Sewing Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Sewing Machines

Explains machine anatomy, threading, and basic controls. Connects tool knowledge to machine operation as the primary production instrument.

Lesson 2 • Fabric Fundamentals

Covers fabric types, grain lines, and fiber content. Provides the material knowledge needed to make informed cutting and sewing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Essential Hand Sewing Tools

Introduces needles, pins, thimbles, seam unpickers, and measuring tools. Students learn correct selection and handling for basic hand sewing tasks.

Lesson 4 • Notions and Interfacing Basics

Introduces thread, interfacing, zips, buttons, and elastic. Students understand how notions support structural and decorative garment functions.

Lesson 1 • Backstitch and Whipstitch

Introduces the backstitch for strong seams and whipstitch for edges. Both stitches expand hand-sewing capability for structural and finishing applications.

Lesson 2 • Buttons, Press Studs, and Hooks by Hand

Covers attaching functional closures securely by hand. Connects hand sewing skills to practical garment construction and repair tasks.

Lesson 3 • Basic Running and Tacking Stitches

Covers running stitch and tacking for temporary seams and gathering. Students apply these stitches to control fabric before permanent sewing.

Lesson 4 • Threading and Knotting

Teaches threading a needle, cutting thread length, and forming secure knots. These foundational steps ensure every hand-sewn stitch starts and ends cleanly.

Lesson 1 • Pressing Seams and Fabric

Introduces the iron as a construction tool for pressing seams open or to one side. Pressing at each step produces professional-quality results.

Lesson 2 • Pivoting and Curves

Teaches needle-down pivoting for corners and guiding fabric around curves. Students gain control needed for shaped garment pieces.

Lesson 3 • Troubleshooting Machine Issues

Addresses skipped stitches, thread nesting, tension problems, and needle breaks. Students diagnose and resolve common machine issues independently.

Lesson 4 • Seam Finishing Methods

Covers zigzag, overlocked, and pinked seam finishes to prevent fraying. Proper finishing extends garment life and is required before pressing seams open.

Lesson 1 • Transferring Pattern Markings

Covers tracing wheels, tailor's chalk, and thread tracing to transfer darts and marks. Accurate transfer ensures pieces align correctly during assembly.

Lesson 2 • Taking Body Measurements

Teaches accurate measurement of bust, waist, hips, and length points. Correct measurements are the foundation for selecting and adjusting pattern sizes.

Lesson 3 • Pattern Layout on Fabric

Covers placing pattern pieces on grain, using fold lines, and pinning securely. Correct layout minimises fabric waste and ensures accurate piece shapes.

Lesson 4 • Cutting Fabric Accurately

Teaches cutting with shears along cutting lines without distorting fabric. Accurate cutting directly determines the fit and finish of the finished garment.

Lesson 1 • Waistbands and Waistline Finishes

Covers attaching straight waistbands, elastic casings, and faced waistlines. These finishes complete the structural top edge of skirts and pants.

Lesson 2 • Installing Zips

Teaches centred, lapped, and concealed zip applications. Zip installation is a critical closure skill used in most garment types.

Lesson 3 • Constructing Seams and Joining Pieces

Covers sewing side seams, shoulder seams, and joining bodice to skirt. Students sequence assembly steps to avoid construction errors.

Lesson 4 • Hems and Edge Finishes

Teaches machine-stitched, blind, and hand-rolled hems for various fabric types. Hem choice affects the drape and professional appearance of the finished garment.

Lesson 1 • Length and Width Alterations

Covers lengthening, shortening, and taking in or letting out seams. These are the most frequently needed alterations in garment construction.

Lesson 2 • Dart Adjustments for Fit

Teaches rotating, adding, and removing darts to correct bust and waist fit. Dart manipulation is the primary tool for shaping garments to individual bodies.

Lesson 3 • Common Fit Problems Diagnosed

Identifies drag lines, pulling, gaping, and excess fabric as fit symptoms. Students read the garment to locate the root cause of each problem.

Lesson 4 • Fitting a Muslin Toile

Teaches constructing and evaluating a test garment in inexpensive fabric. Muslin fitting reveals fit issues before cutting into fashion fabric.

Lesson 1 • Pockets: Patch and In-Seam

Covers constructing patch pockets and in-seam pockets with clean finishes. Pockets add function and require precise topstitching and seam alignment.

Lesson 2 • Lining a Garment

Teaches cutting, constructing, and attaching a full lining to a jacket or skirt. Lining improves drape, comfort, and interior finish quality.

Lesson 3 • Setting In Sleeves

Covers easing, pinning, and stitching a set-in sleeve into an armhole. Set-in sleeves require precise ease distribution for smooth, wrinkle-free results.

Lesson 4 • Facings and Neckline Finishes

Teaches interfaced facings, bias binding, and self-fabric neckline finishes. Clean neckline finishes are a visible marker of construction quality.

Lesson 1 • Sewing Knit Fabrics

Teaches needle selection, stitch types, and seam techniques for stretch fabrics. Knit construction requires different tools and methods than woven fabric sewing.

Lesson 2 • Embellishment and Decorative Details

Covers topstitching, piping, and decorative trim application as design elements. Embellishments require precision to enhance rather than detract from garment quality.

Lesson 3 • Tailoring Techniques

Covers pad stitching, hair canvas interfacing, and tailored lapels for structured jackets. Tailoring builds shape and durability into structured outerwear.

Lesson 4 • Working with Slippery and Sheer Fabrics

Covers stabilising, cutting, and stitching chiffon, silk, and satin. These fabrics demand specialised handling to prevent shifting and puckering.