Six Week Beginners Sewing Machine Classes in Milton Keynes

Steph Thannhauser has over 35 years of sewing experience. In fact, she can’t remember a day when she wasn’t making or sewing something. She started young and has never stopped. Steph did a degree in Printed Textiles at Loughborough College of Art and Design then subsequently worked in-house and in freelance, creating art for many different products and clients. Her favourite thing to do is design patterns which can then be used in sewing projects.Teaching people to sew and sharing her love of creativity was a natural progression for Steph. She teaches in the Milton Keynes area but is also planning to teach online too.Please take a look at her website and sign up to her mailing list.https://stephthannhauser.com/

Steph Thannhauser

Want to learn how to sew things for yourself and your family? Well, this six week course is for you.

Westbury Arts Centre

Beginners workshops  Milton Keynes 2025

These are the links to all my beginners workshops in Milton Keynes for 2024

Welcome to the Six Week Beginners Sewing Machine Classes in Milton Keynes!Come join us at Westbury Arts Centre starting on Tue May 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM for a fun and interactive sewing experience. Whether you're a complete novice or looking to brush up on your skills, these classes are perfect for you!Spaces are limited, so make sure to secure your spot today. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn a new skill and have a great time doing it! <h3>Who is this course for?</h3>Are you feeling frustrated with your sewing machine? Keen to start sewing for yourself and your family? If so, this course is perfect for you! Whether you're a total beginner or someone looking to build sewing confidence, this course will guide you every step of the way.Over six weeks, you'll create six beautiful and practical items using quality fabrics designed and carefully selected by Steph. Each week, you'll leave with a finished item to proudly show your friends and family.This course is all about embracing creativity, letting go of perfectionism, and enjoying the joy of making. With over 35 years of sewing experience, Steph is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love for crafting. Join her to learn, create, and grow. <h3>What does Steph provide?</h3><ul><li>Guidance – Steph will be there to support you every step of the way.</li><li>Six Kits Worth Over £60 – Each week, you'll receive a kit containing all the materials you need for that week's project: fabrics, ribbons, stuffing, buttons, and more. Everything is prepared and ready for you when you arrive.</li><li>Hints and Tips – Valuable insights to help improve your sewing skills.</li><li>And so much more!</li></ul>In addition to your finished projects, you'll also learn essential skills such as:<ul><li>Threading your sewing machine</li><li>Winding and inserting a bobbin</li><li>Feeding fabric through the machine</li><li>Sewing in a straight line, changing direction, and reverse stitching</li><li>Troubleshooting common sewing machine issues</li><li></li></ul><h3>What happens each week?</h3><ul><li>7:00 PM – Class arrives; tea and coffee are served (available throughout the evening).</li><li>7:15 PM – Steph introduces the evening's project and demonstrates each step before you begin.</li><li></li></ul><h3>Project Timeline</h3>Week 1 - 27th May: Drawstring Bag Learn essential sewing machine skills including threading, bobbin winding, and basic stitching. You'll practice on scrap fabric before creating a lovely drawstring bag.Week 2 - 3rd June: Reversible Tote Bag Focus on sewing in straight lines and making handles while creating a stylish and practical tote bag.Week 3 - 10th June: Fun Hen Doorstop Develop skills in creating 3D shapes, stuffing, and adding applique details.No class on the 16th JuneWeek 4 - 17th June: Patchwork Mat Learn beginner patchwork techniques to create a charming mat.Week 5 - 24th June: Zip Pouch Master the technique of inserting a zip while making a handy zip pouch.Week 6 - 15th July: Cushion Cover with Buttonhole Conclude the course by learning how to sew a neat buttonhole while creating a stylish cushion cover. <h3>Yes! You WILL make six things in six weeks, even as a beginner!</h3>Don't worry if it sounds overwhelming. Steph has carefully chosen simple yet rewarding projects to ensure your success. She's committed to guiding you every step of the way and will demonstrate techniques as often as needed. Plus, troubleshooting tips will help you stay confident throughout the course.Past attendees leave Steph's classes feeling happy, proud, and excited to showcase their completed projects each week. Don't miss out! <h3>What to Bring</h3><ul><li>Sewing machine (please ensure it’s working; rental machines may be available upon request – contact Steph to confirm)</li><li>Pencil and pen</li><li>Notebook</li><li>Hand sewing needles and pins</li><li>Thread (white will work for most projects, but feel free to bring other colors)</li><li>Sharp scissors (ideally one small pair and one large pair for cutting fabric)</li><li></li></ul><h3>Refreshments</h3>Tea and coffee are provided.ParkingThere is ample free parking at Westbury.Join us for a fun, creative, and rewarding experience! <h3>Testimonials</h3>"I am attending the beginners learn to sew with a machine class that Steph runs. It is fantastic and I highly recommend it. After three weeks of this class, I am able to sew a drawstring bag, a reversible tote bag and a cushion cover with button fastening. I never thought I would be able to do that! After three years of school needlework lessons, I couldn't make anything!! Steph breaks everything down into simple steps and is so relaxed and patient that even a complete beginner like me can do it! I can't wait for the next lesson". Diane"Steph is a great teacher, she gives you lots of practical and hands on activities where you actually produce something creative at the end of it! Through her sewing classes she has really inspired me to learn more. Steph’s own designs are fun, colourful and modern, sometimes thought provoking. She likes to move with the times, but her designs remain true to her style". JenniConfidence building fun class with the added bonus of making something different each week – ClaireFriendly, relaxed and inspiring! Easy to follow instructions with some great projects to take home – DianeThe beginners classes are great. Steph is very knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. I enjoyed completing a project each week too – KateExcellent step on my sewing journey. Thanks Steph - MichelThis class was everything you could ask for as a beginner. I’m so happy I joined it. It was very fantastic – TracyThe beginners sewing class with Steph was thoroughly enjoyable. You learn all the basics which enabled me to go away to experiment and work on several projects on my own. We arrived on day 1 total strangers and became sewing buddies by the second lesson. I would highly recommend and will be looking forward to future workshops with Steph – CelesteThis class was everything you could ask for as a beginner. I’m so happy I joined it. It was very fantastic – Tracy Steph helped me kickstart my love of sewing. She’s enthusiastic, encouraging and helpful at every step. Claire I’ve had a great time. Thank you so much. Monica Fab course, fab instructor, fab venue. Cuppa tea greatly received each week. Great group of girls too! Justine I still love using all the skills I learnt from my course with you in 2019! Last weekend I made a custom cushion for my cat carrier, using offcuts of fabric and ribbon ties I salvaged from Christmas crackers 🤓 At least the cats will be visiting the vets in style next time they go