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Arts & creativity · Crafts

Stitch, Mend, and Make: Essential Sewing and Clothing Repairs

Learn to extend the life of your wardrobe with practical sewing and repair skills. This hands-on course covers everything from threading a needle to fixing hems, replacing buttons, and making simple alterations—no prior experience needed.

150 min5 modulesBeginner friendly
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Free to take. This course does not use any Learning Credits.

What you’ll be able to do

By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently perform common clothing repairs (e.g., sewing on buttons, mending tears, hemming trousers) and complete a small sewing project, using basic hand and machine techniques.

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

  1. 01

    Getting Started: Tools, Materials, and Basic Stitches

    • Your Sewing Kit: Needles, Threads, Scissors, and Pins
    • Understanding Fabric: Weaves, Grains, and Common Materials
    • Three Essential Stitches: Running Stitch, Backstitch, and Whipstitch
  2. 02

    Everyday Repairs: Buttons, Hems, and Seams

    • Sewing on Buttons: Flat, Shank, and Four-Hole Types
    • Fixing Seams and Tears: Ladder Stitch and Machine Darning
    • Hemming Basics: Hand-Stitched Blind Hem and Machine Hem
  3. 03

    Simple Alterations: Taking In and Letting Out

    • Measuring and Pinning for Fit Adjustments
    • Taking In Side Seams on Tops and Trousers
    • Letting Out Hems and Waistbands Safely
  4. 04

    Mending with Style: Patches, Darning, and Zippers

    • Creative Patching: Iron-On and Sewn Patches
    • Darning Knitwear: Invisible and Visible Techniques
    • Replacing a Zipper: Step-by-Step Guide
  5. 05

    Your First Project: From Repair to Creation

    • Choosing a Simple Project: Tote Bag or Cushion Cover
    • Cutting, Pinning, and Sewing Your Project
    • Finishing Touches and Planning Your Next Repair