We run a selection of classes that are suitable for beginners and more experienced dressmakers. Our class sizes are very small this means 4 people maximum to a class as we have found this means there is enough support for each class member and leads to a relaxed, enjoyable and successful class.

We encourage you to bring your own sewing machine along but are also able to provide domestic sewing machines if this is not possible

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Beginners sewing

In this class you will learn how to make yourself a pair of trousers with an elasticated waistband, a drawstring and side pockets.

You will be shown how to create French seams and fell seams for a neat finish. This way of finishing a garment doesn’t require an overlocker so you can recreate them easily at home on a normal domestic machine. You will also have the opportunity to use an overlocker if you prefer.

You will create a bespoke trouser pattern from our templates that you can take home and keep.

We provide sewing machines for you to use but you are welcome to bring your own. Full support will be given in threading up and trouble-shooting your machine.

Materials

You may have old cotton duvets or sheet that you would like to recycle, and they are perfect for beginners as cotton is an easy fabric to sew. Also, 100% cotton bedding can be dyed to give it a second life!

You may like to bring your own fabric, if so:

The type of fabric that would be good for these trousers are

• Linen
• Cotton poplin
• Light Cotton twill
• Dress or craft cotton

Avoid anything stretchy or silky as it will be difficult to work with

You will need 2 metres of 140cm wide or 2.5 metres of 120cm wide or less.

If the fabric has a pattern that looks different upside down, you will need 3 metres if its narrower than 120 cms.

Pattern Cutting – Make clothes that fit.

This class is very is aimed at people with who are competent sewers but have difficulty achieving a good fit using conventional patterns. You will be provided with a paper pattern of a close fitting dress, with sleeves and use techniques that you will learn to make it fit your body shape perfectly

In this class you will learn

• How to do a full bust alteration( for ladies with a larger bust)
• Shorten or lengthen waist
• Alter the shoulder tilt and length
• I\ncrease or decease waist/ hip fit
• Mark set lengths for skirt styles
• Make a toille from calico ( provided) to test your pattern
• How to alter the toille if needed to perfect fitt
• How to transfer these changes back onto the paper pattern to create your own bespoke dress block pattern

Now you can use these techniques to alter your own favourite commercial dress patterns or a more exciting option is to learn how you can use the bespoke dress block to make your own designs

We will include a session on pattern design and dart manipulation giving you the opportunity to practice and create your own designs.

You will have access to some excellent pattern cutting books. This course will enable you to understand and have a better grasp of the information and techniques explained in the books.

:This class will give you the knowledge and confidence that you need to go on and make garments that fit you perfectly. It is also a great start for students who wish to go on to study pattern cutting in more depth.

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