Nanna Betty Sewing School

Makes

Each make comes with five cards to learn first, in the order you’ll use them. Work through the cards, practise on scrap fabric, then sew your make.

New to sewing? Start with the three starter cards: Thread Machine, Start Sewing, Machine Won’t Sew.

Tote Bag

Beginner · 5 cards

Your first make. Straight seams put it together and zig-zag stops the edges fraying.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 07 · Start Sewing: Five steps so your threads never tangle.
  2. Card 10 · Seam Guide: Even, straight seams every time.
  3. Card 09 · Machine Stitches: Straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.
  4. Card 12 · Overlocking: Seal an edge so it won’t fray.
  5. Card 18 · Back Stitch: Strengthen seams that get pulled.

Coasters

Beginner · 5 cards

Small and quick, and perfect for practising sharp corners.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 20 · Interfacing: Give cuffs, collars and bags body.
  2. Card 15 · Pins: Hold fabric together before you stitch.
  3. Card 11 · Seams: Joining two pieces of fabric.
  4. Card 16 · Corners: Turn and cut sharp corners.
  5. Card 21 · Ironing: Iron as you go for a neat finish.

Drawstring Bag

Beginner · 5 cards

Straight seams, neat edges and a channel for the cord.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 10 · Seam Guide: Even, straight seams every time.
  2. Card 11 · Seams: Joining two pieces of fabric.
  3. Card 12 · Overlocking: Seal an edge so it won’t fray.
  4. Card 18 · Back Stitch: Strengthen seams that get pulled.
  5. Card 21 · Ironing: Iron as you go for a neat finish.

Cushion Cover

Improver · 5 cards

An envelope-back cushion with crisp corners.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 15 · Pins: Hold fabric together before you stitch.
  2. Card 11 · Seams: Joining two pieces of fabric.
  3. Card 16 · Corners: Turn and cut sharp corners.
  4. Card 12 · Overlocking: Seal an edge so it won’t fray.
  5. Card 22 · Hems: Fold and stitch a straight hem.

Scrunchies

Improver · 5 cards

A tube of fabric, a loop of elastic and a few hand stitches.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 05 · Fabrics: Three fabrics for most makes.
  2. Card 11 · Seams: Joining two pieces of fabric.
  3. Card 26 · Elastic: Encased and attached elastic.
  4. Card 14 · Hand Stitches: Tacking, back-stitch and blanket stitch.
  5. Card 21 · Ironing: Iron as you go for a neat finish.

Zipped Bag

Improver · 5 cards

Your first zip. Swap to the zipper foot and take it slowly.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 03 · Machine Feet: Standard, zig-zag and zipper feet.
  2. Card 25 · Zips: Fit a centred zip.
  3. Card 15 · Pins: Hold fabric together before you stitch.
  4. Card 16 · Corners: Turn and cut sharp corners.
  5. Card 18 · Back Stitch: Strengthen seams that get pulled.

Elasticated Waist Skirt

Confident · 5 cards

Your first piece of clothing, with an easy elastic waist.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 31 · Measure Body: Chest, waist and hips.
  2. Card 11 · Seams: Joining two pieces of fabric.
  3. Card 12 · Overlocking: Seal an edge so it won’t fray.
  4. Card 26 · Elastic: Encased and attached elastic.
  5. Card 22 · Hems: Fold and stitch a straight hem.

Pyjama Trousers

Confident · 5 cards

Measure up, cut from a pattern and finish with an elastic waist.

Learn these cards first:

  1. Card 31 · Measure Body: Chest, waist and hips.
  2. Card 33 · Patterns: Choose and cut the right size.
  3. Card 36 · Cutting on the Fold: Cut a full piece from folded fabric.
  4. Card 26 · Elastic: Encased and attached elastic.
  5. Card 32 · Hemming: Get the length right.

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