LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Dressmaking Course - 3 Day Summer School

If you’d like to learn to make your own clothes, but are struggling to get started, or would like to improve your techniques, then this short course will give you a great foundation.

Dressmaking Course - 3 Day Summer School

About Dressmaking Course - 3 Day Summer School

The Dressmaking Course is always a popular event in my Summer School schedule. Making your own clothes is extremely satisfying. You can obtain a perfect fit and have something completely unique, But it’s difficult knowing where to start, or where you’re going wrong.

Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 August 2024 10am – 4pm each day

Course Description:
Commercial paper pattern sizes bear no relation to shop-bought, and all those fabrics to choose from?

I’ll guide you through interpreting the ‘lingo’ of patterns. Using the best size, choosing the right fabric, cutting and sewing – all with help at hand.

I’ll give you suggestions for easy patterns to start with if you’re not sure what to choose. You must already have competent sewing skills i.e. have completed a Beginners sewing course, be confident using a sewing machine and be able to thread up and wind bobbins, to sew neat accurate seams and to be aware of the various edge-neatening methods.

Please check here before booking as once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.

Who is the Dressmaking Course aimed at:
Anyone who has recently started to sew and would like to make clothes but don’t know where to start
New-ish dressmakers who would like some help to improve your dressmaking skills
Lapsed sewists: perhaps it’s been a while since you last did any dressmaking and you need to brush up your knowledge and skills
Important Note: Dressmaking classes are to learn garment construction techniques, not for teaching you to sew. You will need to be confident using a machine, i.e. know how to wind bobbins and thread up, be aware of various types of seams and hems, and know which method is most appropriate, and be know how to finish the raw edges. Experience in inserting zips and making buttonholes is also advisable (it’s not recommended trying these techniques in a ‘live’ garment for the first time!) If you are not competent using a sewing machine or have got a bit rusty, please take one of my foundation-level courses.

What will I learn?
For novices, how to use commercial paper patterns and learn garment-construction techniques. if you’ve already done a bit of clothing, then I’ll share my tips and techniques to improve the fit and finish of your home sewing so it looks ‘handmade’ not ‘homemade’.

choosing the best size, and making some basic alterations for a good fit;
select suitable fabric and use it economically.
understanding the ‘language’ and markings on patterns
Fabric-cutting and marking techniques
sewing pieces together (garment-construction)
tips and tricks to obtain a professional-quality finish
You may have time to make 2 or more pieces, depending on difficulty and your own sewing skills. There will be some structured tutorials too over the 3 days with plenty practical time.

Total 15 hours.

Course Arrangements
You’ll need to provide your choice of paper pattern and your fabric and other materials required to complete your garment(s). You’ll also need your basic sewing kit of fabric shears, paper scissors, pins, quick unpick, tape measure, and fabric marking pencils/pens. I’ll provide a note of what you’ll need when you book. Sewing machines are available in the studio or you can bring your own if you prefer. (If you bring your own, then please remember the power cable/foot control, bobbins, presser feet, spare needles and the instruction manual)

You’ll also need your basic sewing kit of : Fabric shears, scissors for cutting paper, pins, tape measure (cm) chalk pencils or fabric marking pens, note book.

Cost: £215 – You will need to provide your own pattern and fabric. I’ll advise you what you’ll need when you book.

Travel, meals and accommodation are not included.

There will be a break for lunch, and opportunities for short breaks throughout the day.

Useful links:

I’ll be covering both of these topics in the course but you might want to have a wee read before then:

Making your mark – A guide to fabric marking tools

What pattern size am I? – how to choose the correct size

Where to buy fabric in Edinburgh:

Fabric Focus

The Dress Fabric Company

Edinburgh Fabrics

I have a selection of scissors, fabric marking pens etc in my studio shop at less then RRP or you can buy them in other places. Here’s where you can buy sewing equipment: Hobbycrafts, The Range, Fabric Focus, Edinburgh Fabrics, Dunelm Mill.

Sponsored Links

Makers Market The Lothians
Hilton Glasgow
Fayre Play
Open Pass Scotland
Kevin Quantum
Tea Green
Escape The Past

Other Events at Artisan Stitch

Alter, Repair & Upcycle: Revitalize Your Wardrobe Sustainably!

12th November 2024

Join Artisan Stitch for this 6-week Alter, Repair & Upcycle sewing course to learn essential techniques for breathing new life into your clothes!

READ MORE

Dressmaking Course - Tuesday Mornings

12th November 2024

This 6 week Dressmaking course run by Artisan Stitch will teach you how to make your own unique clothes that fit perfectly and improve your existing sewing techniques.

READ MORE

Dressmaking Course - Wednesday Mornings

13th November 2024

This Dressmaking course run by Artisan Stitch will teach you how to make your own unique clothes that fit perfectly and improve your existing sewing techniques.

