Sewing (Shorts or Pants) Beginner

This beginners course will take you step by step through the very basics of sewing. You will be taught over the space of 6 hours how to make your own casual men’s shorts or women’s flared pants along with tricks and professional techniques to ensure the perfect finish to your garment. The course is spread over three weeks.

In week 1: You will be given a pattern to start cutting out your trousers using either your own material or alternatively you can use fabric provided by the tutor, Anita.

If bringing your own you will need 2.5 meters of woven cotton or linen fabric that is 140cm wide.

You will have the opportunity to alter the width of the trousers so they can be wide palazzo or straighter, according to your style. and you’ll make copy of your pattern that you can keep.

The tutor, Anita will help you to set up your machine showing you all the parts of the sewing machine and giving a full explanation of how to thread it and load the bobbin.

You will learn about stitch length/width, thread tension and look at any issues you have with your machine (if you have brought your own). If Anita can’t fix it , she will point you in the direction of someone who can. You will receive continued support in threading and troubleshooting your machine throughout the course as it can be difficult at first.

You will practice stiches on the machine and learn how to reverse stitch and turn corners. You will try out stitching of different lengths and the zig zag stitches. Next, with ample support and supervision, you will start pinning and sewing your trouser pieces together.

You’ll also be given instruction on how to use the overlocker and be given the opportunity to practice before using it to give you seams a professional neat finish.