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Course Outline:

This sewing class is designed  and tailored for both beginner and intermediate sewers. 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.

**For Pippas class : Intermediate's Welcome**

Limit of 9 students.

For Pippa May class:

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.

What to Bring to Class:

Pippa May Class:

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.

See you at the sewing table!

About the Tutor:

Pippa May:

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 results.