Have you always fancied making your own clothes and not known where to start?  Have you tried a few garments but keep getting frustrated things don’t quite turn out how you would have liked?  This course could be just what you are looking for.
 
A big part of my approach to teaching is to really get you to grips with the building blocks of whatever technique we are covering and the Dressmaking Basics is no exception.
You won’t come away from this course with ONE finished garment.  You will come away with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle hundreds.
 
Over 6 weeks I will take you through some of the most common and fundamental techniques in beginner garment making.  Following a single pattern or attending a class to complete one item will often focus mainly on HOW to construct that particular piece and it ends there.  In the Dressmaking Basics, we will look also look at the WHY.  We will breakdown what a finish or technique is doing (such as creating shape for the body, strengthening a seam, creating volume etc) why this function is important together with HOW to practically sew and use it.   You shall complete samples of all the techniques covered so you have not only the chance to learn how to create them but shall have a handy selection for reference.
 
By having a deeper understanding of construction techniques,  the way fabric choice can affect the finished result and when you can hack patterns to include different elements, you will open up a world of possibilities in your garment making. 
 
We will also discuss and use a range of tools and equipment that can be used to achieve an elevated finish on your work: items such as tailors hams, sleeve roll, clappers, point turners, seam gauges and more.
 
What will we cover?
Seam finishes – French, bias bound, flat felled
Hemming
Gathers, ruffles, pleats
Neckline and armhole finishing options – bias bound and facings
Straight darts
Stitching techniques including top, under, edge, in the ditch and stay
Sleeves – set in and dropped
Elastic  - cuffs and waistbands
Buttonholes
Guidance and suggestion on fabric options, suitable patterns
Discussion and examples to showcase pattern hacking and substituting techniques to create very different effects and garments
 
What is included?
Instructional worksheets for reference on all techniques covered
Fabric for all samples
Use of all equipment and tools required in the studio
Use of a studio sewing machine if required
A journal to keep your samples and notes all together for your very own reference library
Access to an exclusive password protected area on the website which will host digital access to all worksheets and resources, additional tips and pattern suggestions and much more.
10% off anything purchased in class – patterns, haberdashery, fabric etc
Exclusive discount on any linked classes such as Anatomy of a Pattern and specific garment making classes. 
 
Who is this for?
Anyone who would like to elevate their understanding and skill level around garment making .  
You must be comfortable threading and using your machine independently. Sewing a variety of stitches and adjusting the settings on your machine. It will be advantageous (but not required) if you have completed some projects already (these do not need to have been clothing) and are familiar with seam allowance and basic construction. If you are unsure if your skill level is appropriate please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 
Due to the amount to be covered in class, basic machine operation and instruction will not be possible during class time. 
 
What do I need to bring?
Your sewing machine and power cable (if not borrowing)
Any sewing tools or kit you have and would like to use in class
 
Please leave a note in the additional information box when booking to advise if you are bringing a machine or if you shall be using a studio machine.
 
The course will run over 6 weeks 
Autumn Session
Wednesday Mornings 10-12.30pm
13/8, 20/8, 27/8, 3/9, 10/9, 17/9
Winter Session
Thursday Evenings 6-8.30pm
9/10, 16/10, 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11
 
PLEASE NOTE THIS CLASS REQUIRES A MINIMUM NUMBER OF ATTENDEES TO RUN.  YOU CAN READ THE FULL .
BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY HERE