Sew advanced course - Intermediate plus

A reversible tote bag

A shift dress

shift dress

Making tote bags

Shift dress pattern

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Course Description

Learn to sew like a seamstress with this 12 hour advanced sewing course. Our students love choosing this sewing course after having completed our Sew Capable course for intermediates. With our help, you'll gain the confidence to apply professional finishing techniques to garments sewn using different type of fabrics. In this course you will learn how to make a lined tote bag and a stylish dress. Stop searching the ready-to-wear racks and learn how to sew a dress that fits like a dream.

Is this course right for me?

This sewing course is designed for those who have made easy garments in the past and are ready to move to truly tailored garments using facings, invisible zips and learning how to set sleeves. You need to be able to confidently use a sewing machine, have already used commercial patterns and be familiar with sewing classic zips, button holes and rolled hems.

Course Schedule

This Sew Advanced sewing course is usually made up of 4 x 3 hour sessions run over 4 consecutive weeks, but we also schedule crash courses. You can check our schedule by clicking the book button.

Session 1 - Make a Tote Bag

During the first three hour session you will be taught how make a tote bag. You'll learn how to choose the appropriate fabric, get familiar with our sewing machines (unless you are bringing your own) and make a fully lined tote bag. For this class you will need to bring along:

Bag fabric

- 50cm of 115cm or 140cm wide woven cotton (non stretchy)

- 50cm of matching fabric for the lining

Buy fabric for the whole course for £22 when booking the course.

Session 2 - Using a Dress Pattern

The first half of the class you will spend taking measurements, tracing a pattern for your dress, understanding all pattern symbols, lay, mark and pin pattern to fabric and cut out. The second half of the session you will have the chance to practice top stitching, learn a series of techniques including darts, interfacing, hemming. Please bring along the following materials:

Dress fabric - size 8-16

- Either 2.7m (270cm) of 115cm wide woven cotton (not very stretchy and thick fabric)

- Or 1.7m (170cm) of 140cm wide woven cotton (not very stretchy and thick fabric)

- Matching thread

- Matching invisible zip (40-50 cm long)

Buy fabric for the whole course for £22 when booking the course.

Session 3 & 4 - Construct & Finish Your Dress

During the next two sessions you put your skills into practice. You will sew seams and darts, insert an invisible zip, attach a facing, hem, and press your above knee height dress. By the last session you will have completed the project walking away with a fabulously fitted, unique, stylish dress.

Just to sew things up...

All machines, and equipment are provided, although if you would like to bring your own sewing machine to learn on, you are welcome to. You can buy all materials needed for this course for £22 (available when booking the course). Refreshments and biscuits are included and a glass of wine for all evening classes to help create a seamless atmosphere..

A few important T&Cs

Please take a moment to read the not so fun BUT nevertheless important terms and conditions regarding the sewing classes we run.