

Sewing: Your Next Garment
Course overview
If you’ve completed the Sewing: An Introduction course, know how to thread and stitch with a sewing machine, and are ready to step up your sewing and take on the challenge of making your next garment, then this sewing course is for you.
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 Sewing: An Introduction course first.
You will sew your own shirt following the commercial sewing pattern – Closet Core Patterns Jenna Shirt/Shirtdress
This course will take place on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm under the guidance of expert tutor Isabella Bagwell.
By the end of this course, you will have built on your machine sewing skills and garment construction techniques following a commercial sewing pattern.
You will be able to read the instructions of a commercial sewing pattern, understand sizing and alterations, and will have gained knowledge of different fabrics.
You will be able to sew buttonholes and buttons and attach collars and cuffs to your shirt.
By the end of this course, you will have a finished shirt or shirt dress!
You will learn through theoretical and practical sessions. These include:
- Key sewing and measuring techniques
- Following commercial pattern instructions and information
- Garment adjustments
- Garment construction skills such as collars and buttons
- Fabric overview and how to work with woven fabrics
You will 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. However, it may be a good idea to go to shops beforehand to get an idea of what fabric is out there and what you might like to use.
It is a good idea to bring a basic sewing kit:
- Fabric scissors
- Paper scissors
- Pins
- Tape measure
- Un-picker
In addition, a notebook, pencil and eraser will be useful for note-taking.
Continue your creative journey and explore the many other courses that are available
The course will be led by experienced tutor: Isabella Bagwell.

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.