Sewing lessons

I have been busy creating and refining my sewing lessons, which have become quite popular! (Hence my not posting regularly.)

So much so that I have been expanding my sewing lesson topics to include App sessions which focus on just one skill.

I have found that one-on-one classes are best, as the private lessons allow for flexibility in what we cover during the class.

Probably most importantly, though, is that my ladies work at their own pace - no waiting for others to catch up, or feeling guilty because they are slowing others down.

Generally, the lessons are two hours long.

This is enough time to cover the lesson content, work on samples, ask questions, and still be keen to sew when we've finished.

Of course, it also allows for sips of tea whilst we are sewing!

I post new sessions and their availability on Gumtree each week. 

Below is a list of my current sewing lessons, and what is covered in each.

Even if you are not able to attend a lesson, you could use the list as inspiration for teaching yourself a new set of sewing skills.

Three week beginner sewing classes

Week 1:

*   become familiar with your sewing machine – change needles, feet, and all controls

*   how to sew – hand placement, where to watch, sewing straight lines

*   seams

*   sew a simple gathered skirt (supply your own fabric)

Week 2:

*   hems

*   facings

*   buttons and button holes

Week 3:

*   zippers

*   commercial patterns

Buttonhole workshop

In this sewing class you will learn:

*   horizontal buttonholes

*   vertical buttonholes

*   corded buttonholes

*   buttonholes using the automatic buttonhole foot (where you pop your button into the slider)

*   shanked buttons hand sewn

*   flat buttons hand sewn

*   flat buttons machine sewn

How to use a commercial sewing pattern

Learn about commercial sewing patterns:

*   choosing the correct pattern size

*   pattern books or online lookbooks

*   pattern envelopes

*   pattern piece numbering

*   layout

*   marking transfer

*   cutting

*   sewing / construction instructions

Fasteners workshop 

In this sewing class you will learn:

*   lapped zipper

*   buttonholes

*   hooks and eyes

*   press studs

*   snap tape

Hems workshop

Learn to sew the following hems:

*   machine rolled hem

*   Hong Kong finish (with bias tape)

*   lace finish

*   machine blind stitch

*   machine straight stitch

*   twin needle

*   invisible hand stitch

*   lengthen and shorten skirts or pants

Name everything ready for school

You’ll also learn from a librarian how to cover books like an expert – no need for your child to cringe when they take out their books.

Bring along your

*   name tags and school clothes – name tags can be sewn in by hand or machine.

** order your sew in name tags (Cash’s and Name It are very good)

*   calculators, rulers, etc.  for engraving

*   books for covering (along with the paper or Contact for covering)

*   books for name stamping

**  order your self-inking name stamps (Stamp It in Victoria Park are very good)

Secret sewing stuff for men

Learn how to:

*   sew on a button

*   re-stitch a shirt pocket where the top corners have pulled away from the shirt, or pens have made a hole in the stitching at the bottom of the pocket

*   re-stitch a busted seam on a shirt or trousers

*   patch a trouser pocket that is worn through from coins or your ‘phone

*   hem the leg of your trousers

Sewing for your daughter – 3 session beginner class

You will learn to sew making simple clothes:

*   a skirt with an elastic waist (class 1)

*   a ruffle top (class 2)

*   a pair of shorts with elastic waist (class 3)

Sewing Lessons

2 hour long private sewing lessons.

From the absolute beginner to advanced techniques - seams, hems, zippers, how to use a commercial pattern, babies' clothes to adults'. 

Sew for a day - one day intensive session

In the day-long one-on-one private sewing lesson, you’ll learn to sew seams, hems, zippers, button holes, gathers, and how to use a commercial pattern.

If you can already sew and have a wish list of new skills you'd like to learn, we can work through these in the day.

Do you have a sewing pattern you'd like to make but don't know where to start, or has it has become too tricky? Bring it along and we can create your garment in the day.

Sewing repairs with Get Set, Sew!

Bring your sewing machine along to this sewing class and learn how to:

*   re-stitch a shirt pocket where the top corners have pulled away from the shirt, or pens have made a hole in the stitching at the bottom of the pocket

*   repair the base of a trouser pocket

*   take up hems (shorten leg or skirt or use bias tape to lengthen)

*   repair crotch and side seams of shorts, trousers, top or dress

*   tighten loose buttonholes

Sewing repairs by hand with Get Set Sew!
Come to this one-on-one sewing class and learn how to:

*   sew on a button

*   tighten a loose buttonhole that always comes undone

*   re-stitch a shirt pocket where the top corners have pulled away from the shirt, or pens have made a hole in the stitching at the bottom of the pocket

*   re-stitch a busted seam on a shirt, trousers, or skirt

*   patch a trouser pocket that is worn through from coins or your ‘phone

*   hem the leg of your trousers, shorts, skirt or dress 

Zipper workshop

Learn to insert:

*   lapped zipper

*   centred zipper

*   invisible zipper