Sewing Progression: Crafting Your Next Garment — Tunic Tops & Beyond

Course overview

Ready to build on your beginner sewing skills? This course is your bridge from beginner to skilled garment maker. 

This course is designed for those who have completed the Introduction to Sewing: Your First Garment course or have equivalent experience. You should be comfortable threading and operating a sewing machine and have successfully followed a simple commercial pattern.  

You’ll expand your existing sewing techniques while creating a stylish kimono sleeve tunic top — the perfect next project to develop your skills and confidence. Alternatively, you may choose another tutor-approved project of similar complexity that matches your personal style goals.  

With expert tutor Helen Cauvy-Foster by your side, you’ll learn new techniques that will deepen your understanding of garment construction and open up exciting possibilities for future sewing projects. By the end of the sessions, you’ll have gained confidence in following more complex patterns and created a garment you’ll be proud to wear! 

 

You will develop a range of skills: 

  • Machine sewing skills and garment construction techniques following a commercial sewing pattern 
  • Ability to follow the instructions of a commercial sewing pattern, understand sizing and alterations, and knowledge of different fabrics. 
  • Garment construction skills such as facings and sewing on the curve 
  • Fabric overview and how to work with woven fabrics and interfacings 
  • Have created a simple kimono sleeve tunic top or any other tutor-approved 
  • Fabric overview and how to work with woven fabrics and interfacings 

You’ll learn through practical, hands-on sessions, demonstrations, and expert guidance. You’ll build technical skills while getting creative with fabric and design. Expect a mix of solo sewing time, group learning, and helpful one-to-one support from expert tutor Helen Cauvy-Foster. 

For this course, you will already know how to:? 

  • thread a machine 
  • wind a bobbin 
  • backstitch to secure your stitches 

and?have an understanding of seam allowances? 

If these terms are new to you, or you’re not confident with these tasks, then it’s recommended you complete the?Introduction to Sewing: Your First Garment?course first.? 

 

Materials 

We’ll provide:

  • 1.5 metres of calico 

You’ll need:

  • A non-stretch woven fabric for your trousers. The fabric will be discussed during the first lesson, so there is no need to purchase any for the start of the course, but you might like to explore options beforehand. 

 Please bring a basic sewing kit if you have it:? 

  • Fabric scissors 
  • Paper scissors 
  • Pins 
  • Tape measure 
  • Un-picker

In addition, a notebook, pencil and eraser may be useful for note-taking.? 

Ready to take on a tailored shirt or shirt dress? Progress to Sewing Mastery: Shirts and Beyond – Advanced Garment Techniques and keep building your sewing journey.

Course Starts in 199 Days

Tue 4 November 2025

Enrol now

Enrol now

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OXAEL009EA

Meet the tutors

We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.

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