Learn to sew a shirt

Learn to sew a shirt in this 2 day course.

This workshop is suitable for those who are confident with their sewing machine and have made a few garments before. Please get in touch if you are not sure whether this is a suitable level for you.

This is a 2 day course aimed at:

• those who would like to progress their dressmaking skills further
• those who would like to make a project over a longer amount of time to really get to grips with new techniques
• anyone who would like to learn to make a shirt in a social setting

Prior to the workshop:

To allow more sewing time on the course, the sewing pattern will be sent out in advance. Students will prepare their pattern pieces and cut their fabric out prior to the course. Help with choosing your size and a video to guide you through the process will be sent to you.

Please get in touch if you are uncertain about whether or not it is for you.

The pattern we will be using is Simplicity 1538. There are several options for the shirt – for the workshop we will be making Version C. This is the standard long sleeved shirt with option of patch pockets.

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

Full Bust – ranging from smallest size 30.5″(78cm) to largest size 44″(112cm) maximum.

Course outline

You will learn:

• Stay stitching
• Sewing bust darts
• Neat top stitching
• Sewing optional patch pocket(s)
• Gathering stitches
• Burrito method of attaching a yoke
• Sleeve pleats and plackets
• Applying cuffs to sleeves
• Inserting sleeves with easing in method
• Buttonholes and attaching buttons using sewing machine (dependent on your sewing machine)
• Attaching collar and collar stand

What is included:

• Paper copy of the shirt pattern (Simplicity 1538)

What you need to supply:

• Fabric for shirt (1.3m-2m depending on size)
• Matching thread
• Suggested fabrics are cottons, batiks, calico, chambray, poplin
• I would advise you not to go for anything that would require pattern matching for your first version. You may also want to consider making your first version in calico or a cheaper test fabric and use this as an opportunity to test the fit and practise techniques.
• Eight 1/2” buttons
• Interfacing 1m lightweight fusible

Cost: £150

Additional information

Maximum of 6 spaces.

Lorna says:

“Having run this course for the first time online during the pandemic, it was incredible to see people make shirts through distance learning. To now be able to teach this face to face is really exciting. It is a perfect course for those wanting to progress their sewing skills further. I absolutely love my shirt and can see myself making it up on a whole variety of fabrics! Learning together is so much fun and people really benefit from the support of others and sharing ideas.”

Bookings