6 week - Beginners Dressmaking Course
Are you a fan of the Sewing Bee? Exciting news! Lauren Tedstone, BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee series 9 quarter-finalist, is teaching our 6-session workshop designed to take you from a total novice to a proud dressmaker!
What to Expect:
- Over 6 weeks, you’ll learn a new skill each session, building a portfolio of essential sewing techniques.
- By the end of the course, you'll have created your very first garment.
Course Highlights:
- Hands-on learning with a professional sewist.
- Personalized guidance and support.
- Fun and engaging sessions that make learning enjoyable.
- Perfect for absolute beginners and those needing a refresher.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from a Sewing Bee star! Book below and take the first step towards creating your own handmade wardrobe. Limited spots available!
Are you a fan of the Sewing Bee? Exciting news! Lauren Tedstone, BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee series 9 quarter-finalist, is teaching our 6-session workshop designed to take you from a total novice to a proud dressmaker!
What to Expect:
- Over 6 weeks, you’ll learn a new skill each session, building a portfolio of essential sewing techniques.
- By the end of the course, you'll have created your very first garment.
Course Highlights:
- Hands-on learning with a professional sewist.
- Personalized guidance and support.
- Fun and engaging sessions that make learning enjoyable.
- Perfect for absolute beginners and those needing a refresher.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from a Sewing Bee star! Book below and take the first step towards creating your own handmade wardrobe. Limited spots available!
About this workshop
Throughout the 6 weeks you will learn
- How to use our sewing machines and how to sew simple seams and hems.
- How to understand grainlines, pressing and finishing seams and key terminology.
- How to sew facings and darts, understanding their uses and construction.
- How to insert a sleeve and learn about different types of sleeves as well as bias binding finishes.
- How to understand a sewing pattern
- How to cut out fabric pieces using the commercial sewing pattern
- Throughout the 6 weeks you will sew your first garment; a woven top using the popular Ashton Top from Helen's Closet. This pattern is very versatile, and you will have the option to make a sleeveless version, or use the Sleeve Expansion Pack to include a variety of sleeve options. The pattern comes in Size Range: 0-30 (up to a 58″ / 147.5 cm bust). You will need to select the choice between a B-cup pattern from sizes 0-22, and a D-cup pattern from sizes 12-30.
- In week 2 we will be holding a session based in the shop where an experienced member of the team will talk about different types of fabrics and their uses and you will have the opportunity to purchase the fabric for your final garment with some help and guidance. (This will take place at the start of the class, so please note the slightly later finish time).
Please note that due to time restrictions, you will be unable to complete the Petal Sleeve option, or add pockets to your top.
Due to the needs of the group and time available, the content of the course is subject to change. Everyone learns and sews at a different pace. Every effort will be made for you to complete the garment but there is also a chance you may not 100% finish. We will ensure you know how to complete the top at home after the course if this is the case.
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.
Further Information
- How to set up a sewing machine
- Basic stitches including straight and zigzag
- Simple seams, seam allowances and key sewing terminology
- How to create a hem
- How to finish seam allowances
- The theory behind darts and facings; why they are used
- How to apply interfacing and what it is used for
- How to insert a sleeve
- How to understand the back of a sewing pattern and select your size
- How to layout and cut your pattern
- Techniques for transferring pattern markings
- And many top sewing tips along the way!
- How to understitch and clip seam allowances
- How to create different types of bias tape finishes
Level 1 - no experience required, total beginners welcome!
- 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (fabric & notions) purchased during Week 2 at the shop talk
- An A0 print out of the PDF pattern - Helen's Closet Ashton Top & Sleeve Expansion Pack (US Sizes 0-30, bust 31"-58", waist 24"-48", hips 33"-58") If you fall out of the size range of the pattern included, please let us know in advance and we can arrange an alternative for you
- Fusible interfacing to complete your top
- Fabric packs to practise each technique
- Electronic handouts for each technique, to referred back to in the future
- Use of all top Prym tools, equipment and Brother sewing machines
- Tea/coffee and biscuits
- 1.1m - 1.6m light to medium weight woven fabric such as cotton lawn or voile. Some medium weight cottons or linen cotton blends are also suitable - The quantity of fabric will depend upon the size you make, and also the sleeve option you choose. This will be discussed in more detail during week 2 of your course. At the beginning of week 2 class, you will have a "fabric focus" session where you will have the opportunity to purchase your fabric with your 20% discount.
- Matching thread
Lauren Tedstone
Lauren Tedstone is known for being a quarter finalist of series 9 of BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee. Her machine, given to her many years before by her grandmother, was finally put to use in late 2019 when Lauren taught herself to sew. Starting with small projects for her children, Lauren then went on to garment sewing and is on a journey to curate and create a complete handmade wardrobe including accessories. A big lover of fashion trends, she loves creating key timeless classics that have professional finishes and longevity. With that in mind, Lauren tends to create projects using a combination of new and well established sewing techniques and has a love of machine and hand sewing. Lauren’s aim is to share her knowledge and passion with all creatives and those wanting to learn a new skill and is very excited to be part of the G&G team.
Dates & Times
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Complete beginners - Introduction to dressmaking course- 6 sessions 1 place remaining £250Starts on
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Fabric talk this week so please note half an hour later finish time