✂️ Clothing Skills Course

Ever wished you could make clothes that actually fit you, show off your style, and don’t cost the earth? 🌍 This course is all about clothing skills for modern makers — whether that means:

👗 creating a brand-new garment from a commercial pattern
♻️ altering or repairing what you already own
✨ upcycling old favourites into something completely new
👕👕 cloning a treasured item

You’ll build the confidence to transform your wardrobe into one that truly works for you.

👥 Who is this aimed at?

This course is about garment construction techniques – it’s not for absolute beginners.
You should already:
✅ use a sewing machine confidently
✅ have completed 2–3 sewing projects (small craft items with seams, hems & neatened edges)
✅ practised zips and buttonholes (we don’t want your first one going into your new clothes!)

Not quite there yet? Start with one of my Foundation Sewing sessions first. They’ll give you the skills to join this course with confidence.

📖 What you’ll learn

I’ll coach you step-by-step through:
🔹 Choosing a pattern that suits your level
🔹 Understanding pattern markings & instructions
🔹 Taking accurate measurements
🔹 Cutting, fitting, and making adjustments for a perfect fit
🔹 Altering patterns or garments for shape/style
🔹 Sewing techniques that make your clothes look ‘✨Handmade✨’ not ‘homemade’

🧵 Course format

• Small group size = lots of individual help
• Work on your own chosen project (patterned garment, upcycling challenge, or alterations)
• I’ll give you guidance on sizing, fitting, and the sewing skills you need along the way

🎒 What to bring

• Your pattern, fabric, thread and any extras (interfacing, zips, buttons, etc.)
• Calico (or sheeting/lining fabric) for a test version (toile) if needed
• Pattern paper
• A basic sewing kit:
  ✂️ fabric shears
  ✂️ paper scissors
  ✂️ small embroidery scissors
  📏 tape measure (cm)
  ✏️ fabric marking pencils/pens
  📍 pins

👕👖👗You’ll need to bring along any garments that you wish to work on (to alter, upcycle, repair or clone).

(Check out my blog Making Your Mark for tips on the best fabric markers.)

Sewing machines are available in the studio, or bring your own if you prefer.

📅 Before booking

If you have not taken one of my foundation-level courses, please read the ‘Who is this aimed at’ section above to ensure you have the requisite sewing skills. Please check here before booking as once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you, just get in touch — I’m always happy to chat about your project or suggest an alternative.

Sewing machines are available in the studio if you need one or you can bring your own.

Useful Links:

My blog pages contain lots of informative articles about stuff you need to know when you start sewing. Why not spend a few minutes swotting up?  Here’s a couple of links to get you started.

Get to the point. How to choose the correct sewing machine needles.

How to choose the correct pattern size? 

#clothingskills, #sewyourownstyle #clothingalteration #sustainablesewing #garmentmaking #dressmaking