Garment Sewing for Beginners and Improvers (WHH)
Course overview
Ready to create your own clothes and take your sewing skills to the next level?
This course is designed for beginners with some sewing machine experience and for improvers who want to develop their garment sewing skills. You will work on practical projects in a supportive workshop environment, gaining confidence in following commercial patterns and completing wearable garments.
Learners can choose to follow the optional focus garment each term or work on their own individual garment project with our expert tutor, Vee Tanner, guiding you through every stage of the process.
Whether you’re sewing your very first garment or looking to improve your skills, this course will help you build confidence and develop techniques to achieve professional-quality finishes.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for anyone who:
- knows how to thread and use a sewing machine confidently.
- can sew basic seams and secure stitches.
- wants to learn how to make their own clothes or improve their garment-making skills.
Whether you’re a beginner creating your first garment or an improver tackling more advanced projects, this course will give you the skills and guidance you need to succeed.
Please note: This course is repeated on Tuesdays throughout the year.
Why choose this course?
You’ll benefit from working in a small group with lots of individual attention, delivered in well-equipped and professional workshops.
What you’ll learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- sew a garment from a commercial pattern with confidence.
- use a sewing machine safely and effectively.
- follow step-by-step pattern instructions.
- sew accurate seams and apply appropriate finishing techniques.
- select suitable fabrics and notions for your garment.
- develop your practical skills in garment construction according to your chosen project.
Optional focus garments schedule
Spring Term (13 Jan – 10 Feb) – Unisex Pyjama Top (Simplicity 3935): setting in sleeves, attaching neckband.
Spring Term (24 Feb – 24 Mar) – Unisex Pyjama Bottoms (Simplicity 3935): simple trouser construction, elasticated waistband/casing.
Summer Term (14 Apr – 19 May) – Unisex Waistcoat (McCall’s M8442, style H): working with lining, understitching.
Summer Term (2 Jun – 30 Jun) – Dress (Simplicity 2247) or Unisex Shirt (Simplicity S9858):
- Dress: shaping with princess seams, zip insertion, curved hem, inset sleeve.
- Shirt: collar construction, buttonholes, cuffs, sleeve insertion.
Learners may follow the optional focus garments or bring their own project of choice for tutor support.
You’ll benefit from:
- practical, hands-on workshops with demonstrations and individual guidance.
- step-by-step support from our tutor Vee Tanner throughout your project.
- emphasis on safe and confident use of the sewing machine and professional finishing.
- assessment through completion of your garment project to a satisfactory standard.
What to Bring:
- Pattern and fabric of your chosen project (check the focus garment schedule for pattern details)
- Matching thread for your fabric
- Notions required for your pattern, such as: buttons, zippers, Interfacing, and other specific items (refer to your pattern for details)
Basic sewing tools, including:
- Fabric scissors
- Paper scissors
- Needlework scissors or snips
- Pins (we recommend glass-headed pins)
- Tape measure
- Chalk or fabric marking pen
- Seam ripper
Equipment and Facilities
We provide sewing machines and an overlocker for your use during the course. You are also welcome to bring your own sewing machine so you can practice with it and build confidence for using it at home.
Need Help Choosing a Pattern?
If you’re unsure whether your chosen pattern is suitable for your skill level, you can contact the tutor in advance of the course for advice and guidance. This will help you make the most of your time in the workshop.
Build Your Sewing Community
This course is just the beginning!
As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to continue developing your skills with the same group in the following term’s course.
By joining each term, you’ll become part of a supportive sewing community, building friendships as you grow your garment-making expertise.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a finished garment to be proud of, improved sewing skills, and the confidence to tackle more ambitious projects in the future!
MEET THE TUTOR
Vee Tanner is a professional costume maker and sewing teacher with over 35 years’ experience in designing and sewing an array of garments and costumes. These range from competition ballroom dance dresses, wedding gowns, theatre, and historical wear, to everyday wear.
She leads the costume team at the Chiltern Open Air Museum, making historical costumes for the Inhabited Houses Project, and has costumed many theatre productions for award-winning Rickmansworth Players and leading theatre school, Italia Conti.
Vee founded Sew Bee Yourself, an online sewing club for budding dressmakers to improve their sewing skills and enjoys teaching adults sewing at various venues, including Activate Learning’s Reading College and Woodley Hill House.
You can read more about Vee here
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.
