 'try before you buy!'
​

Once you have completed the Back to Basics course, or if you already have confidence in your basic sewing skills then there a number of courses for you to chose from.  The Skills Builder course continues from where the Back to Basics ended and will teach more advanced  techniques to continue to grow your sewing skill set.  Sewing Stretch Fabrics will take you through mastering sewing with knit fabrics and provide you with skills to make stretch garments from pants to T Shirts!  Whilst the  How to Sew Cushions and How to Sew Curtains will take your interiors sewing to a whole new level.  There are more details available on all our courses here
​

But there are even more benefits to signing up to Start to Stitch online courses.  You will have lifetime access to your course, giving you the ability to complete it at a time that suits you and to return to the course or specific modules as many times as you need to.  The online App means you can access your course from any device.  With multiple ways to talk to us, enjoy all the benefits of a face to face live zoom with a real tutor - Annie, for as long as you need us (during term time). We know times are tough right now, but we want you to succeed, so all of our courses have instalment options so you can spread the cost while you learn. ​
​

That's not all! we are currently working on new exciting courses for you to keep growing your sewing knowledge and skills, including Understanding Fabrics, and Using an Overlocker,  which will be coming soon sign up here to be notified about these.  We are also going to be running some fun live sew-along workshops, where you will have the opportunity to make garments alongside other sewists and ask Annie questions as you make your garment. 

​The first workshops will be for the Waves and Wild Heydays dungarees and the Papercut Patterns Nova coat. Why not sign up to our mailing list to be first to hear about these, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more hints, tips motivation, inspiration and information, we'd love to see you there. Plus you get 10% off as a welcome offer!

Don't forget to join our super friendly Facebook group Stitch Sewcial for even more sewing fun!

Back to Basics is  beginners and refreshers sewing class covering all your machine basics, how to thread, sew, troubleshoot tension, change a needle, adjust stitch length / width.  You will make 5 completed projects over the course and it will set you up for solo sewing! Work the comfort of your own home on your own machine so you can really get to know it. Detailed instructions, handouts and clear video tutorials.

I run this course in a closed Facebook group, with both recorded videos and regular weekly zoom calls for anyone who is struggling to understand a particular aspect of the teaching that week.

This brand new online class begins on 29th October for 5 weeks. Each week we will have a live (optional) zoom call to check in and share progress, and then I will upload the course material for the following weeks.

Each session introduces a series of skills for that week, which are consolidated into a weekly project - each of them practical, gift-able and useful! 

• Week 1: Get to know your machine - threading, tension and more, sewing in a straight line - make a pincushion
• Week 2: Sewing curves - make a padded heart decoration
• Week 3: Seaming and edging techniques - make a french seamed cushion cover
• Week 4: Applique and bias binding - make your own bunting
• Week 5: Inserting a lining into a 3D Object - make a mug cosy

I will teach this course a maximum of 6 times a year - and after this launch the next opportunity won't be until 2020 - so if you've ever want to master your machine, bite the bullet and join us today! Next year the price will go up too - so grab it at the discounted rate while you can :)

A comprehensive foundational sewing course, 65 video lessons, one year access and live support as you go for £85 - what's not to love!? You can book yourself on here

Here are some of the things that past students have made as a result of being on this course:

Come and join us!  It will be so much fun :)