Garment Sewing for Beginners and Improvers
Course overview
Are you ready to create your own clothes and take your sewing skills to the next level?
This sewing course is designed for beginners with some sewing machine experience and for improvers looking to develop their garment-making skills. You will work on practical projects in a supportive workshop environment, gaining confidence in following commercial patterns and completing wearable garments.
You can choose to follow the optional focus garment each term or work on your own individual garment project with our expert tutor, Marrit-Christina Young, 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 Thursdays throughout the year.
Why choose this course?
You’ll benefit from working in a small group with individual attention, delivered in well-equipped and professional workshops.
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) – Craft Studio Tee PDF Sewing Pattern | Matchy Matchy Sewing Club (Free)
Spring Term (24 Feb – 24 Mar) – FREE All Day Culottes PDF Sewing Pattern for Beginners | Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
Summer Term (14 Apr – 19 May) – Samara Top Sewing Pattern | Tilly and the Buttons
Summer Term (June /July) – Nell Blouse + Dress Sewing Pattern | Tilly and the Buttons:
If PDF only available – please purchase, save pattern and instructions on your device, and have A0 pattern and instructions printed by CLC Prints CLC PRINTS – CLCPrints or another reputable pattern print company.
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 Marrit-Christina Young 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 – how much fabric do you need and speak / email fabric shop if unsure)
- Matching thread for your fabric
- Notions required for your pattern, such as: 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 in 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
Marrit-Christina Young is a hobbyist garment maker and wearer. Self taught and working things out made her enthusiastic about clothes and style. She is passionate about her makes and supports independent designers. Recycling old clothes and using fabric from charity shops is one of the ways you can save money and make your own stylish outfits that no one has and get lots of positive comments. You will never look at fabric the same way again. Join her to find out!
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.
