Clothes making I

About this course

This beginner course introduces garment construction through making a simple skirt from a pattern. Learners work with domestic sewing machines and are introduced to an overlocker, with demonstrations provided to the group and to individuals. The construction process covers assembling and cutting a pattern, following grainlines, sewing seams and darts, attaching interfacing and facing, inserting a zip, making a buttonhole, adding a waistband, hemming and pressing. Inserting a lining is optional. Group discussion and feedback are included, with course materials available through Google Classroom and possible extension tasks outside class.

What you'll learn

• Read and assemble a simple skirt pattern.
• Cut fabric accurately while following grainlines.
• Use sewing techniques for darts, zips, buttonholes, waistbands and hems.
• Construct a simple skirt using the techniques covered.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for beginners, and no clothes-making knowledge is necessary. Learners should be able to use measurements and follow verbal and written instructions. General knowledge of a sewing machine is described as advisable. Participation includes individual practical work, group discussion and feedback, with additional tasks potentially set outside class.

• Learners need to work with waist and hip measurements.
• A basic knowledge of using a sewing machine is advisable.
• The course includes group discussions and feedback as well as individual demonstrations.

Before you go

• Basic materials and resources are available as part of the course, with calico provided for the first skirt.
• Learners need to buy fabric for their skirt and a simple skirt pattern, then bring the pattern to the second session.
• Guidance on suitable patterns, fabric quantities and matching threads is provided during the first week.
• Learners should sign up and log in to Google Classroom before the first session.
• A notebook may be useful for notes and storing samples.