Learn to sew. Make something useful. Build confidence.
The Creative Young Makers Sewing Programme is a hands-on sewing and creative skills programme for children and young people aged 8–16.
Over 16 weekly sessions, participants learn practical sewing skills in a supportive and encouraging environment while creating their own projects and developing confidence, creativity and independence.
From learning how to safely use a sewing machine to designing and making their own projects, participants will have the opportunity to learn by doing, experiment with fabrics and techniques, and take pride in something they have made themselves.
What will young people learn?
Throughout the programme, participants will develop skills including:
Sewing machine safety and basic operation
Threading a sewing machine and winding/inserting a bobbin
Straight stitching and controlling the machine
Measuring and cutting fabric
Understanding seam allowances
Joining fabrics and creating seams
Sewing curves and corners
Finishing seams neatly
Working with zips
Following simple patterns and instructions
Designing and personalising creative projects
Planning and completing an independent sewing project
The programme is designed to gradually build skills, so young people can become more confident and independent as they progress.
What will they make?
Participants will work on a range of practical and creative sewing projects, which may include:
Small bags and drawstring bags
Zipped pouches
Fabric projects
Personalised textile items
Decorative and creative pieces
Their own independently designed sewing project
Projects may vary depending on the children’s interests, abilities and progress.
More than just sewing
At Skilled Hands, we believe creative skills can help young people develop much more than practical ability.
Through the programme, participants will have opportunities to develop:
Confidence – encouraging them to try new things and believe in their abilities.
Creativity – giving them space to make choices, experiment and develop their own ideas.
Problem-solving – learning how to work through challenges when something doesn’t go according to plan.
Independence – gradually encouraging young people to complete tasks and make creative decisions for themselves.
Practical skills – developing a useful skill that they can continue to build on beyond the programme.
Pride and achievement – seeing the results of their own hard work and taking home something they have made.
Who is it for?
The programme is for children and young people aged 8–16, including beginners with little or no previous sewing experience.
No previous sewing experience is required.
Young people will be supported according to their individual ability and encouraged to progress at their own pace.
Programme Details
Age: 8–16 years
Duration: 16 sessions
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00pm–6:00pm
Start date: Tuesday 8 September 2026
Venue: Castle Cavendish Enterprise Centre, 63-67 St Peter’s Street, NG7 3EN, Nottingham
There will be a short break over the Christmas and New Year period, with sessions resuming in January.
Why choose Skilled Hands?
Skilled Hands has years of experience delivering practical creative and sewing workshops for children, young people and adults.
Our approach combines practical learning with creativity, encouragement and personal development. We want every young person to leave not only knowing more about sewing, but also feeling that “I can make something myself.”
Interested in joining?
If you would like your child or young person to take part in a future Creative Young Makers programme, please get in touch with Skilled Hands.
Spaces are limited to ensure that participants receive the practical support they need.