Clothes making III

About this course

Participants use a domestic sewing machine to develop techniques for working with silk, fine and luxury fabrics. The course covers interpreting and assembling a commercial pattern, understanding grainlines, cutting fabric, sewing seams, applying interfacing and fastenings, pressing, and producing rolled hems. Learners create a simple summer dress or unisex tunic top, with options to explore bias-cut construction, different necklines or embellishment. Teaching combines demonstrations for the group with individual guidance, discussion and feedback. Additional tasks may be set for completion outside class.

What you'll learn

• Interpret and assemble a commercial garment pattern for use with fine fabric
• Cut fabric accurately while following pattern grainlines
• Sew neat seams and hems suitable for fine fabrics
• Apply interfacing and insert garment fastenings
• Construct a simple dress or top using appropriate pressing and finishing techniques
• Adapt a garment with a different neckline or embellishment

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners with some sewing experience, including those refreshing existing skills. Participants should be able to take measurements and follow verbal and written instructions. Teaching includes individual guidance alongside group discussion and feedback, while more experienced or returning learners can extend the garment design.

• Some sewing experience is expected
• Suitable for learners refreshing their sewing skills
• More experienced learners can develop bias-cut, neckline or embellishment variations
• Additional work may be set to complete outside class

Before you go

• Basic resources are available as part of the course.
• Participants need to buy fabric for their garment.
• A commercial pattern may also be needed, depending on the chosen garment.
• Guidance on pattern style, fabric quantity, haberdashery and specialist calculations is provided in the first week.
• The purchased pattern and fabric should be brought to the second session.
• Further items may be advised between sessions for tasks completed at home.