Skill Level
Beginners
Tutor
Kaye
Course Dates
Day – Wednesday Evenings
Time – 7-9pm
Venue – St Michael’s Mount Community Centre, St Michael’s Rd, Hitchin Herts SG4 OQY
Our next course is sold out. The next course but please add your details to the notifier for new dates
Course Description
During the course we will be making a simple A – line skirt but don’t worry if this is not your thing we use it to teach all the basic techniques but you could make it for someone else or just as a toile in calico
What skills will I learn?
- How to read a pattern envelope
- How to measure yourself accurately
- Choosing size and understanding fit
- Interpreting pattern markings and cutting layouts
- How to transfer pattern markings using tailors’ tacks, dressmakers carbon paper and various types of marking pencils and pens
- Understanding interfacing and how to use
- Learn how to do the following techniques
- Stay-stitching
- Under-stitching
- Topstitching
- Pocket insertion
- Yoke insertion
- Interfacing techniques
- Darts
- Centred zip insertion
- Hems
What’s included in the price of the course?
- 7 x 2hr lessons in a small group
- Paper Pattern
- Project Planner
- Course workbook which includes all the information you will need for your course
- Free love and warmth of your fellow sewing buddies!
- Inclusion in a WhatsApp group for support from your tutor throughout the course and afterwards via a WhatsApp group
What do I need to prepare in advance of the course?
For your course you will need to bring along the following items. Please click on the highlighted words below to view the equipment and add to your basket – ensure you are fully prepared to make the most of your classes..
- Sewing Machine – Please bring your machine, manual and accessories also ensure you have a good quality invisible zip foot to fit your machine. If you need help choosing a machine please head over to our trusted supplier via the link.
- Dressmaking tool kit to include dressmaking shears, fabric snips, basting thread, ruler, seam gauge, chalk wheel stick or marking pen, dressmakers pins, pin cushion
- Pattern paper
- Fabric – 1.30m – 2.10 m of medium weight woven fabric
- Zip – A 7” closed ended zip in a colour to match your fabric
- Sewing Machine Needles 1 x pack to suit your fabric
- Thread – A colour to match your fabric
- Interfacing – lightweight woven interfacing appropriate for your fabric
- Bias Binding – Approx 3m of matching or contrasting bias binding for your hem.
- You may wish to bring a bottle of water and a notepad.
N.B Please ensure you launder your fabric prior to cutting out in the way recommended on the care label or website. Fabric can shrink up to 10% when laundered
Pattern sizing
The Newlook pattern is US size 10 to 22, the body measurements range from a 25” to 37” waist and 34.5” to 46” hip. If you fall outside of these measurements, please contact us prior to booking.
What else do I need to know?
- This course is suitable for those who have used a sewing machine before and have done our Adult Machine beginners course.
- Please note we aim to complete your skirt during the course but the complexity of your pattern, and your level of sewing experience may mean you might not entirely complete your garment, however you will be given lots of tips and support help to ensure you are comfortable completing your project at home
- You will receive a confirmation email upon booking please ensure you have given us your telephone number. You will be added to a course WhatsApp group 1 week before the start of the course
- Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully before booking
- Please read our FAQs and T’s & C’s before booking.
- Should you need to contact us before your course please email [email protected]
- Please note all our courses are subject to numbers. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone courses ( See our Terms and Conditions for further details)
Sheila Hoppenbrouwers –
I did Kayes beginners dressmaking course and haven’t done any dressmaking since O-level needlework at school, many years ago!. She is an inspirational, warm, friendly teacher who has the ability to start at the very beginning even when you can’t remember what overlocking is, or how to place the bobbin in the machine! Her courses deal with a varying degree of beginners, she has the ability to change her teaching skills from one to another person. After the course I managed to make a cushion, skirt and a summer dress, which I would not have had the ability / confidence to do without her supportive teaching ability. I would strongly recommend this course.