Featured Dressmaking Course

Dressmaking Course

A 10-week dressmaking course in sewing your own clothes.

Wednesdays 17 April-26 June 2024  1.30pm – 4pm (no class on 29 May)

Making your own clothes is extremely satisfying. You can obtain a perfect fit and have something completely unique, But it’s difficult knowing where to start. Commercial paper pattern sizes bear no relation to shop-bought, and all those fabrics to choose from?  If you’d like to learn to make your own clothes, but are struggling to get started, then this course in dressmaking will give you a great foundation.

If you’d prefer to learn to alter or repair your existing clothes rather than make new ones, you can do this here too (provided you already have sewing machine skills).

Dressmaking Course Description

if you’re new to making clothes, I’ll guide you through interpreting the ‘lingo’ of patterns. Using the best size, choosing the right fabric, cutting and sewing – all with help at hand. If you’ve done some fashion sewing in the past, then I’ll help you achieve a better fit and finish, with my tips and tricks. You will need to bring your choice of paper pattern, the fabric and everything else you need to complete the garment.  thread, interfacing etc . I can give you suitable suggestions if you need help to choose. I’ll share lots of tips and tricks that give your projects a polished look. The course focusses on techniques so your clothes won’t look ‘Homemade’, but ‘Handmade’.  No-one will believe you made them yourself.

You must already have competent sewing skills i.e. have completed a Beginners sewing course, be confident using a sewing machine and be able to thread up and wind bobbins, to sew neat, accurate seams, and to know the various methods of neatening raw edges and turning up hems.

Who is this aimed at:

• Anyone who has recently started to sew and would like to make clothes
• Novice dressmakers who would like some help to understand how to use commercial patterns, and improve your dressmaking skills
• Lapsed sewists: perhaps it’s been a while since you last did any dressmaking and you need to brush up your knowledge and skills
• If you don’t have confident sewing skills (able to wind bobbins, thread a machine, and sew neat, accurate seams, then you may want to consider one of Artisan Stitch’s Foundation Courses)

What will I learn?

How to use commercial paper patterns and learn garment-construction techniques.

• choosing the best size, and making some basic alterations for a good fit;
• select suitable fabric and use it economically.
• understanding the ‘language’ and markings on patterns
• Fabric-cutting and marking techniques
• sewing pieces together (garment-construction)
• tips and tricks to obtain a professional-quality finish

Dressmaking Course Arrangements

I’ll provide your paper pattern but you’ll need to bring your own fabric.  I’ll provide a note of what you’ll need when you book. Sewing machines are available in the studio or you can bring your own if you prefer. (If you bring your own, then please remember the power cable/foot control, bobbins, presser feet, spare needles and the instruction manual)

You’ll also need your basic sewing kit of : Fabric shears, scissors for cutting paper, pins, tape measure (cm) chalk pencils or fabric marking pens, note book. A dressmakers curved ruler, mechanical pencil, rubber and glue stick are also required for making any changes to your paper patterns. 

You will need to provide your own paper pattern and materials but I’ll advise you what you’ll need when you book

Limited places remaining.  Book here

(For enquiries, contact jen@artisanstitch.co.uk  or 0773 939 7369)

Useful links:

I’ll be covering both of these topics in the course but you might want to have a wee read before then:

Making your mark – A guide to fabric marking tools

What pattern size am I? – how to choose the correct size

Location details

St. Margaret’s House – Sixth Floor
St. Margaret’s House, 151 London Road
Edinburgh EH7 6AE

How to find St Margaret’s House

Directions