Beginners Sewing & Dressmaking

Make a skirt - Beginners Dressmaking. Image shows young women wearing skirts they've made themselves — Make a skirt - Beginners Dressmaking.

Bookings

Thursday 29/04/2021 - Thursday 17/06/2021, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

£170.00

This event is fully booked. You can Join waitlist

If an elegible ticket becomes available, you will be notified by email to make a booking. There are 6 spaces left on the waitlist. A form is provided below

This 8-week Beginners sewing & dressmaking course combines the best of my foundation sewing courses, with an introduction to dressmaking. So it will teach you to use a sewing machine and learn some foundation skills. Then you’ll learn how to understand the ‘language’ of commercial patterns so you can start making your own clothes.

Course Description

The first 4 weeks of this course (borrowed from my Beginners Sewing Course) will teach you how to use a sewing machine, and lots of useful foundation skills. You’ll also make an easy little project (a tote bag) to learn to measure, cut and handle fabric, in preparation for the main event. Then comes the introduction to dressmaking section – over the next 4 weeks, you’ll make your choice of a simple skirt, or pyjamas using a commercial paper pattern.
(You will need to bring your own pattern and fabric for your projects – I’ll provide details when you book. You’ll need to book early to allow time to obtain these items.)

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

Who is this aimed at?

Absolute Beginners. No previous sewing experience is required.
If perhaps you’ve had a long break from sewing, this class is suitable as a refresher.

What will I learn?

how to use a sewing machine
how to sew straight lines, curves and turn corners
basic seam types
how to take up hems
how to insert zips and make machined buttonholes
a mini-project to give you experience measuring and cutting fabric.

A simple A-line or pencil skirt is a good first dressmaking project once you’ve learned how to use a sewing machine. A skirt has a few challenges. It will teach you the following foundation dressmaking techniques:

how to measure yourself and find the right size of pattern
understanding pattern markings, laying out and cutting fabric
how to sew darts
sewing seams
how to neaten raw edges
how to sew a zip
using interfacing to stabilise the fabric
how to attach a waistband
how to take up a hem

Or you may want to try pyjama bottoms or a kimono-style gown.

Course arrangements

Fabrics are provided for the first 3 weeks. After that you’ll need to bring your own fabric for your tote bag, and your fabric and other items required to make the skirt. I’ll provide a list of things you need once you’ve booked.

Sewing machines are provided or you can bring your own if you prefer. Please bring the instruction manual, bobbins, all the accessories (presser feet), and check that you have your power cable/foot control.

Artisan Stitch won a Certificate of Excellence is 2019 for best sewing classes in Edinburgh. Also a UK Enterprise award for Best Sewing classes 2020.

Useful links:

Fabric Focus is a gorgeous local shop where you can buy patterns and fabric. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

How to choose a pattern size – sewing patterns aren’t sized in the same way as shop-bought clothes, so you can’t make the same size and expect it to fit well. This blog will help you understand how to get a good fit to your home-made clothes.