Dressmaking Introduction Course
£95.00
Date & Time: Wed 25 Sept, 2 & 9 Oct 2024, 18.30-21.00
Product Code: Dsdress240925
Sessions: 3
Tutor: Alison Leese
Places available: 1
Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Venue: Home Studio Chorlton
If you have never used a sewing pattern or made a garment before but are ready to venture into the wonderful world of dressmaking, then this is the course for you!
This three-week course is designed to equip you with all the knowledge you need to decipher a commercial sewing pattern and to teach you the practical skills to make either a ladies top, pyjama bottoms, a girl's dress, wrap-around skirt, stretch batwing top, kimono, kimono jacket or pair of knickers using a fabric of your choice (see 'Additional Information').
Week 1 - Sewing Patterns Decoded
Start by understanding the ‘jargon’ used within a sewing pattern. Learn how to take body measurements to establish your pattern size and calculate fabric requirements. Then get practical by laying out a pattern piece and learn to pin, measure and transfer markings, as well as the basics of shortening, lengthening, enlarging and reducing patterns.
Week 2 & 3 – Construct your chosen garment
These two weeks will be spent sewing together your garment, you will be learning how to join pieces with seams, press accurately and produce perfect hems.
As this is not a beginner’s workshop, you must already have some experience on a sewing machine or have attended one of our Beginner sewing workshops.
Based at a Home Studio in Chorlton.
If the above date is not suitable or sold out and there are no alternative dates showing below, contact us with the workshop name, so we can let you know if a place becomes available or when the next date goes on sale.
If you would like to purchase this workshop as a gift, please contact us with the workshop name and date or go to our Gift a Workshop page.
You will need the following materials for your selected garment, please avoid bulky, stretchy or slippery fabrics; light to medium weight woven cotton is ideal:
Sew a Gorgeous Girl's Dress
70cm of fabric for the dress and 30cm of fabric for the facing (this can be the same as the dress fabric or a contrast in a similar or lighter weight fabric),
20cm of fusible interfacing.
Sewing thread to match the main fabric.
Two 1.5-2cm buttons.
Sew your own Lounge Pants or Pyjama Trousers
2m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.4m of 115cm wide fabric.
1m of 38mm wide elastic
2m of ribbon (any width up to about 2.5cm)
Matching sewing thread.
Sew your own Top with Raglan Sleeves
2m for a top of either 150cm or 115cm wide fabric.
20cm of fusible interfacing.
Matching sewing thread.
Sew you own Wrap-Around Skirt
1.5m of 150cm wide fabric or 2m of 115cm wide fabric (this is based on a skirt length of 60cm, bring more fabric for a longer length).
Matching sewing thread.
One button (maximum size 3cm).
Sew you own Stretch Batwing Top
2m of 150cm wide medium-weight moderate stretch / knit fabric like jersey, cotton knit, ponte roma.
Matching sewing thread.
Sew you own Kimono
3m of either 150cm or 115cm wide fabric, please note, the sleeve length may be slightly shorter on narrower width fabrics.
Matching sewing thread.
Sew you own Kimono Jacket
2m of either 150cm or 115cm wide fabric, please note, the sleeve length may be slightly shorter on narrower width fabrics.
Matching sewing thread.
Sew you own Knickers
50cm of fabric (or a fat quarter), please avoid bulky, stretchy or slippery fabrics; light to medium weight woven cotton is ideal.
2m of elasticated trim (Bamber Sewing Machines stock a suitable one in white).
Matching sewing thread.
Contact us before the workshop if your hip or bust circumference measures less than 85cm or more than 117cm to ensure there is a pattern block in your size.
Sizes for the girl's dress are available in 12-18 months (49-51cm chest), 2-3 years (53-55cm chest) or 4-5 years (57-59cm chest).
Our sponsors, Janome, supply computerised sewing machines (230DC) and where required overlockers (6234XL). Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring in your own machines.
Tea and coffee will be available at the workshop and you are welcome to bring along your own refreshments.
Home Studio Chorlton Venue Information including directions and parking.