Beginners dressmaking course –

Learn to sew a skirt

Have you always wanted to learn to make your own clothes? Did you make your own clothes in the past and would love to get back into it and refresh your skills? This 4 week beginners dressmaking course will teach you essential dressmaking skills to take you right from measuring yourself accurately and reading a sewing pattern through to making a skirt, with lots of fun along the way!!

You will need to be able to use your sewing machine confidently in the basic stitches – straight stitch, reverse stitch and zig zag stitch and have made a few projects before (not necessarily any garments). Please get in touch if you are uncertain about whether or not it is for you. If you need a beginners class or a refresher then have a look at beginners classes available or a 1 to 1 session.

This is a 4 week course aimed at:

• those who are beginning their dressmaking journey
• those who would like to refresh their skills
• those who would like to make a project over a longer amount of time to really get to grips with core techniques
• anyone who would like to learn to make an a-line skirt in a social setting (online in a small group)

The 4 week course aims to build your confidence in using a sewing machine and develop and progress your skills. With 4 consecutive weeks, 12 hours of time in the group and lots of opportunity to practice techniques, it is an ideal opportunity to consolidate skills and really get to grips with dressmaking over a short period.

The pattern you will be using will be the Sew Over It Ava skirt. It has the choice of 2 different hem lengths – below the knee and above the knee.

The skirt features darts at the front and back for shaping, a regular centre back zip, narrow waistband and in-seam pockets!

It’s a really versatile skirt and looks good made up in a lighter weight fabric for Spring/Summer or corduroy/needlecord/lightweight denim for Autumn/Winter.

**Please note the size range of the pattern is:

Waist –  ranging from smallest size approx 24″(61cm)  to largest size approx 50″(127cm) maximum.

Hips –  ranging from smallest size approx 34″(86cm)  to largest size approx 60″(152cm) maximum.

Please refer to the following blog post in order to measure your waist accurately.

Please get in touch if you are unsure whether or not this pattern is suitable for you.

Course outline

Week 1: Dressmaking basics and practising of skills

Learn how:

• To measure yourself accurately
• To translate your body measurements and use the pattern tables to determine which size pattern to cut and how much fabric and notions to buy
• Sew darts
• Change feet on the sewing machine and use of the zipper foot
• Insert a standard (centred) zip

Week 2: Further development of dressmaking skills and preparation of pattern/fabric

Continue building on skills learnt in week one.

Learn how:

• To lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• To select which pattern pieces to use
• Recognise common symbols and abbreviations used on sewing patterns
• To identify the selvedge and grainline of fabric and layout your pattern pieces correctly on the fabric
• To transfer pattern markings onto the fabric.
• To cut out of fabric accurately
• To apply interfacing to give structure to projects

Weeks 1 and 2 will prepare for the skirt project in weeks 3 and 4.

Weeks 3 and 4: Make a skirt

Bring together all of the skills you have learnt in weeks 1 and 2 and add some more in order to make your skirt!!   This is a classic skirt pattern and a perfect project for beginner dressmakers.

Additional skills you will learn:

• How to attach a waistband
• How to neatly sew on hooks and eyes
• How to machine or hand sew a hem
• Optional skill if confident and time allows – sewing an automatic buttonhole

What is included:

• Practise fabric and 2 x practise zips for week 1
• Skirt pattern (Sew Over It Ava skirt) for final skirt project worth £17.00.

What you need to supply:

• Materials for skirt project to include fabric, matching thread, zip and hook/eye. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose prior to the course. Suitable fabrics will be cotton, needlecord, corduroy, lightweight denim/chambray.

Cost: £150

Additional information

Maximum of 6 spaces.

Lorna says:

“I absolutely love teaching this course. I have allowed plenty of time for people to practise skills and get to grips with core skills ready to make the skirt. People will really have lots of opportunity to learn, develop and progress their skills all within a sociable and friendly setting. Learning together is so much fun and people really benefit from the support of others and sharing ideas.  A skirt was the very first skirt I made for myself so I know it was a great start for me !!“