Sewing: Beginners

Course Summary

This course is an introduction to the skills and techniques required to use a sewing machine and how to make your own clothes with ease. It covers machine set up and use, reading patterns, fabric suitability and finishing techniques. This is not a fitting class but an introduction to the fundamentals of Sewing. During this course you will learn how to set up and use a domestic sewing machine as well as how to read a commercial pattern and understand the construction procedure sheet and materials requirements.

This course is suitable for students who have no prior sewing experience.

This course is an excellent introduction to sewing, fabric handling and garment construction and is taught on user friendly domestic sewing machines. This course will help you to gain confidence in sewing whilst you make a simple garment (such as pyjama pants) and develop skills such as:

• Sewing machine set up and use
• How to take personal body measurements and alter the pattern to achieve the correct length
• How to read and understand a commercial sewing pattern
• A range of garment construction and finishing techniques

Students are required to bring to first class:

• Pen and paper, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, sticky tape
• 1 reel of Gutterman brand poly/cotton sewing thread for general sewing
• 1 packet of Schmetz universal no. 12/ 80 sewing machine needles
• 2 metal bobbins for Bernina sewing machine (must be specifically for Bernina machines as other bobbins are not compatible) Flexible measuring tape (preferably with cm on one side and inches on the other)
• 1 packet of long, fine glass headed pins
• Tailors chalk – multi coloured pack (4 different colours)
• Quick unpick/seam ripper
• 1 quick unpick
• 1 pair paper cutting scissors(preferably long bladed, similar to dressmakers scissors but not as good quality)

Students will be advised during the first class about the purchase of suitable dressmaking scissors, patterns and fabric to purchase for class project. These additional items will be required for the second class.

Notification of a class cancellation will be advised 48 hours prior to the course commencement date. We advise to purchase your materials once you have received email confirmation that your class is proceeding as scheduled. All efforts are made to ensure that our classes proceed to avoid disappointment.