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 2 day 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!!

This course is being run over 2 full days:

Monday 25th July 9.30am-4pm

Monday 26th July 9.30am-4pm

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 2 day course is 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 a skirt in a social setting

The 2 day course aims to build your confidence in using a sewing machine and develop and progress your skills. With 2 consecutive days there will be 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 similar to the following pattern: Kwik Sew K3877 . This pattern is no longer being produced so I am in the process of finding a similar one. It will have a choice of 2 different lengths of skirt – below the knee and above the knee. 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 22.5″(57cm) to largest size approx 38″(97cm) 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 an A-line skirt

Bring together all of the skills you have learnt in weeks 1 and 2 and add some more in order to make your A-line skirt!! An A-line 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
A-line skirt pattern (Kwik Sew K3877) for final skirt project worth £9.50.

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.
Lunch – please bring your own packed lunch with you each day or feel free to pop to a local shop/cafe in Knowle to buy something – there are plenty to choose from!

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. An A-line skirt was the very first skirt I made for myself so I know it was a great start for me !!“

Bookings

Alternative payment to website payment:
If you would prefer to pay by cash, cheque or BACS payment then please email me at allaboutthesew@gmail.com or give me a ring on 07963 734756 with the following details:

Name:
Email address:
Contact telephone number:
Workshop(s) you would like to book onto:
How you heard about All About The Sew:

I will then be in contact with alternative payment details. Please be aware that a workshop place can only be secured when payment is received so please act promptly to avoid disappointment if wanting to pay via one of these methods.

Kind Regards

Lorna

All About The Sew

To find out more get in touch today.