Soft furnishings: cushions, runners and throws (09B102CL/22)

What will I learn?

You will learn how to use the sewing machine safely and how to design, plan, develop and assemble your own, unique soft furnishing project.

What is it like to learn with East Riding Adult Learning and Employability?

At East Riding Adult Learning and Employability we pride ourselves on the support we give to our learners, from the very time you contact us, to the day you achieve your goals.

If you choose to join this course you will be supported by our dedicated staff, learn in a small friendly and welcoming group, have the opportunity to take part in activities to practice your skills, be encouraged to continue to practice when you are away from the classroom and receive lots of encouragement to help you build both your skills and your confidence.

As well as working in groups, you will benefit from regular time working with your tutor, discussing your progress and planning your next steps.  They will also tell you about all of the other great opportunities that you have access to including help with developing your skills, joining one of our creative skills classes or sessions to improve your health, wellbeing, confidence or resilience. If you are looking for work or aiming for a change of role, then your tutor will also make you aware of the employability programmes we have available to support you in achieving your employment goals.

Our team will be there to support you at every step of your journey and we always welcome your feedback to help us ensure that you feel safe, happy, supported and welcome. 

What do I need to join the course?

Just enthusiasm to learn a new craft – no experience is needed.

What do I need to provide for the first session?

To make a Cushion cover you will need:

• A cushion form (please measure your cushion)
• Cotton or poly cotton mid weight fabric: Fabric must be big enough to cut front panel of your cushion plus 1cm seam allowance all the way around and two back panels that are the same depth as the front panel, the width of each should be equal to the width of your front panel plus 13cm.
• Anything you may like to decorate your cushion with, this could be hand sewn or appliqued onto the front of the cushion. If you are wishing to do this please bring your preferred fabric, threads etc., and 1/2 meter Bonda Web for applique.
• Polyester sewing thread to match your base fabric.
• Note for larger cushions you may need to hand sew invisible snaps (press-studs) to the opening.

To make a Tablecloth/Runner you will need:

• Fabric: Please measure your table and allow for the drop (over hang) this is usually at least 20cm all the way around plus 3cm all the way around for hemming. Also if you have extra time left over you may want to bring extra fabric to make matching napkins!
• Anything you may like to decorate your tablecloth or runner with, this could be binding, simple hand sewn embroidery or appliqued. If you are wishing to do this please bring your preferred fabric, threads etc. and 1/2 meter Bonda Web for applique.
• Polyester sewing thread to match your base fabric.
• Note: If you are making a runner you may wish to line your runner so please bring a suitable lining fabric.

To make a Throw you will need:

• Fabric: Size dependent on the required finished throw. Please ensure that the fabric is big enough to account for hemming so around 3cm all the way around. You will need a front fabric and backing fabric (fabric should not have a stretch to it) would suggest Cotton, poly cotton or Linen. A light weight quilters poly or cotton wadding/bating if preferred.
• Anything you may like to decorate your tablecloth or runner with, this could be binding, simple hand sewn embroidery or appliqued. If you are wishing to do this please bring your preferred fabric, threads etc., and 1/2 meter Bonda Web for applique.
• Polyester sewing thread to match your base fabric.
• Please ensure you have prewashed and dried your fabric to prevent shrinkage.

What could I do next?

You may wish to develop your skills further with our other soft furnishings courses. Your tutor will provide more information about this at the end of your course. You may also consider some of our other Adult Learning courses such as knitting, dressmaking, interior design, mindfulness and photography or computer skills, English, maths and employability courses.

Can we help you to learn?

You can find more information on the Financial help and additional support page or you can contact us to talk about this and any other support we can provide.