Learn to sew a sweatshirt – Tilly and the Buttons Billie sweater/sweater dress

“Cool, casual and modern, Billie is an ultra-comfy sweatshirt or sweater dress.” “It has a relaxed shape, crew neckline and classic trim details. Keep it effortless with cuffed, straight sleeves, or add some drama with on-trend balloon sleeves and deep cuffs. Choose between top length which sits on the high hip, or mini dress which finishes 10cm (4in) above the knee with gorgeous cutaway pockets.”  (taken from the Tilly and the Buttons website)

This workshop is suitable for those who have used a sewing machine before, can confidently thread the machine and bobbin and have sewn several projects before. If you need a beginners class or a refresher then have a look at beginners classes available. Please get in touch if you are not sure whether this is a suitable level for you.

You will learn how to:

• Take essential body measurements and select your pattern size
• Identify pattern pieces required
• Lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• Accurately cut out pattern pieces
• Identify the grainline of the fabric and lay out pattern pieces correctly
• Follow a commercial sewing pattern
• Cut stretch fabric accurately
• Top tips on how to sew with stretch fabric on a regular sewing machine
• Stabilise necklines and hems on stretch garments
• Top stitch using a twin needle (optional)

If this is your first garment or first time using stretchy fabrics, I would suggest you choose to sew the sweatshirt version. If you are more confident then you could choose the dress or balloon sleeved version.

What is included:

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet worth £17.50 .
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

Pattern sizing

The Billie sewing pattern is sized between UK sizes 6-34.

You will need to measure yourself in order to know how much fabric to get. You cannot compare to high street sizes. Please get in touch if you are uncertain.

You will need to measure your bust, waist and hips. Please refer to my blog post on measuring yourself accurately.

You will need to get:

• Fabric - approximately 1.5m-4m (depends on your size and which version). Upon booking you will be given guidance on how much fabric you will need based on your measurements.

• Optional :
• Ribbing - You can use separate ribbing for the cuffs, hem band, neckline or use the same fabric as the main garment.

I would recommend using ribbing for cuffs etc, if main fabric has less than 20% stretch. For a regular sleeve you will need 0.6m of ribbing and for the balloon sleeve you will need 0.7m of ribbing.

If your fabric is particularly stretchy you can stabilise the shoulder seams using 30cm (12″) of 6-9mm (1/4″) wide satin ribbon.

Fabric suggestions: 

Sweatshirt fleece, French terry, Ponte Roma, double knit, interlock or sweater knit with at least 10% stretch. 

Please give me a call if you are in any doubt about fabric choices or suggestions of where to buy from.

It is recommended to pre wash your fabric before the workshop as it is likely to shrink a little in the first wash. Do not hang your fabric to dry as it will stretch out of shape – dry flat.

Cost £110

Lorna says:

“This has been such a popular Tilly and the Buttons’ pattern and you can see why. I absolutely love this pattern (as you can see from my 3 versions!!). So comfy to wear and with the 3 options in the one pattern, it offers great value for money. Perfect working from home attire! It is a great pattern for those new to sewing with stretch or for those a bit more confident that would like to improve their skills further.“

My versions :

Learn to sew a sewing machine cover

• How to use a piping foot
• How to sew neat piping
• How to insert a snap fastening using Prym variopliers

• Full use of Janome sewing machines and Prym tools
• Prym snap fastening and interfacing if inserting a snap fastening
• Piping and bias binding

• Fabric - You will need 1m of woven fabric or a pack of fat quarters. Medium weight cottons/ denims/ upholstery weight fabrics would work well
• Machine thread - you can use a contrasting thread to make the top stitching stand out.

Project from Closet Core patterns with permission

Bookings

Children’s sewing class –

Learn to sew a drawstring backpack

This class is designed for children who have used a sewing machine before as there won't be time to go through how to use the machine (other than a quick refresher). If you are after a beginners children's class then the morning one would be more suitable - see here.

In this children’s sewing class, you will learn how to make an awesome drawstring backpack.  Be inspired, unleash your creativity and learn a fantastic skill at the same time. The backpack would be perfect for PE, sleepovers, dance club, library trips, car journeys, football kit – the list goes on!!!

For children in Year 5 and above.

Equipment and Materials:

• Janome sewing machines and basic sewing tools provided to use.
• All fabric and materials for the project are included.
• Soft drinks/biscuits included.

Other points to note:

• Finger guards will be fitted to the sewing machines which prevent fingers getting too close to the sewing needle
• I have an up to date DBS check

Other points to note:

• There will be a selection of fabrics to choose from. Alternatively if you would prefer to supply your own fabric just let me know and I can give you the dimensions.

Cost £25 

Introduction to patchwork and quilting

• What materials and equipment you will need in order to make a quilt
• How to cut fabric pieces accurately using a rotary wheel, quilting ruler and self healing mat
• How to use an even feed/walking foot
• How to piece squares together accurately to make your sample topper
• How to layer your quilt sampler together to prepare for the quilting stage
• How to quilt your sample with a simple design
• How to make your own quilt binding
• How to bind your quilt sampler using the sewing machine and by hand
• How to sew a mitred corner

• White bias binding for quilt binding
• Wadding
• White backing fabric
• Machine thread
• Use of Janome sewing machines and tools including rotary cutters, quilting rulers and self healing mats.
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed to you after the class

• Fabric squares for the patchwork front. You will need 9 squares of 4.5″ x 4.5″. Scraps of fabric or fat quarters would be ideal. You could have 9 different fabrics or as a minimum you could have 4 of one design and 5 of another.

Learn to sew a zipped piped cushion cover

Learn to sew a gorgeous piped cushion cover with a semi concealed zip.

Take your sewing skills and your handmade cushions to the next level by learning how to make your own piping and attaching it to a project.

You will learn:

• How to make piping using cord and bias binding
• How to neatly join piping ends
• How to insert a zip into a seam alongside piping so that it is semi concealed
• How to finish raw edges neatly using the overcast foot

The planned finished size of the cushion cover will be 40cm x 40cm square but you can choose to alter the size depending on your needs. 

Supplies

What will be provided:

• White bias binding
• Piping
• White standard zip
• Use of sewing machines and tools 
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed to you after the class
• Cushion pad is not supplied

You will need to bring:

• 0.5m medium weight woven fabric (not stretchy)
• Matching/co-ordinating machine thread (a selection of Gutermann threads are available to buy at the studio)

Cost £50

Lorna says:

“Piping takes your cushion covers to a really professional level. Inserting a zip alongside piping isn't easy so I will be there with you every step of the way to help you achieve success. This is an ideal progression from a level 2 class.”