Learn to sew on a machine with confidence! Learn-in-a-day, absolute beginner sewing & alterations course in Conway Mill, Belfast.
Would you love to learn how to sew on a machine, but don’t know where to start?
Maybe you want to alter your clothes for a better fit?
This is the perfect course for you, as you will learn to sew on a machine from scratch in a beautiful fashion design studio in Conway Mill, Belfast. You will also learn how to start fitting and altering your clothes – save money on seamstress costs and do it yourself!
This all-day class is taught by studio owner MaryRose McGrath – a womenswear designer with over thirty years of experience, including over a decade working in the London fashion industry. During her career, she has designed for many fashion brands, including M&S, Debenhams, Oasis, House Of Fraser and more.
She teaches key sewing techniques used in the fashion industry – the same core sewing skills taught on fashion degree courses. Also included are many invaluable tips and tricks of the trade, which guarantee superb sewing results every time.
As you learn, you’ll be surrounded by inspiration galore in the studio – sketches & swatches, designs in work, mood boards & mannequins.
One-to-one tuition is guaranteed for each student in class, and the course has been specifically designed to fast-track your sewing success in a concentrated period of time. All this means you will advance from a nervous novice to a confident sewer by the end of the day.
For past student feedback, see our 5-star course reviews below.
✨What you will learn in class:
Sew Like a Pro: Must-Know Sewing, Garment Fitting & Alteration Techniques
UNDERSTAND ALL ABOUT THE SEWING MACHINE:
An easy-to-understand, thorough explanation of your sewing machine and how it works – all those confusing dials & knobs, what each one does and how to use them.
SEW LIKE A PRO:
How to thread the machine correctly – learn about threads and why your choice matters
How to wind the bobbin and insert it into the machine correctly
How to sew with millimetre precision and achieve perfect seams each time
How to use different stitch types and sizes, adjust thread tension and fix common stitch problems
Seam allowances – learn the different types, where to use them & why they matter in sewing, garment making & alterations
BEGINNER GARMENT ALTERATION & FITTING TECHNIQUES:
Fitting garments – a beginner friendly, step by step guide revealing the insider techniques used by professional seamstresses to achieve a flawless fit.
Measuring, shortening and sewing hems – learn how to measure accurately, shorten garments and sew clean, even hems.
Adjusting seams – discover how to take in and let out seams for a personalised, high-quality fit.
Sewing darts – master the secrets to sewing darts that shape garments beautifully.
UNDERSTANDING BODY MEASUREMENTS, SIZING & FIT:
Learn how to measure the body correctly, understand garment sizing and discover how ease affects the way clothes fit.
✨What makes this class different from the rest?
Spend the day with MaryRose in her fashion studio for expert, in-depth sewing tuition, complete with access to your own Brother sewing machine, and all the fabric and thread you need — all included. Taught by an industry professional with extensive experience in design and garment construction, this class offers real-world insights and techniques you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the perfect starting point for your sewing journey, leaving you inspired, confident, and ready to dive into exciting projects and alterations with skill and creativity.
✨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 who have never used a sewing machine before and haven’t a clue 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 & fitting are also covered, so the course is suited for those who want to tailor their clothes for a bespoke, personalised fit.
✨What age do you have to be to take part in the class?
Adults aged 18+ are welcome to attend. Young sewers aged 12+ are also welcome, provided 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 in class can be transferred onto other brands of sewing machines.
✨What do I need to bring with me on the day?
We supply your Brother sewing machine, all 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 a 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.