General Sewing - Beginners/Intermediate

Transform your creative ideas into beautiful, custom-fitted garments. Whether you are looking to learn to sew from scratch or want to upgrade your existing pattern-making skills, this comprehensive sewing course provides the perfect hands-on environment.

During this practical sewing class, you will learn how to accurately read commercial patterns, operate machinery with confidence, and construct garments of your own choice that fit your body perfectly.

What is Provided Onsite

• Sewing Machines: High-quality Bernina sewing machines are provided onsite for all students.
• Overlockers: Overlockers are available for use during class time. Please note: You do not need to own an overlocker to participate in this course.

Material List: What to Bring

Please bring your pattern, fabric, matching sewing thread, tape measure, scissors, 2 meters of calico, a box of dressmaking pins, a pen, and a notepad to your first class.

During the first lesson, your tutor will demonstrate the specific tools required for the remainder of the course. If you already own sewing equipment, please bring it to the first class for the tutor to check. If you do not own tools, we strongly recommend waiting until after Lesson 1 before purchasing to avoid buying the wrong items.

The complete recommended tool kit includes:

• Scissors: Dressmaking scissors, paper scissors, and small seam-trimming clippers.
• Pins & Security: A box of glass-head or purl-head dressmaking pins (minimum 150) and a magnetic pin dish.
• Marking Tools: Tailor’s chalk and a heat-erasable FriXion pen.
• Measuring & Construction: A standard tape measure, a sewing gauge, a magnetic seam guide, a seam ripper, and a pressing cloth.
• Hardware: Bodkins or safety pins (3 pieces in varying sizes), sewing machine bobbins, and a 5-pack of machine needles (Recommended: Schmetz Universal mixed sizes 70, 80, and 90).

Meet Your Instructor: Pippa May

Learn from an industry insider. With over 20 years of experience in the Australian fashion industry, Pippa May brings an elite depth of knowledge in garment construction and design. Her diverse background spans from boutique fashion labels to some of the country’s most prestigious fashion houses.

Pippa’s extensive expertise covers advanced methods including couture finishing, tailoring, and working with specialised materials like leather, swimwear, and delicate textiles. Known for her supportive, hands-on guidance and results-driven teaching style, Pippa excels at helping students refine their construction techniques and achieve an impeccable garment fit.

This course is delivered once a week over a period of 5 weeks.

1. Choosing Your Pattern

Please select a commercial paper pattern (e.g., Butterick, McCall’s, Simplicity, Burda Easy, or New Look). For your very first project, we highly recommend choosing an elasticised waist pant (pyjama style) or a simple straight or A-line skirt.

Sizing Note: Paper patterns are multi-sized. Use a tape measure to take your exact body measurements, then cross-reference them with the back of the pattern envelope to ensure you buy the correct size. If you are unsure, ask a shop assistant or your tutor during Lesson 1 for help.

2. Fabric Selection

The reverse side of your pattern envelope indicates the exact fabric yield required.

• Recommended Fabrics: Cotton, linen, or rayon are ideal for your first garment.
• Fabrics to Avoid: For your first project, please avoid stripes, checks, plaids, velvets, sheer fabrics, and stretch knits.
• Preparation: You must pre-shrink your fabric before cutting. Please wash and dry your fabric prior to your first lesson.
• 3. Threads

Purchase at least two 100m–200m spools of high-quality 120 spun polyester dressmaking thread that matches your fabric colour. We recommend premium brands such as Rasant, Coats Astra, Metrosene, or Gütermann.

4. Bringing Personal Machines

While the college provides Bernina sewing machines, you are welcome to bring your own machine to class. If doing so, please ensure you bring the instruction manual, foot control, power cables, and all relevant accessories.

Weekly Lesson Syllabus

Lesson 1: Introduction, Patterns & Prep

• Introduction to your tutor and classmates.
• Individual, one-on-one consultation regarding your pattern and fabric choices.
• Comprehensive breakdown and explanation of the sewing equipment list.
• How to take correct, professional body measurements.
• How to read a commercial pattern envelope to determine sizing, fabric yield, and notions.
• How to cut out a paper pattern and make personalised adjustments for fit.

Lesson 2: Layout, Cutting & Machine Basics

• How to correctly lay out your pattern pieces onto your fabric following grainlines.
• Techniques for precise pinning and cutting of fabric.
• How to correctly thread a sewing machine.
• Practice sewing straight lines, mastering seam allowances, and applying basic seam finishes.
• How to interpret and follow step-by-step pattern construction guides.

Lessons 3–8: Custom Construction & Finishing

• One-on-one technical assistance as you construct your chosen garment on the machine.
• Modifying and adjusting the garment directly on your body for a custom fit.
• Advanced instruction on mastering both the sewing machine and the overlocker.

See you at the sewing table!