Web description
This sewing class is designed for the beginner sewer. It is also suitable for HSC students and tertiary fashion design students who wish to complement their studies for better results or better employment prospects. During the course, you will learn how to read a commercial pattern and how to make garments of your own choice, that fit correctly. The course will enable you to develop your skills in operating a sewing machine and an overlocker.
The College will provide sewing machines onsite if needed, and overlockers during class time. Please note you do not need to have an overlocker machine for this course.
Limit of 9 students.
Patterns
Please choose a commercial pattern eg Butterick, McCalls ,Simplicity, Burda easy, or New Look. It is recommended that you purchase an elasticized waist pants (pyjama type) pattern, or a simple straight or A-line skirt pattern.
Please note: Paper patterns are multi sized. Using a tape measure, you will need to take your measurements then check the measurements on the pattern to ensure you are buying the right sized pattern. If you are unsure please ask the shop assistant to help measure you or ask your tutor in the first lesson.
Fabrics
The reverse of your pattern envelope will tell you how much fabric you need to buy. We recommend choosing a cotton, rayon or linen fabric for the first garment. N.B. Avoid stripes, checks, velvets, soft sheer fabrics, and stretch knit fabrics. Please ask the shop assistant to help you with the fabric choice and quantity.
You need to pre shrink your fabric prior to cutting it. Please wash and dry your fabric before your first lesson.
Threads
Please buy at least two 100m-200m spools of quality 120 spun polyester dressmaking thread to match your fabric color. Choose thread brands such as Rasant, Coats Astra, Metrosene or Gutterman.
Sewing machines
You do not need to own a sewing machine or overlocker for use in class, as the college provides Bernina sewing machines and overlockers. If you want to bring your own machines to class please also bring the instruction manuals, foot control, and accessories.
Our sewing lessons are a great introduction to this life skill whilst having a lot of creative fun along the way. It's perfect for both absolute beginners and a refresher course for those who haven't sewed in a while or want to increase their skills and knowledge.
You will learn:
- How to thread the machine and wind a bobbin
- How to set up your machine and basic part names and functions
- How to create a simple pattern
- How to cut and pin fabric
- How to sew straight lines and zig-zag
- Basic seam construction and neatening techniques as well as pressing
At the end of this class, you will take home your own handmade item, a bag and a basic piece if handmade clothing!
What to bring to the first class:
Your pattern, fabric, sewing thread, tape measure, scissors, 2 meters of calico, box of dressmaking pins, pen and notepad to the first class.
In the first lesson, the tutor will explain what items you need to bring to each class. The items will be shown, and a list will be provided.
This includes:
• dressmaking scissors, paper scissors, small seam trimming scissors (clippers)
• pins - recommended is a box of purl head or glass head pins (minimum 150 pins)
• tape measure
• magnetic pin dish or magnet to keep the pins safe
• pressing cloth
• tailors chalk and friction pen
• sewing gauge
• bodkins or safety pins (3 psc - different sizes)
• machine needles - 1 pack of 5- Recommending: Schmetz mixed size pack of 5: size:70,80, 90 Universal Needle.
• bobbins
• magnetic seam guide
• seam ripper
Note: Some of these may not be required, depending on the garment you are making. If you already have some sewing equipment, please bring it along to the first lesson. The tutor will check to see if your equipment is suitable. If you do not have equipment, do not buy it until the tutor has showed you the recommended products. This will avoid incorrect equipment being purchased.
You must bring your equipment to each lesson.
You will learn about machine sewing techniques including:
• Basic seams' types and seam finishes
• Darts
• Basic Interfacing
• Gathering
• Basic Hem finishes
• Basic neckline finishes
• Pockets - patched, flapped and in-seam
• Basic Waistband finishes
• Basic sleeves
• Cuffs
• Basic bindings
Lesson 1
Introduction to tutor and fellow students
Tutor discusses individual pattern and fabric choice with each student
Sewing equipment list and explanation
How the take correct body measurements
How to read the back of the pattern envelope to establish the pattern size to be cut out/ fabric and notions requirements
How to cut out a paper pattern and make adjustments, for personalized fit
Lesson 2
How to lay out your pattern on fabric
Correct pinning of pattern to fabric
Correct cutting of fabric
How to thread a sewing machine
Practice correct sewing techniques for a seam and seam finish
How to follow step by step pattern construction instructions
Lesson 3-8
Individual assistance in garment construction on the sewing machine
Modifying /adjusting your garment for fit
How to use the sewing machine and overlocker.
- No Pattern necessary (Drafting a pattern based on body shape to be discussed in first lesson)
- Fabric - to be discussed in first lesson
- Sewing machine (there are machines available onsite if needed)
- Thread (please only buy good quality thread, I suggest Rasant or Gütermann in a neutral shade)
- Tape measure
- Fabric scissors
- Thread snips or embroidery scissors
- Seam ripper
- Pearl headed pins
- One-metre of cotton or cotton poplin
See you at the sewing table!
Anna Milch is a seasoned fashion professional who relishes the nuts-and-bolts practice of fashion through her extensive experience in product development, fashion design and production management. This includes having overseen the licensing and production of fashion collections both in Australia and offshore.
One of Anna’s most proud career highlights has been as the designer and developer of a range of sustainably designed activewear for Kusaga Athletics: the company that makes the “greenest tee on the planet”.
Her passion for sustainable fashion and digital technologies in the field of pattern design, embroidery and fabric print has seen her engaging with active and swimwear brands, specialised merchandising manufacturers and big fashion retailers of women's, youth's, children's and baby's wear.
With over thirty years of industry practice and fifteen years as an educator, Anna has applied her sensibility for style and perfectionism to working with fashion students as a lecturer and mentor, guiding the budding designers of the future at the highest professional level.
Bronnie started crafting as a way to practice mindfulness and create time for herself in a busy world. Her journey started with sewing cushions and beach bags which proved to be very popular. Bronnie''s real passion is inspiring others to get creative and enjoy making their own projects. Bronnie believes everybody has a creative side!
Pippa has 20 years experience in the Australian fashion industry working in small business as well as some of the most prestigious fashion houses. She has a wide ranging skill set in construction and finishing techniques from couture to leather to swimwear and everything in between.
She will be teaching you multiple construction techniques, provide support with choosing appropriate fabrics, and advice on correcting fitting issues.
She is passionate about textiles and clothing and has an easy going communication style whilst focusing on r
