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, lightweight short or long sleeve top tailored to your size using the Craft Studio Tee pattern by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club. 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