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 with oilcloth

Oilcloth can be a really tricky fabric to work with. This 3 hour learn to sew with oilcloth class will teach you the essential skills of sewing with oilcloth and you will make 2 fantastic zipped pouches to take home.

You will learn lots of useful sewing skills including cutting out of fabric accurately, top tips for how to sew with oilcloth and changing feet on the machine. This class includes inserting a zip so you will also learn how to use the zipper foot and how to insert a zip into oilcloth.

You will learn:

• Cutting out of fabric accurately
• Top tips for how to sew with oilcloth
• Changing feet on the machine and use of the zipper foot
• How to insert a zip into oilcloth
• Top stitching
• Sewing gusset corners if sewing the ‘boxy’ pouches

You will make 2 pouches to take home.

• Your first pouch will be a standard zipped pouch for coins or pencils etc (floral design on the picture)
• Then for your second pouch you can do another standard pouch or choose between 2 other design options –  either the standard boxed pouch (pale pink and white spots in picture) or taller pouch with boxed corners at the bottom only (grey and white diamonds on the picture)

Equipment and Materials:

• Janome sewing machines and selection of sewing tools provided to use – including rotary cutters and self healing mats
• All materials included including a small selection of several oilcloths and zips
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed after the workshop
• Tea & Coffee included

Optional:

You are welcome to bring a your own oilcloth – if so get in touch and I will let you know how much you will need.

Cost £45

Lorna says:

“Oilcloth can be a nightmare to sew with! However, once you learn some top tips about sewing with it, you can make a whole variety of projects using it – aprons, tote bags, placemats, peg bags. It’s a great fabric to use as it can be wiped clean. Come along and gain some confidence sewing with this versatile fabric!”

Beginners dressmaking course –

Learn to sew a skirt

• 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)

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

Course outline

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

Sewcial Stitch

Do you have a project you have been meaning to start or finish and need a motivation boost?

Would you like to spend the afternoon sewing with others on your own individual project?

• Full use of Janome sewing machines
• Shared use of the studio overlocker
• A selection of sewing tools available to use including rotary cutters and mats & sewing clips
• Tea/coffee

Save 10% when booking 4 or more Sewcial Stitch sessions by using the voucher code SS10 at the checkout!!

Children’s sewing class –

Learn to sew fabric bookmarks

This class is ideal for children who have never used a sewing machine before or if they don't feel that confident. Time will be spent at the beginning going through how to use the machine and practising. If your child has used a machine before then they will be able to crack on with the project and have more time to create!

In this children’s sewing class, you will learn how to make some fabulous fabric bookmarks.  Be inspired, unleash your creativity and learn a fantastic skill at the same time. There are 2 types of bookmarks and each one can be completely unique as you can customise them as you wish.

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 

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