Sewing Your First Garment – Trousers
Course overview
Take your sewing skills further and make your own trousers from scratch.
Join us for an exciting introduction to garment making. This beginner sewing course is perfect for anyone looking to build on their basic sewing skills and follow a sewing pattern for the first time.
In this sewing course, you’ll sew your own trousers using the Closet Core Patterns Carolyn Trousers commercial pattern, building confidence in garment construction and precision sewing. You can familiarise yourself with the pattern here: Closet Core Patterns Carolyn Pyjamas.
Please note: this pattern is part of a pyjama set. In this course, you’ll be making the trousers. The shirt is covered in Sewing: Your Next Garment.
Classes take place over 6 weeks on Thursday evenings from 6–8pm, led by expert tutor Isabella Bagwell, who will guide you through each step of the process.
Why choose this course?
You’ll benefit from working in a small group with lots of individual attention, delivered in professional workshops, equipped to the highest standards.
By the end of this sewing course, you will have learnt essential machine sewing skills and garment construction techniques, while working from a commercial sewing pattern.
You will learn how to:
- Read and follow commercial sewing pattern instructions
- Understand sizing, fit adjustments, and basic alterations
- Trace out your size using a multi sized pattern
- Identify and work with different fabric types
- Sew an elastic waistband
- Options to use techniques such as French seams and piping
By the end of the course, you’ll have created your own finished trousers or shorts, complete with pockets!
You will learn through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, covering:
- Essential sewing and measuring techniques
- How to read and follow commercial pattern instructions
- Making basic garment adjustments
- Simple garment construction skills, including working with elastic
- An overview of fabrics, working with easy-to-handle materials
You’ll receive individual pattern instructions to guide you through your project.
We’ll discuss fabric options and required amounts in the first session, so it’s not necessary to bring fabric at the start. However, it’s a good idea to think about what you’d like to use or collect some fabric swatches beforehand.
If you already know what fabric you’d like to use, please choose a non-stretch woven fabric. A medium-weight cotton is the easiest to work with, but linen, flannel, or polycotton are also good choices.
Other materials, such as thread, elastic and interfacing are provided. But if you would like to use a specific thread to colour match your chosen fabric, please bring it along.
You may also like to purchase optional piping to challenge yourself to add a decorative touch.
We provide all the equipment, but it is a good idea to bring your own basic sewing kit, if you have one, including:
- Fabric scissors
- Paper scissors
- Pins
- Tape measure
- Seam ripper (un-picker)
Additionally, a notebook, pencil, and eraser will be helpful for taking notes throughout the course.
Alternatively enrol by phone quoting BYLLL05EF
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.
