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- 👗The Dressmaking Course is always a highlight of my Summer School. Making your own clothes is incredibly satisfying — you get a perfect fit, a unique garment, and the confidence that comes from understanding how clothes are constructed. But knowing where to start (or where you’re going wrong) can feel overwhelming.
- If you’d love to make your own clothes but need guidance, or you’ve already begun and want to improve your techniques, this 3‑day course will give you a solid foundation and plenty of hands‑on practice.
- If you’d prefer to learn to alter or repair your existing clothes rather than make new ones, or have any ongoing projects you need help with, you can do this here too (provided you already have sewing machine skills).
- Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 August 2026 10am – 4pm each dayTotal: 15+ hours Cost: £259
👚Course Description
Commercial paper pattern sizes bear no resemblance to shop‑bought clothing, and the choice of fabrics can be bewildering. Over the three days, I’ll guide you through:
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- interpreting the “lingo” of patterns
- choosing the correct size(s)
- selecting suitable fabrics
- cutting, marking and preparing your pieces
- garment‑construction techniques
- achieving a professional‑quality finish
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If you’re unsure what pattern to choose, I’ll suggest some easy, reliable options to get you started.
Entry Requirements:
This course focuses on garment construction skills and fitting. You must already know the foundation sewing techniques i.e. know your machine thoroughly, be able to sew various types of seams & hems, be aware of edge-neatening methods and have had prior experience inserting zips and making buttonholes. Ideally you’ve completed a Beginners Sewing Course with Artisan Stitch or equivalent.
If you’re rusty or not yet confident using a sewing machine, please book one of my foundation‑level sewing courses or my Refresher class before joining this workshop.
Please check all details before booking, as tickets are non‑refundable once purchased.
👕Who Is This Course For?
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- Newer sewists who want to start making clothes but don’t know where to begin
- “New‑ish” dressmakers who’d like support to improve their skills
- Lapsed sewists returning to dressmaking and needing a confidence boost
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👖What Will I Learn?
Depending on your experience, you will learn:
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- how to use commercial paper patterns
- choosing the best size and making simple fit adjustments
- understanding pattern markings and terminology
- selecting suitable fabrics and using them economically
- fabric‑cutting and marking techniques
- garment‑construction methods
- tips and tricks for a polished, professional finish
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You may be able to complete more than one garment depending on complexity and your own pace/skills. There will be structured tutorials when required, with plenty of practical sewing time.
✂️Course Arrangements
You will need to bring:
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- your chosen commercial paper pattern
- all fabric and notions required for your garment(s) i.e. thread, zips, elastic, interfacing etc. I have a small stock of thread and zips in the studio but in a limited range of colours and sizes.
- your basic sewing kit: fabric shears, paper scissors, pins, tape measure (cm), quick‑unpick, fabric marking pencils/pens, notebook. You’ll also need a ‘pattern kit’ comprising a dressmakers’ curved ruler, pattern paper, a mechanical pencil, eraser, a glue stick and a couple of coloured pencils for marking up your pattern and making any necessary adjustments prior to cutting your fabric.
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Sewing machines are available in the studio, or you may bring your own. If bringing your own machine, please remember the power cable/foot control, bobbins, presser feet, spare needles and the instruction manual.
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Why Learn with Artisan Stitch?
Jen been sewing since childhood and admits she’s made every mistake imaginable — which means she now knows exactly how to help you avoid them. She’ll share the shortcuts, the “aha!” moments, and the professional habits she wishes she’d learned years earlier.
Artisan Stitch is proud to be Scotland’s most award‑winning sewing school, with accolades including:
- Certificate of Excellence (2019)
- Best Sewing Classes in Edinburgh (2020)
- Best Private Sewing Education Tuition & Most Outstanding Sewing Classes (2021)
- Best Craft Tuition Provider, Scotland Prestige Awards (2023/24)
- Best Sewing Classes (2022/23, 2024/24, 2024/25, 2025/26), Scotland Prestige Awards
- Textile Education Specialist of the Year 2026
- Excellence in Wellbeing-Focused Skills Workshops 2026
Travel, meals and accommodation are not included.
Useful Links:
Patterns, fabrics, sewing equipment and friendly assistance can be obtained in the following local specialist shops:
