Dressmaking Techniques: Beyond the Basics

Dressmaking Techniques: Beyond the Basics. Take your dressmaking skills to the next level with our 3-day Summer School course.

Wed 6 – Friday 8 August 10am-4pm.

Booking Closes 30 June 2025.  Early bird ticket available until 30 March.  Save £25!

Dressmaking Techniques: Beyond the Basics Course Description

Perfect for experienced sewists, this course focuses on mastering more advanced ladieswear construction techniques. Designed as a follow-on from our “Dressmaking Techniques” or “Better Dressmaking” courses, it’s also ideal for anyone with prior experience looking to enhance their technical skills.

Throughout the course, you’ll work on perfecting essential dressmaking methods, creating individual samples, relieving the pressure to complete a whole garment. This focused approach allows you to fully understand and confidently apply each technique in future projects.

Topics include:

• Cuffs and Sleeve Plackets: Explore various  sleeve placket styles and practice adding a cuff with precision.
• Revere Collars: Master the construction of this timeless design, perfect for blouses and jackets.
• Zip Fly Construction: Master the process for a clean and professional finish.
• Ladies’ Shirt Collars: Learn how to sew a professional 2-piece collar for a polished finish.
• Welt (Jetted) Pockets and Bound Buttonholes: Tackle these complex but rewarding techniques with expert guidance.
• *Front Hip Pockets: Add style and functionality to skirts and trousers.
  • *if time permits.  If not, you’ll receive notes on the technique.

*While the course is structured, we adapt to the group’s pace to ensure everyone gains a thorough understanding of each technique. If time is limited, we’ll prioritize advanced skills, such as welt pockets and bound buttonholes, while providing additional resources for practicing unfinished techniques at home.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of polished samples and the confidence to apply these methods to your own dressmaking projects. Each session includes demonstrations, step-by-step guidance, and plenty of time for questions.

This course is perfect for experienced sewists ready to refine their craft and connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today to take your dressmaking skills beyond the basics!

If this sounds too advanced for you, then you may want to try ‘Better Dressmaking’ for the foundation garment-construction techniques such as sewing perfect darts, inserting a concealed zip etc.

Sewing machines can be provided if you’re not bringing your own. Remember your power cable/foot control, instruction manual and spare bobbins.

What you’ll need:

• Your basic sewing kit comprising fabric shears, paper scissors, small embroidery scissors for fine trimming, pins, fabric marking pencils/pens, a tape measure and 30cm ruler. (These items are not provided but most are for sale in my studio shop if you don’t have them)
• Two metres of plain fabric (i.e. not printed) for your samples:  Calico, curtain lining or sheeting is good.  Check your local charity shop or scrap store before buying new.
• 1/2 metre lightweight soft handle fusible interfacing 70-90cm wide.