Sewing II: Custom Tops & Patterns

With Briana Di Natale

Please Note: This is a two part class - you will need to sign up for Part 1 and Part 2 separately. Knowing Your Sewing Machine, Sewing 1: Tote Bags, OR similar experience is required.

Ready to start designing and creating your own clothes? Over two separate sessions, this intermediate garment sewing class will cover the complete process of making a custom shirt. This course focuses on the fundamental techniques that serve as the foundation for sewing your entire wardrobe.

  • In Session 1, you will focus on pattern cutting and fabric preparation.

  • In Session 2, you will move to the sewing machine for garment construction.

Learning to sew your own clothes is a rewarding skill that allows you to create a better fit and your own unique style. Join this supportive friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make: 

  • A unique top tailored to your size. You will leave with a finished piece of clothing made from cotton or a cotton linen blend, as well as the paper pattern cut to your exact measurements so you can easily make more at home.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Pattern preparation: measuring yourself and cutting paper patterns

  • Fabric preparation: choosing appropriate material, prewashing, and ironing

  • Cutting techniques: cutting fabric using pattern pieces

  • Material application: using interfacing and sourcing materials

  • Garment construction: seaming a bodice, applying neckbands, and attaching sleeves

  • Finishing techniques: hemming a garment for clean edges

  • Pressing: ironing to aid the sewing process

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Sewing machines, fabric, interfacing, scissors, sewing pins, measuring tapes, irons, and tailor’s chalk

Class Outline:

Part 1

  1. Measuring: Taking accurate body measurements

  2. Pattern preparation: Cutting your paper pattern pieces

  3. Fabric preparation: Ironing your fabric

  4. Cutting: Cutting the fabric using your pattern pieces

  5. Interfacing: Applying interfacing to the correct pieces

Part 2

  1. Bodice construction: Assembling the bodice and sewing shoulder seams

  2. Sleeves: Attaching the sleeves and sewing the side seams

  3. Neckband: Attaching the neckband

  4. Finishing touches: Hemming the sleeves and bodice

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: Knowing Your Sewing Machine, Sewing 1: Tote Bags, OR similar experience is required.

  • Class Capacity: 8 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 15+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: No

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: None

About Your Teacher

Briana Di Natale has been a dedicated sewist and knitter since 2011. Her favorite projects to create are clothing and accessories. She almost exclusively wears things that she has made herself. Bri learned to sew from her mother who attended FIDM in Los Angeles when she was a child. She grew up surrounded by her mother's patterns, pins on the floor and wearing clothing she sewed for her. Bri has a giddy passion for encouraging and teaching others to sew. See some of her work @frolicinthefiber or at frolicinthefiber.etsy.com

What People Say about Bri's Classes…

“Brianna had a contagious joy for sharing her craft. She was enthusiastic, informative, and worked with each of us individually to overcome any obstacles.”

“Her energy is magnificent. Bri is clearly passionate about sewing, but particularly passionate about sharing her expertise with students. The class was warm, open, and encouraging.”

“The instructor Briana was wonderful. She explained everything so clearly and was so patient. She created a stress-free environment that boosted my confidence tremendously.”