Are you ready to transform your wardrobe and elevate your style? Imagine the thrill of wearing clothing that you’ve crafted with your own two hands – a pair of cozy pyjama bottoms that fit like a dream and a trendy jersey t-shirt that hugs your curves perfectly. If you’ve ever looked at a stunning outfit and wondered, “Could I make that?” – the answer is a resounding YES, and we’re here to show you how!
Welcome to the Beginners Dressmaking Course – a 5-week adventure into the captivating realm of fabric, patterns, and stitches. Whether you’ve never threaded a needle or you’ve dabbled in sewing and yearn to dive deeper, this course is your gateway to sewing success. Step by step, stitch by stitch, we’ll unravel the secrets of sewing patterns and arm you with essential dressmaking skills.
Full details below.
2024 workshop dates:
WEEKEND INTENSIVE:
Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September
10am – 5pm (ish) each day
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER:
Monday evenings
7-9pm
Starting 9th September
(Add-on ‘learn to sew’ 2nd Sept)
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER:
Thursday evenings
7 – 9pm
Starting 21st November
(Add-on ‘learn to sew’ 14th Nov)
£185
Never used a sewing machine before? No problem! Come to the FREE intro to sewing machine session the week before – just remember to add it to your cart before you check out. N.B. This session is ONLY for people taking the 5 week Beginners Dressmaking Course. There is no add-on session for the weekend intensive course.
If the class has sold out (the black button will say ‘Read More’ rather than ‘Add To Basket”) or the dates don’t suit but you are interested in taking the class you can sign up the the Waiting List. You will be sent an email when new dates are confirmed (or if there is a cancellation).
Join our 5-week Beginners Dressmaking Course to acquire the essential skills needed to dive into the world of dressmaking confidently. This comprehensive course is designed for individuals with little to no prior sewing experience and will guide you through the fundamentals of reading sewing patterns and mastering essential dressmaking techniques.
By the end of the Beginners Dressmaking Course, you will have developed a solid foundation in dressmaking. Armed with the knowledge of reading sewing patterns and essential dressmaking skills, you’ll be equipped to explore a wide range of dressmaking projects beyond the course. Whether it’s designing your own garments, altering existing clothing, or delving into more intricate dressmaking endeavors, you’ll have the skills and confidence to bring your sewing ideas to life.
NEW Weekend Intensive option! For those of you who aren’t able to make an evening course due to other commitments, or perhaps you live too far away, I will be running an intense 2-day version of this course. On day 1 we will learn all about using a sewing machine and make a pair of pyjama bottoms and on day 2 we will finish off the pjs (if needed) and make the t-shirt! We won’t cut any corners, you will still learn all the skills that we cover in the 5 week course, just over 2 full days instead. The class will run 10am – 5pm each day. The finish time is flexible and we may finish earlier or (a little) later, depending on how much we achieve each day!
YOU WILL LEARN:
- how to read a sewing pattern, including what all that information on the back means
- how to take your body measurements and choose the correct size to make. You will learn about wear ease and design ease
- all about different types of fabric, their characteristics and suitable uses & how to choose the right fabric for your project
- how to transfer marks from the paper pattern onto your fabric
- how to use a pattern and cut out fabric on the straight grain following the grainline of the fabric and the selvedge
- how to snip corners and the importance of pressing (ironing!)
- how to hem
- how to sew trouser legs
- how to sew a simple waistband and insert elastic
- How to sew jersey on a regular sewing machine; what needles to use and what stitches are best
- How to sew a simple jersey neckband
- How to sew a sleeve on the flat
- How to hem jersey
THE PROJECTS:
Week 1-3: Pyjama Bottoms Project
In the first three weeks, you will embark on your dressmaking journey by creating a comfortable and stylish pair of pyjama bottoms. You will learn the basics of using a sewing machine, selecting fabric, taking measurements, and understanding sewing pattern instructions. By the end of this segment, you’ll have completed your first wearable garment and gained valuable experience in sewing straight seams, adding elastic waistbands, and finishing edges.
Week 4-5: Jersey T-Shirt Project
In the next phase of the course, you will level up your skills by working with jersey fabric and creating a cosy t-shirt. Make it to match your pyjama bottoms or as a stand alone top to wear with jeans. This part of the course will introduce you to sewing with stretchy fabrics, mastering techniques such as handling hems, creating necklines, and attaching sleeves. By the end of week 5, you’ll proudly showcase your finished t-shirt, and you’ll feel confident in tackling more complex projects involving stretch materials.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 5 weeks of expert guidance from an experienced dressmaking instructor
- Access to sewing machines and equipment during class hours
- Patterns for pyjama bottoms and t-shirt projects
- Tea, Coffee & other refreshments
- Small class sizes for personalized attention and support
- A supportive and creative learning environment to foster your passion for dressmaking
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:
- 1-2.5m woven cotton fabric such as cotton lawn or cotton poplin (see below)
- 1 – 1.5m cotton jersey for your t-shirt project.
- Matching thread for both fabrics. I recommend Gutermann Sew-All thread.
I’ll be in touch with more information about choosing the correct fabric and how much is needed once you book your place.
who is this class suitable for:
Level 0
(click for details of our class levels – this class is suitable for absolute beginners) – please remember to add the ADD-ON session to your cart if you have never used a sewing machine before!
This class is suitable for ages 13 and up! If you are booking for a teen who is perhaps a bit nervous to come on their own, they are welcome to bring a chaperone (please do let me know in advance so I can keep an eye on numbers). Or even better, why not book a spot for you to learn along with them!
I know all the photos for this course are female, but this course is also very suitable for males and gender neutral people. Please let me know in the comment box at check out if you would like a sewing pattern suitable for males.
LOCATION:
Held in the lovely, bright and spacious Threadquarters studio! 49 Main Street, Bangor, NI. Located on the first floor.
Please click here for more details on the location and parking options.
PLEASE NOTE: The class requires a minimum of two people to go ahead.
Please check Terms & Conditions for cancellation policies.
