Learn to Sew with Confidence! Learn-in-a-day absolute beginner sewing, fitting & alterations course at Conway Mill, Belfast.
Would you love to learn how to use a sewing machine with confidence and develop the skills to start fitting and altering your own clothes?
This all-day intensive course is designed especially for complete beginners and those returning to sewing. Starting from scratch, you’ll learn how to sew on a machine with precision, while covering a focused range of essential garment fitting and alterations skills.
Learn professional techniques used within the fashion industry, drawing on the same core skills taught within fashion college and degree programmes — explained step by step in an easy-to-follow way.
This all-day class is taught by studio owner MaryRose McGrath, a womenswear designer with thirty years of experience in the fashion industry. During her career, she has designed for many high street brands, including Oasis, M&S, Debenhams, Arcadia, House of Fraser and more.
The studio is the ultimate place to learn, as students are surrounded by the workings of a real fashion design studio — sketches & swatches, designs in work, mood boards & mannequins.
One-to-one tuition is guaranteed for every student in class, and the course has been specifically designed to fast-track your sewing skills in one focused session, helping you progress from nervous novice to confident sewer by the end of the day.
For past student feedback, see our 5-star course reviews below.
✨ What you’ll learn in class:
UNDERSTAND YOUR SEWING MACHINE, FABRICS & PRO TOOLS
Understanding your sewing machine
— learn how your machine works, how a stitch is formed and what all those confusing dials, knobs and machine parts actually do
Understanding fabric types
— learn how different fabrics are constructed and why this affects the way we sew them
Needles, threads & stitches
— learn which needle, thread and stitch to choose for different fabrics — and why
Stitch length & tension
— learn what they mean, why they matter and how to identify and fix common stitch problems
Machine threading & bobbins
— learn how to thread your machine correctly and wind and insert your bobbin
Sewing tools
— learn about the specialist tools used for sewing and garment construction in the fashion industry, what they’re used for and how to use them correctly
PROFESSIONAL SEWING TECHNIQUES
Precision sewing techniques
— learn how to control and manoeuvre fabric, sew with millimetre precision, pivot accurately and sew around corners and curves
Constructing accurate seams
— learn how to sew accurate seams to achieve a clean, professional finish
Understanding seam allowances
— learn why seam allowances matter in garment construction, fitting and alterations
Fabric cutting & pinning techniques
— learn how to cut fabric accurately, use fabric shears correctly and pin fabric ready for sewing
Pressing techniques
— learn how and when to press as you sew
MASTER THE FOUNDATIONS OF GARMENT FITTING & ALTERATIONS
Garment sizing & ease
— understand how sizing and ease work in garments
Measuring the body
— learn how to take accurate body measurements and understand how stance and posture can affect fitting techniques
Fitting garments
— learn step by step how to assess the fit and correctly pin a garment on the body
Taking in & letting out
— learn how to transfer pinned alterations accurately, take in a garment and calculate how much fabric is available when letting it out
Hemming techniques
— learn how to measure accurately and use different hemming techniques for a polished finish
Darts & shaping
— understand how darts create shape in a garment and learn how to construct and sew them with accuracy
✨What makes this class different from the rest?
This isn’t an ordinary sewing or craft class. Step inside a real working fashion studio and immerse yourself in the world of professional sewing, learning real-world techniques used every day in the fashion industry.
Experience expert, in-depth sewing tuition, with your own Brother sewing machine, pro tools, and the fabric and thread you need — all included. It’s the perfect starting point for your sewing journey, leaving you inspired, confident and equipped with a whole new set of skills, ready to take on projects and alterations using techniques that help you achieve superb results.
✨Where is the course held?
The course is held in MaryRose’s fashion design studio in Conway Mill, Belfast. The address is Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast BT13 2DE.
✨
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is perfect for absolute beginners age 18+ who have never used a sewing machine before and don’t know where to start – it is also ideal for those who have not sewn in years and need a refresher course to get back on track.
Garment alterations and fitting techniques are covered, so the course is suited for those who want to tailor their clothes for a personalised fit.
✨What age do you have to be to take part in the class?
Classes are for ages 18+. Young sewers aged 12+ are also welcome if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also booked on the course.
✨Do I need to bring a sewing machine with me?
No need — all students learn on the excellent Brother sewing machines supplied in class. The skills learned can then be transferred to other brands of sewing machines.
✨What do I need to bring with me on the day?
We supply your sewing machine, fabrics, threads and tools – however, you will need to bring the following:
* Reading glasses if you need them for close-up work
* A notebook and pen for all the notes and important info you will be taught in class.
✨How much does the course cost?
The course cost is £99.
✨How do I book the course?
Book online via Eventbrite:
You can book this course online through Eventbrite using PayPal. Eventbrite charges an online booking fee.
Book directly through the studio (no booking fee):
To book through the studio, please email
info@maryrosemcgrath.com
✨Can I buy a sewing machine on the day?
Yes — you’ll learn on an excellent Brother sewing machine in the studio, with the option to purchase the same model, brand new for use at home.
✨Can I buy a professional sewing kit?
Professional results require professional tools – during class you will use studio equipment, and your pre-ordered kit will be ready for you to take home afterwards. This way you are guaranteed to have the correct tools required to continue sewing successfully at home.
Pre-order price:
£29.99
(pre-order at checkout)
Studio price:
£35 – limited availability
Kit includes:
* 25cm Fabric shears
* Snips
* Dressmaking pins
* Magnetic pin holder
* Seam allowance guide
* Tailors chalk
* Air erasable fabric marker
* Tape measure
* Hand sewing sharps needles
Other questions are answered in the
FAQ section below.
Where to Meet Before Class Starts:
The studio is closed before class begins.
MaryRose will meet all students at Conway Mill reception (on the ground floor) at 9:30 a.m. and will bring you to the studio on the second floor.
Both lifts and stairs are available.
Terms and conditions of booking:
1. Late arrivals: There is a huge amount to learn in the all-day class – late arrivals disrupt students, the tutor and the teaching schedule. Late arrivals of 15 minutes or more are not accepted into class as it is impossible to recap after this time.
2. Non-attendance: Due to the small number of students in class & the niche nature of this course, a new beginners course on another date / refunds / class credit notes / class vouchers are not provided if the student has not attended the course for any reason including but not limited to : covid / covid isolation/ illness / unexpected or personal circumstances /
transport
i
ssues
/ weather conditions / other.
3: Transferring your booking:
If you’re unable to attend the course, you’re welcome to transfer your booking to another person. To do so, p
lease email
info@maryrosemcgrath.com
at least two working days before the course starts.
Please note: Name changes must be arranged by email only. Emails are monitored during working hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
4. Course cancellation: On rare occasions, classes may have to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We will inform students immediately by e-mailing & calling. You will be offered a refund, a transfer to another date, or a class credit note. Please note we are not liable for any costs incurred.
This clause applies only to cancellations made by the class organiser MaryRose McGrath Design. For cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control (see Force Majeure), please refer to Section 8.
5. Speed of learning: Progress and speed of learning depends on each student’s natural abilities during class.
6. A minimum number of students are required for this course to take place
7.Bookings made in error are non refundable.
8.
Force Majeure:
If the class cannot take place due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including but not limited to severe weather, flooding, fire, power failure, transport disruption, venue closure, public health restrictions, or other force majeure events), students will be offered a transfer to the rescheduled class, a class voucher or a refund of the class fee.
MaryRose McGrath will not be responsible for any additional costs incurred including travel or accomodation expenses.