Sewing Course

Overview:

You can determine your own course to suit your present skill level, your specific needs and move at your own pace.  If you are a beginner you will start at step one and go from there.  If you already have some sewing experience you can start with the step you feel comfortable with. 

You can also come just to learn something specific (eg. curtain-making (please arrange before the time as you'll need more space for cutting) or putting a zip opening in a garment etc.), or if you want to sew your own project (eg. dress, skirt, pants, men's shirt - with a shop-bought pattern) you are very welcome to do so.  

Step 1:

Know your sewing machine:

• How to take it apart for cleaning and adding oil.

• How to thread it correctly.

• Why is it important to do it correctly?

Start sewing your first straight stitches on paper and then sew the patterns on the machine onto the fabric which will be the front of your cushion cover.

Step 2:

Learn to make a cushion with a zip opening on the side:

• Cut a piece of fabric the same size as the part with patterns on.

• Learn to put a zip in.

• Finish the cushion by finishing the seams on the inside with a zigzag stitch.

Step 3:

Reading and understanding a commercial pattern (basic).

• Learn how the layout of a pattern on fabric works.

• Cut pyjama pants from a pattern and learn how to pin it correctly.

• See how the different parts fit together.

Step 4:

Sewing your pyjama pants:

• Thread the machine with the right colour cotton on the bobbin (bottom) as well as on the machine (top).

• Sew the correct sides together.

• Zigzag the seams inside to keep it neat.

• Iron seams every time you've done a seam (this makes it look professional!)

Step 5:

Learn how to sew buttonholes with the buttonhole attachment.

• Practice on a separate piece of fabric.

• Make two buttonholes on the front (this is where the cord will go through). Cut the buttonholes open.

• Sew the hem of the top of the pants.

• Put the cord through the openings.

Your pants are finished!

Step 6:

Make a T-top to go with the pyjama pants.

• Learn about the grain of the fabric and to use it correctly.

• Lay out the pattern on the fabric for the pyjama t-top.

• Pin it correctly and cut it

• Start sewing the top while learning how sleeves are fitted into the armhole.

• Make sure you stitch the correct parts together.

Step 7:

Revision of the things learnt so far as well as a few things that are good to know when sewing.

• Learn to sew a button on with a sewing machine.

• Learn about pin-and-quartering elastic or rib trim.

• Learn about the different footings for a machine.

Step 8:

Learn how to take measurements and to apply it to the pattern you're going to use.

• Learn how to use a tracer (when using a pattern with different sizes printed on the same pattern).

• Trace a pattern in your size onto pattern tracing paper.

• Cut the pattern you traced on the paper.

Step 9:

Learn how to do the layout of the pattern for the pencil skirt on the fabric using the instruction leaflet included.

• Pin it correctly.

• Cut the skirt showing the marks where the darts should be sewn.

• Learn what a dart is and how to sew it

Step 10:

• Learn about interfacing (Why is it important)

• Learn how to put a waistband on.

• Learn how to sew a zip neatly into a skirt.

• Learn how to put a hem in by hand (if you cannot do it yet).

Your garment is finished!

Step 11:

• Where to look to know what fabric to buy.

• How to choose a pattern that is your size.

• How to know how much fabric you should buy.

• What else would you need – cotton, buttons, interfacing, elastic or anything else that is written on the pattern?

Step 12:

Make your own clothes under supervision using one of my patterns (traced and cut according to your size) and fabric bought as per pattern instruction (on the back of the envelope).

• Lay pattern by yourself, keep the grain in mind and pin it.

• Cut pattern neatly 

• Follow the instructions on the leaflet inside.

• Start sewing.

• Try to remember everything you’ve learnt so far!