Beginners Sewing & Dressmaking

Beginners Sewing & Dressmaking is an 8-week course to teach you some foundation sewing skills. Then it includes an ideal introduction to Dressmaking – a pencil or A-line skirt using a commercial paper pattern. So kick-start your New Year by learning how to make your own clothes.

What’s covered:

• How to use a sewing machine safely and confidently
• Wind bobbins and thread up the machine
• Understand the importance of correct thread tension
• How to sew perfect straight lines, smooth curves and turn corners
• Learn three different seam types and when to use them
• Take up hems
• Make machined buttonholes and insert a zip
• Project 1: For experience measuring, cutting and sewing fabric, we’ll make a reversible tote bag.
• Project 2: The final 4 weeks will be your introduction to dressmaking. An A-line skirt is flattering for all shapes, easy to wear and versatile. It’s also fairly easy to make too since you’ve already practised seams, hems and zips.   (You will need to bring your own fabric for your projects – I’ll provide details when you book)

So this course is a good starting point to learn expert sewing techniques. Many novice sewists come unstuck when they launch into sewing with a garment project straightaway. Not only are they trying to learn how to use the machine and handle the fabric, but there’s the headache of fitting too. This Beginners Sewing & Dressmaking course will give you a gradual introduction to dressmaking. You will be able to practise sewing neat and accurate seams. Then you’ll cut out and sew a mini-project before tackling your first skirt. I focus on teaching you professional tips and tricks so your skirt will have a professional-quality finish.

Sewing machines are provided or you can bring your own if you have one. If you are considering buying one, then I’m happy to give advice on what to look for. I recommend Pembertons, the specialist sewing machine dealer.

My blog pages contain lots of informative articles about stuff you need to know when you start sewing. Why not spend a few minutes swotting up? Here’s a couple of links to start you off.

Get to the point. How to choose the correct sewing needles.

To have or have not. What sewing equipment you’ll need.

Level: Beginners (or as a refresher if you haven’t sewn for a while)
Duration: 16 hours  (2 hours per week for 8 weeks)