Dressmaking Techniques: Beyond the Basics – 3‑Day Summer School

Wednesday 22 – Friday 24 July 2026
10am–4pm

Overview

Take your dressmaking skills to the next level with this immersive 3‑day Summer School. Designed for experienced sewists, this course focuses on mastering advanced ladieswear construction techniques through hands‑on sample making, expert demonstrations, and supportive guidance.

Ideal as a progression from Dressmaking Techniques or Better Dressmaking, it’s also perfect for anyone with prior experience who wants to refine their technical skills without the pressure of completing a full garment.

Course Description

Throughout the three days, you’ll work on a series of individual samples, allowing you to fully understand each technique and apply it confidently in future projects. This focused, methodical approach ensures you build skill, precision, and professional‑level finish.

We adapt the pace to suit the group, ensuring everyone gains a thorough understanding. If time is limited, we prioritise advanced techniques such as welt pockets and bound buttonholes, with additional notes provided for any unfinished methods.

What You’ll Learn

Cuffs & Sleeve Plackets – Learn multiple placket styles and practise attaching a cuff with accuracy and control.
Revere Collars – Construct this classic open‑notch collar used in blouses, dresses, and lightweight jackets.
Zip Fly Construction – Master a clean, professional fly front suitable for trousers and skirts.
Ladies’ Two‑Piece Shirt Collar – Sew a crisp, structured collar with a polished, professional finish.
Welt (Jetted) Pockets – Create tailored welt pockets with precision and confidence.
Bound Buttonholes – Produce elegant, couture‑level buttonholes using traditional techniques.
Front Hip Pockets (time permitting) – Add functional, stylish pockets to skirts and trousers; full notes provided if not covered in class.

What to Expect

Expert demonstrations
Step‑by‑step instruction
Time to practise each technique
A collection of finished samples to take home
A friendly, supportive group of like‑minded sewists

By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident, more skilled, and ready to apply these techniques to your own dressmaking projects.

Is This Course Right for You?

This course is designed for experienced sewists.
If you feel you need more foundation skills first – such as sewing perfect darts or inserting a concealed zip – you may prefer to start with Better Dressmaking.

Equipment

Sewing machines can be provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own. If bringing your own machine, please remember:

Power cable & foot control
Instruction manual
Spare bobbins

What to Bring

Your basic sewing kit:
Fabric shears, paper scissors, small embroidery scissors, pins, fabric marking tools, tape measure, 30cm ruler
(Most items are available to purchase in the studio shop if needed)
1 metre of 150cm‑wide plain fabric (calico, curtain lining, sheeting). Charity shops and scrap stores are great sources—just ensure the fabric is in good condition.
½ metre lightweight, soft‑handle fusible interfacing (70–90cm wide)

Reserve Your Place

Spaces are limited to ensure high‑quality teaching and individual support. Join us this summer and take your dressmaking skills beyond the basics.

Please check here before booking as once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.

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