Ready to move on from beginner sewing? Build your dressmaking skills in a day with key garment-making techniques at Conway Mill, Belfast.

So, you can sew — what’s next?

Spend a day immersed in a real fashion design studio and take your sewing skills to the next level with must-know garment-making techniques.

This all-day intensive course is designed for those who already know how to confidently thread and sew on a machine and are ready to move beyond the basics. Building on your existing skills, you’ll learn a focused range of essential techniques used when making clothes, giving you the confidence and know-how to progress your sewing.

Learn professional techniques used within the fashion industry - the same core skills taught within fashion college and degree programmes, explained step by step in an easy-to-follow way.

This all-day class is taught by studio owner MaryRose McGrath, a womenswear designer with thirty years of experience in the fashion industry. During her career, she has designed in London for many high street brands, including M&S, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Oasis & Arcadia.

The studio is the ultimate place to learn, as students are surrounded by the workings of a real fashion design studio — sketches & swatches, designs in work, mood boards & mannequins.

One-to-one tuition is guaranteed for every student in class, and the course has been specifically designed to fast-track your sewing skills in one focused session, so you leave with a wealth of new knowledge, stronger skills and the confidence to tackle techniques with precision.

For past student feedback, see our 5-star course reviews below.

YOU WILL LEARN:

Machine-sewn hems — learn how to achieve even hems with a neat, professional finish.

Zip insertion — learn how to insert a standard zip neatly and accurately

In-seam pockets — learn how to add beautiful neat pockets that sit in the side seam of a garment.

How to sew a collar — learn how to construct and shape a collar

Clipping & notching — learn essential techniques for achieving smooth curves and sharp corners.

Sewing darts — learn how to sew clean, accurate darts to create shape and contour in clothing.

Working with boning — discover how boning is used to add structure and support to clothes and learn how to insert it correctly.

Bias binding — learn how to attach binding neatly for a clean, polished look around garment edges.

Elastic casings & waistbands — learn how to create a casing and insert elastic or drawcords neatly for waistbands and other gathered finishes.

Gathering fabric evenly — learn how to create and control even gathers for skirts, sleeves and frills.

French seams — discover how to construct this immaculate seam finish used in couture garments.

Accurate seam allowances, construction & pressing — learn the essential techniques used throughout garment construction that make a huge difference to the finished result.

As you progress through the day, you’ll create your own sewn samples of each technique, building a go-to swatch collection to take home and use for future sewing projects.

What makes this class different from the rest?

Step inside a real working fashion studio and discover key garment-making techniques, using the methods and skills found in the fashion industry.

Taught by a fashion designer with over 30 years’ experience, you’ll learn the right way to achieve professional results with expert, in-depth tuition. Enjoy a whole day sewing in an inspiring fashion studio, with professional tools, fabrics, trims and threads provided for you to work with throughout the day.

It’s the perfect next step to elevate your sewing skills, leaving you inspired, confident and equipped with a whole new set of practical skills, ready to take on your own sewing projects at home.

Come along on your own, or make a day of it with a friend. It’s a fun way to learn, meet new people and enjoy sewing together.

Who is this class suitable for?

This course is for sewers aged 18+ who already know how to use a sewing machine. You should be able to thread your machine and bobbin, sew seams and have completed some beginner sewing projects.

Whether you’ve learned through a class, taught yourself at home or completed our Beginner Sewing course, if you’re comfortable with the basics and ready to build on your skills, this is the perfect next step.

Please note: Beginner sewing and machine basics are not taught during this class. This course is not suitable for complete beginners or anyone who needs help threading, setting up or using a sewing machine.

If you're new to sewing, please join one of our Beginner Sewing courses first. Upcoming dates can be found on MaryRose McGrath Design's Eventbrite page.

Where is the course held?

The course is held in MaryRose's fashion design studio in Conway Mill, Belfast. The address is Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast BT13 2DE.

How old do you need to be to take part in the class?

You must be aged 18 or over to attend this course.

Do I need to bring

Description supplied by the event organiser.