ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS INTENSIVE

You will learn all the basics of sewing in 6 or 12 classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings  

Machines and fabrics for the first two projects in The Basics section, are provided.

In the first 6 classes you will discover and begin to master THE BASICS

• How to set up a sewing machine
• How to use a machine skillfully
• Seam allowances and grainlines
• Cutting fabric and laying up a pattern correctly
• Basic sewing skills - sewing straight; sewing corners correctly

You will make 2-3 projects chosen to develop and practice your sewing skills and teach simple construction techniques:

• Sew a bag 
• How to create straps from scratch
• Create a super useful and trendy tool belt apron.  It's great for use in your classes and has loads of pockets for your sewing tools
• How to attach a waistband 
• Intro to using a zip foot and create a zippered bag to keep your sewing tools in

Now you are ready for Part 2 - MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTHING

• Take proper measurements
• Choose the correct size on a pattern
• How to read a pattern and what it all means
• Tracing a pattern from a multi sized pattern
• Layup the pattern pieces correctly onto the fabric
• Sew a pair of shorts/pants with elasticated waistband and inseam pockets
• Sew a t shirt or sweatshirt and learn how to attach neck and waistbands
• Learn how to sew darts in either a sleeveless top or skirt
• We will make 2 or possibly 3 items of clothing depending on the group's speed and decisions.

FABRIC FOR PART TWO TO BE PROVIDED BY YOU

PREP OR CATCH UP STUDIO TIME

You may choose to purchase some 3 hour Open Studio sewing sessions to give you extra preparation or sewing time.  See the Open Studio Plans on the Home page.  These are not teaching sessions but you may use them to do some of the sewing you could not finish in class, or lay up and cut your next project, or anything else related to the classes that you need to do.

Open Studio sessions are scheduled during the week and on Saturday afternoons.  

You will need:

Fabric scissors

Basic sewing tools as discussed in part one - pins, tailors chalk, unpicker, nippers, pack of machine needles

Fabric - to be discussed.  Budget about R400 for your fabric