Sewing - All levels

Learn to Sew Stretch - Sew a cosy jumper

Do you love making your own clothes but haven't yet tried working with stretchy fabric? Stretchy jersey fabric is so comfy to wear and suitable for lots of different garments so having the skills to tackle this fabric can really widen your project choices and handmade wardrobe!

There are 2 dates to choose from:

Sunday 9th February 2025 or

Sunday 13th April 2025

Choose from the following classic and popular cosy jumper patterns in this workshop, depending on what type of garment you would love wearing the most!

The Tilly and the Buttons Billie Sweater - Cool, casual and modern, Billie is an ultra-comfy sweatshirt or sweater dress that you can whip up in an afternoon. It has a relaxed shape, crew neckline and classic trim details. Keep it effortless with cuffed, straight sleeves, or add some drama with on-trend balloon sleeves and deep cuffs.

The Megan Nielsen Jarrah Sweater - A loose fit drop shoulder sweater. The pattern features a crew or funnel neckline, two sleeve options and four hem styles. View A is a sweater with cuffs and a hem band. View B is a sweater with curved hemline and split sleeve hem. View C is a sweater with waist tie and cuffs. View D is a cropped sweater with funnel neck and split sleeve hem.

The Closet Core Mile End Sweater - The Closet Core Mile End Sweatshirt Sewing Pattern is a fresh, modern take on a classic wardrobe staple. With a slouchy, oversized fit, graphic style lines and clever details, it makes a true statement. View A is a classic crewneck sweatshirt with a band neckline. View B adds a fun twist by gathering the front band at the waist with a fabric tie. If you are new to sewing with stretch we recommend saving View C (the hoodie) for a time in the future. All views feature a curved back yoke and a two-piece darted sleeve.

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 - 4pm
£110

About this workshop

Size range of patterns:

Billie sweater:

Bust 30" - 60", Waist 24" - 53", Hips 33" - 61"

Mile end sweatshirt:

Bust 31" - 60", Waist 24" - 53", Hips 33" - 63"

Jarrah jumper:

Bust 32"-60", Waist 24" - 52", Hips 34" - 62"

Further Information

  • Tips for cutting out and finding the grain of the fabric and direction of stretch
  • How to use a pattern to cut out your fabric
  • How to sew the garment together using a regular sewing machine - type of stitches and needle
  • How to use a twin needle
  • How to stabilise the shoulder seams
  • How to add a stretch neckband
  • How to insert a sleeve on the flat
  • How to use maraflex thread (Optional)
  • Lots of top tips for sewing with stretchy fabrics
  • How to attach cuffing for sleeves and hembands (depends on version)

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

If you are looking for a further challenge opt for a stripy fabric.

  • 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (fabric & notions)
  • 10% off full priced fabrics purchased on the day of your course
  • Your very own copy of your chosen sewing pattern (the size ranges of 14-32 in both the Jarrah and the Mile End patterns will be PDF print outs of the pattern and instructions emailed to you). 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
  • Use of all machines, tools and equipment
  • Stabilising tape for the shoulder seams
  • Tea/coffee and biscuits (please bring a packed lunch or visit one of the lovely local cafes)

Upon booking, please get in touch at [email protected] with your pattern choice and Full bust/waist/hips body measurements. If you need help measuring yourself then you will find the blog post here by Lauren helpful.

We can then determine which size you will need and make sure we have the correct pattern for you. We can also then advise on how much fabric you would need to get, depending on your pattern of choice and which version you would like to make. You will also need some matching thread - either standard Gutermann sew all thread or Maraflex thread.

Cotton jersey fabrics are generally easier to work with so if you are still fairly new to dressmaking this will be a better choice. If you are generally a more experienced dressmaker, then a viscose or modal jersey fabric will pose an extra challenge.

* Please note - we would recommend you pre-wash all knit fabrics and air dry them flat prior to attending the workshop! Guidance for pre washing and drying fabric can be seen here *

Claire Heath

Sewing has always been a huge part of Claire's life. As a child she was always making, crafting and fixing things. Her love of fabric and making drove her to study Textiles and Fashion Design at Leeds University. After graduating and gaining some invaluable experience in the fashion and textiles industry Claire realised her true passion was sharing her skills and knowledge of garment construction with others.

Claire has been teaching design as a qualified lecturer for well over a decade. She joined the g&g team shortly after the shop opened in 2013 as a workshop tutor. During her time with us she has taught countless workshops and has loved helping customers learn how to sew and create wearable garments that will become staples of their me-made wardrobe.

Dates & Times

  • 9:30am £110
  • 9:30am £110