Level 4 - Advanced Beginner Dressmaker

Sew with Stretch - Make a Cosy Cardi Workshop

Have you already sewn with stretchy fabric to make jersey tops and sweatshirts, but you are looking to add a new cardigan into your me-made wardrobe? You may have already attended our 'Learn to Sew Stretch Workshop - T-shirts & Jumpers' and are looking to expand your skills?

A cardigan project is the perfect sewing project to move onto, and these two pattern options are so versatile! They can be worn as a layering piece on those cooler winter days, yet will safely see your wardrobe transition into the Spring and Summer, depending upon what fabric you choose.

The workshop offers a choice of two cardigan patterns:

The Marlo Cardigan from True Bias is a more oversized boxy shape with dropped shoulders, patch pockets and buttonholes. It can be made as a cropped or longer length.

The Blackwood Cardigan from Helen's Closet, has a more fitted shape with two length options and patch pockets. It's designed to be worn open and therefore doesn't overlap at the centre front or have any closures like buttonholes.

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

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 stabilise the shoulder seams using framilastic or seam tape interfacing
  • How to add a neckband/button stand
  • How to insert a sleeve on the flat

Depending upon your skill level and pace of sewing, you may also be shown how use a twin needle, how to sew buttonholes (for the Marlo) and how to add patch pockets.

Level 4 - please click here to read the description of this level to ensure it is suited to you.

Please note that depending upon your skill level and pace of sewing, you may not get chance to sew buttonholes in your cardigan, and you may need to sew the buttons on at home.

  • 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (fabric & notions)
  • 10% off any other fabrics purchased on the day of your course
  • Your very own copy of your chosen sewing pattern - True Bias Marlo Cardigan or Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan. Please note the Blackwood Cardigan Pattern will be a PDF print out. (Marlo: US sizes 0-30, bust 32"-57", waist 26"-50", hips 34"-59". Blackwood: US sizes 0-34, bust 31"-62", waist 24"-52", hips 33"-62") 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 or Framilastic for the shoulder seams as needed.
  • Tea/coffee and biscuits (please bring a packed lunch or visit one of the lovely local cafes)

Please get in touch and we can advise on what you'll need to bring, depending on your pattern of choice and which version you would like to make. This will include fabric and matching thread.

Marlo:
Suggested fabrics include medium weight fabrics such as sweater knit, french terry, sweatshirting, and rib knit. If you are fairly new to sewing with stretch, opt for a stable sweatshirting fabric for your first Marlo.

Blackwood: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with at least 40% stretch widthwise and 20% stretch lengthwise. Try a cozy sweater knit or french terry for a warm layer, or make it in cotton jersey for a lightweight cover-up. If you are generally a more experienced dressmaker, then a viscose knitted fabric or modal jersey fabric will pose an extra challenge.

* Please note - we would recommend you pre-wash all knit fabrics prior to attending the workshop as it's common and normal for them to shrink a little o the first wash! *

Claire Heath

Sewing has always been a huge part of Claire's life. She has been sewing & making things since was little & her passion has grown & grown. She loves working with a range of fabrics, making clothes, adapting commercial patterns and developing her own patterns.

After graduating from Leeds University in Textiles and Fashion Design, Claire has worked in womenswear design, accessories design, textiles print design, modern textiles research, retail management, visual merchandising for some of the top high street brands. Claire also loves to share her passion, creativity and skills with others. When she is not sewing or creating something, Claire loves to travel, take photos and cook.

Dates & Times

Sorry there are no sessions planned in at the moment, but do get in touch and we’ll let you know about future dates.