READ MORE

Dressmaking Course - Wednesday Afternoons

13th November 2024

This Dressmaking course run by Artisan Stitch will teach you how to make your own unique clothes that fit perfectly and improve your existing sewing techniques.

READ MORE

Rags to Riches - Creative Upcycling

22nd November 2024

Join Artisan Stitch to learn how upcycling can turn your old fabric scraps into something new, beautiful and useful and make a stunning one-off Christmas gift for a friend or for yourself!

READ MORE

Slow-Stitched Needlebook

29th November 2024

In this delightful workshop at Artisan Stitch you'll learn how to create a beautiful, personalized needlebook using fabric scraps and easy hand embroidery stitches.

READ MORE

Know Your Overlocker

6th December 2024

Overlockers are amazing machines. This Know Your Overlocker workshop run by Artisan Stitch will show you how versatile your overlocker can be.

READ MORE

Gelli Printing - the Winter Garden

13th December 2024

Celebrate the beauty of nature without being able to draw by making prints from leaves or feathers in this fun workshop run by Artisan Stitch on 13th December!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Parkdean
National Trust
Rabbies
Edinburgh Dungeons
Kids Pass
ATG

Similar events you might like...

Introduction to Transmission Meditation - Edinburgh

Introduction to Transmission Meditation - Edinburgh

Selected dates between 11th February 2024 - 3rd December 2024

Transmission Meditation is a simple group meditation providing both a dynamic service to the world and powerful personal spiritual development.

READ MORE
FULL MOON with Transmission Meditation 2024

FULL MOON with Transmission Meditation 2024

Selected dates between 24th February 2024 - 15th December 2024

Join Share International Scotland for a powerful group meditation and work of planetary service at the time of the full moon each month!

READ MORE
Chinese Dumplings with Shuxin

Chinese Dumplings with Shuxin

Selected dates between 27th April 2024 - 1st February 2025

Back by popular demand, come and spend a fun filled morning with the Cyrenians learning how to make delicious Chinese dumplings!

READ MORE
Abbey Strand Art Club

Abbey Strand Art Club

Selected dates between 4th May 2024 - 30th November 2024

Do you enjoy getting creative and learning about the past? If so then the Abbey Strand art club could be just for you. Suitable for 7-12 years olds.

READ MORE
BMX Lessons

BMX Lessons

Selected dates between 11th May 2024 - 12th November 2024
Leith

The Scottish BMX School is offering BMX lessons for kids of all ages, currently being held at Victoria Park in Leith.

READ MORE
Jewellery Class - Make a set of stacking rings with a gemstone

Jewellery Class - Make a set of stacking rings with a gemstone

Selected dates between 31st August 2024 - 30th November 2024

Learn to make a set of stacking rings, including one ring with a pretty gemstone, in this workshop run by Ali Bali Jewellery!

READ MORE
Boozy Brushes, Drag Sip and Paint Party!

Boozy Brushes, Drag Sip and Paint Party!

Selected dates between 7th September 2024 - 21st December 2024

Get Ready to Sip, Laugh & Unleash Your Creativity with a Splash of Cheeky Fun at Hoots Comedy every Saturday!

READ MORE
Green Explorers

Green Explorers

Selected dates between 8th September 2024 - 8th December 2024
Various Locations Edinburgh

Adventure, exploration, play and fun awaits for all 8-12 year olds on an Green Explorers day, running monthly with award-winning Edinburgh charity The Green Team!

READ MORE
Black Boar Historical Fencing Classes (Smallsword)

Black Boar Historical Fencing Classes (Smallsword)

Selected dates between 9th September 2024 - 12th December 2024

Black Boar is a historical fencing school, specialising in smallsword and military sabre tuition. If you’d like to get involved, book a class to start your historical fencing journey!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Makers Market The Lothians
Hilton Glasgow
Fayre Play
Open Pass Scotland
Kevin Quantum
Tea Green
Escape The Past
Hilton Glasgow
Parkdean
National Trust
Rabbies
Edinburgh Dungeons
Kids Pass
ATG

Popular Events

SLA Fireworks Extravaganza 2024
Join us for the 2024 Sparkling Fireworks Extravaganza! Grab your tickets to this Scottish-Indian fusion with Live entertainment, fireworks and new for 2024, a light show!
Fawkes Festival: Royal Highland Centre
Get ready to be blown away when Scotland’s fabulous fireworks extravaganza Fawkes Festival comes to the Royal Highland Centre this autumn!
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
In this brand new show at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Stewart Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity.
Edinburgh Diwali
The South Asian festival of Diwali, which is celebrated by different cultures and religions all over the world, returns to Edinburgh with a multi-cultural feast of light, music, dance and food!
Close-Up Magic at The Joker & Thief
Experience close-up magic with Tim Licata, one of Scotland’s most entertaining sleight-of-hand artists, at your table in the lovely Joker & Thief pub every Thursday!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall