Beginner Dressmaking | 4 Week | Make a top/dress Course | Evenings

By the end of the four weeks, you'll have experienced the whole dressmaking process – choosing a pattern and fabric, taking your measurements, selecting a size, preparing and cutting your pattern and constructing a finished garment.

More importantly, you'll have a much better understanding of what sewing-pattern instructions are asking you to do and the confidence to begin tackling more dressmaking projects independently.

It's a fantastic foundation course if you'd like to continue developing your sewing skills and perhaps join us for some of our other garment-making workshops at The Makers Studio.

We’ll start right at the beginning, making sure you feel comfortable and confident using the sewing machine.

We'll look at:

• The main parts of your sewing machine and what they do
• Threading your machine correctly
• Winding and inserting a bobbin
• Changing your needle
• Straight stitch and zigzag stitch
• Understanding stitch length
• Seam allowances and how to sew an accurate seam
• Backstitching and securing your seams
• Why pressing is such an important part of dressmaking
• Common sewing-machine problems and some simple troubleshooting

There will be plenty of time to practise before we move on to our garment.

We'll then introduce the Cielo paper pattern, look through the different versions available and start getting familiar with the information contained in a commercial sewing pattern.

This week we'll start turning that paper pattern into a garment.

We'll learn how to:

• Take accurate body measurements
• Read a pattern size chart
• Decide which size to make
• Understand finished garment measurements and ease
• Read the pattern instructions before beginning
• Identify pattern markings, grainlines, notches and cutting information
• Lay pattern pieces correctly onto fabric
• Transfer important markings onto your fabric
• Make simple pattern adjustments where required

We'll also spend some time talking about fabric choice.

Andrea will bring along samples of different woven fabrics so we can look at and feel them together and discuss how fabric weight, drape and structure can completely change the look of the same sewing pattern.

The Cielo can be made in anything from a more structured linen or cotton shirting through to softer, drapier fabrics such as viscose/rayon, Tencel or cotton voile, so this is a fantastic opportunity to start learning how to choose the right fabric for a project.

We'll then begin laying out and cutting our Cielo.

Now the garment starts coming together!

Working step by step through the pattern instructions, we'll sew our Cielo Top or Dress and learn lots of useful dressmaking techniques along the way.

Depending on the version you've chosen, these can include:

• Sewing bust darts
• Constructing the shoulder and back sections
• Sewing and pressing seams accurately
• Creating a neat neckline finish
• Understitching and topstitching
• Sewing in-seam pockets on the dress version
• Gathering fabric
• Making and attaching sleeve cuffs
• Sewing your chosen short or gathered long sleeves
• Finishing seam allowances
• Hemming your finished garment
• Giving your garment a professional final press

We'll work at a relaxed pace, with lots of help along the way, so there is no pressure to keep up with anyone else.

• A digital copy of the pattern and instructions (emailed to you) & a physical A0 printed .
• Use of all tools, machines, and equipment in our Studio
• Tea and coffee

You don’t need to choose or buy your fabric before the course begins.

During Week 2, we’ll look at the different Cielo Top and Dress variations, take your measurements and work out which size and version you’d like to make. We’ll also talk through suitable fabric choices and the different results you can achieve with different fabric weights and drape.

Once you’ve decided on your version, we’ll work out exactly how much fabric and any additional supplies you’ll need before you purchase anything.

For Week 1, simply come along ready to learn – we’ll take care of the rest together!

You will receive a 10% discount code to use in our shop Beyond the pink door

Maximum of 6 participants (plus tutors), ensuring everyone receives individual attention

Beginner

This course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as anyone who has done a little sewing before but would like to build their confidence with dressmaking.

We’ll start with the basics of using the sewing machine and work through each stage of making your Cielo Top or Dress together, so no previous garment-making experience is needed.

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