Learn how to sew a garment from scratch, starting 0 experience, to a small, simple finished garment

Event Description

Unlock your wardrobe potential with our autumn workshop series! This comprehensive 6-week workshop is designed for complete beginners or anyone looking to refresh their foundational sewing skills. Guided step-by-step by expert instructors, you will learn to read patterns, prep fabrics, and construct a simple garment .

Key Details

Price: £165 (Includes 6 sessions & Week 1 practice fabric)

Total Duration: 15 Hours (6 x 2.5-hour sessions)

Skill Level: Absolute Beginner (No prior experience required)

Goal: Construct a 1/4-sleeve top and custom-fit pants to take home

Workshop Dates & Schedule

Please note the specific session dates for this series:

Week 1: Thursday, 24 September 2026

Week 2: Friday, 9 October 2026

Week 3: Thursday, 15 October 2026

Week 4: Thursday, 24 October 2026

Week 5: Thursday, 29 October 2026

Week 6: Thursday, 12 November 2026

Itemised Week-to-Week Curriculum

Week 1: Machine Mastery & Pattern Foundations

Machine setup, threading, bobbin winding, and basic maintenance

Machine safety, tension, stitch selection, and sewing straight lines/curves

Sewing standard seams, backstitching, and finishing raw edges (zigzag, serger alternatives, French seams)

Week 2: Fabric Preparation & Essential Seaming

How to read pattern envelopes for tops and trousers (size charts, fabric requirements, and notions)

Taking accurate body measurements (bust, waist, hips, inseam) and tracing patterns to preserve the originals

Understanding fabric types (woven vs. knit) and grainlines

How to make a 1/4-size sleeve insert and pants.

Week 3: Pattern Layout, Grainlines & Master Cutting

Understanding lengthwise, crosswise, and bias grains

Pinning pattern pieces parallel to selvages for both top and pant panels

Best practices for cutting tools (shears vs. rotary cutters) and transferring pattern markings (notches, waist lines)

Week 4: First Steps in Construction & Shaping

Reading step-by-step commercial pattern instruction sheets

Assembling main bodice and shoulder seams; preparing short 1/4 sleeves

Basting side seams and trouser crotch curves for initial fitting checks

Week 5: Main Assembly, Waistbands & Fit Fine-Tuning

Attaching 1/4 sleeves and executing permanent seams along top and trousers

Constructing clean fabric casings and threading elastic waistbands smoothly for the pants

Edge finishing raw internal seams prior to final assembly

Week 6: Professional Finishing Touches

Hemming techniques for sleeve cuffs, top hem, and trouser leg hems

Finishing top necklines cleanly using facings or bias binding

Final garment pressing, thread trimming, and fabric care guidance

Group Show & Tell, Q&A, and expert advice for future projects

Frequently Asked Questions

I have never used a sewing machine before. Is this for me? Yes! This course is built specifically for absolute beginners. We start from scratch in Week 1, teaching you how to thread and control the machine.

Can I bring my own sewing machine? Yes! Bringing your own machine helps build confidence in the equipment you'll use at home. However, studio machines are available for free. Please ensure your sewing machine is in good working order

Is fabric included in the price? Practice fabric for Week 1 is included. For your top and pants set, you will select and purchase your own fabric after Week 1 with our guided recommendations. I have a special selection of sewing patterns. If you have your own pattern, please feel free to bring it along

What happens if I miss a week? Because each session builds on the last, we encourage attending all dates. If you miss a class, catch-up notes will be provided, but make-up sessions are not available.

Spaces are strictly limited to ensure plenty of individual attention. Reserve your sewing table today!

Description supplied by the event organiser.