Online workshop - Learn to sew with stretchy fabrics - Tilly and the Buttons Billie sweater

Date/Time
Date - 25/03/2021 - 01/04/2021
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

**This workshop will be delivered virtually via the online video conferencing platform, Zoom. If you don’t already have a Zoom account, it is easy to set one up for free (basic package) via their website. Prior to the workshop I would email you the workshop joining instructions. Zoom allows 2 way communication between all participants and myself, allowing questions, feedback, demonstrations and conversation! It’s good fun and a great way to socialise with other people whilst sewing, during the pandemic restrictions.**

Duration – 6 hours split over 2 sessions

This workshop will run on 2 dates. You must be able to attend both dates to complete the workshop.

Thursday 25th March 2021 6.30pm-9.30pm- 3 hours

Thursday 1st April 2021 6.30pm-9.30pm – 3 hours

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.

Learn to sew with stretchy fabrics – 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)

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. For both of these there may be some sewing required independently in between the 2 sessions.

What is included:

Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet worth £15.50 (this will be sent to you prior to the workshop).
Full tuition in order to make your garment

Pattern sizing

The Billie sewing pattern is sized between UK sizes 6-24.

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 (chart taken from Tilly and the Buttons website)

		SIZES 1-5		SIZES 6-10
140cm (56in) WIDE	Version 1	1.5m (1 3/4yd)		2.3m (2 1/2yd)
	Version 2	1.8m (2 yd)*
	Version 3	2.1m (2 3/8yd)±		2.8m (3 1/8yd)
	Version 4	2.3m (2 1/2yd)±
		SIZES 1-2	SIZES 3-5	SIZES 6-10
115cm (45in) WIDE	Version 1	1.7m (1 7/8yd)*	2.4m (2 5/8yd)*	2.6m (2 7/8yd)*
	Version 2	2m (2 1/4yd)*	3.2m (3 1/2yd)*	3.2m (3 1/2yd)*
	Version 3	2.5m (2 3/4yd)*	3.1m (3 3/8yd)*
		SIZES 1-2	SIZES 3-10
	Version 4	2.8m (3 1/8yd)*	3.8m (4 1/4yd)*

±0.2m (1/4yd) less if using separate ribbing for cuffs etc *0.4m (1/2yd) less if using separate ribbing for cuffs etc

Optional :

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.

Needle:

Ballpoint/stretch/jersey/blue tipped sewing machine needle. It might be worth getting a couple of options and seeing what works best with your fabric. My personal choice is a blue tipped needle.

Fabric suggestions:

Sweatshirt fleece, French terry, ponte, double knit, interlock or sweater knit with at least 10% stretch. N.B. You’ll need a sturdy machine to sew the balloon sleeve version in a thick sweatshirting fabric ( I used Ponte Roma for my balloon sleeved version and it worked well)

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 £55- for the 2 sessions.

Lorna says:

“This has been Tilly and the Buttons’ most popular pattern release so far 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/lockdown 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.“