Sewing - All levels

Overlocker for beginners sewing class

Overlockers (also known as Sergers) aren’t as scary as they seem – honest!

They are a great way to quickly sew stretchy/jersey fabrics, finish off seam allowances neatly and do lots of other cool things like rolled hems.

In the first half of this one day workshop you will learn how to thread the overlocker and alter the settings when using different types of fabrics.

In the afternoon you will put your new skills into practice by making a pair of comfortable joggers/loungewear trousers using the Waves and Wild Four Seasons Joggers sewing pattern, with a choice of making either a children's size or adult size. You will learn how to sew the whole garment using the overlocker, without the need for the sewing machine at all!!

The Four Seasons Joggers pattern is a pattern to take you right through the whole year! It is a casual jersey pattern with 4 lengths to choose from: shortie, knee length, capri and full length. Additionally, you can choose from a regular jersey waistband or a double height fold over waistband making them super comfy!

Finish the class with a new level of confidence of using the overlocker, equipped with the knowledge and skills to start using an overlocker in your own sewing independently.

2 upcoming dates available:

Friday 14th February 2025

Saturday 10th May 2025

PLEASE NOTE - If the class is showing as fully booked, please contact us on [email protected] and we can check availability. Sometimes we can experience a glitch in the website where the workshop appears as fully booked when it is not. We are fixing it as soon as possible.

Width
Running Time
9:30am - 4.00pm
£110

About this workshop

The Waves and Wild Four Seasons joggers sewing pattern is available in both adult and child sizes. Once you learn how to make a pair you can sew up ones for the whole family!

Child size range: Prem/small newborn - age 12

Adult size range: XXS-7XL

XXS Waist 24-26" Hips 33-35"

7XL Waist 53-57" Hips 60-63"

You will receive a PDF pattern for either the Child size range or Adult size range. After booking please email [email protected] to inform us which size range you would like to use.

Please note: The versions with pockets will not be sewn during the class.

Further Information

  • How to thread the overlocker and fix tension issues
  • How to successfully sew a seam with the overlocker
  • How to set up and use the overlocker for different finishes and stitches
  • How to move the cutting blade so that the machine doesn’t cut the fabric as it stitches
  • How to attach a waistband to leg pieces using the overlocker
  • How to attach ribbing for the trouser cuffs
  • Different options for hemming jersey fabrics

Level 3 - please click here to read the description of this level to ensure it is suited to you

  • 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (fabric & notions)
  • 10% off full priced fabrics purchased on the day of your course
  • A fabric pack including samples of different fabrics for you to practice different stitches on.
  • A PDF copy of the Waves and Wild Four Seasons Joggers sewing pattern in either adult or child size. (Upon booking please email [email protected] to let us know what version you would like to make)
  • Use of all machines and sewing tools
  • Overlocker cone threads in a variety of neutral colours
  • Tea/coffee and biscuits (Please bring a packed lunch or visit one of the lovely local cafes)
  • Stretch fabric and ribbing for your joggers - details will be sent out after booking once pattern size is known,
  • We would recommend using cotton jersey for the waistband and main joggers fabric ad ribbing for the cuffs. If you are new to sewing with stretch, please avoid using viscose jersey. Our lovely shop staff will be able to help you choose suitable fabric for you, in store or over the phone.
  • The measurement charts for Waves and Wild patterns is here
  • You are welcome to bring along your own Overlocker to the class if you wish but this is not essential. If you plan to bring your own machine please email us at [email protected] to let us know the make and model of your machine, and to confirm that it has been PAT tested or with a copy of the receipt as proof that it is less than a year old.
  • If your overlocker is older than 1 year it must be PAT tested before hand which can be done by an electrician. This is essential for health and safety reasons as we don't have insurance without the PAT test. We are unable to do any repairs or servicing on sewing machines so please ensure if it is an old overlocker that is has been serviced before hand. Our local sewing machine shop in Kings Heath, Frank Nutt, is able to carry this out.

Becca Porter

Becca has been creating with a needle and thread for as long as she can remember and discovered the world of dressmaking in her teens. She quickly became hooked, spending all her free time glued to her machine and developing her skills. Since then she's taught many others to sew too and now teaches online workshops for the pattern company Sew Over It.

Becca enjoys spending time on the details; getting patterns to match, nailing the position of a pocket or producing perfect topstitching. She loves sharing her passion with others, helping them create clothing that they love and feel proud of.

Dates & Times

  • 9:30am £110
  • 9:30am £110