Sewing - All Levels

All levels welcome! Beginning sewers will learn basic skills and techniques and those with some experience will improve their skills and learn tips and tricks.

Beginners - If you're a beginner, you'll start by making a lined bag, which teaches all the basic skills involved. After that you'll move on to a project of your choice, in consultation with the tutor.

Please bring to the first session:

• 1 metre of firm cotton fabric for your bag outer

• 1 metre of a lighter cotton fabric for the lining

• Scissors, pins, thread to match your outer fabric, an 18 cm zip, and a tape measure

• A Bernina bobbin (this can be purchased from the CEC office on the day of the course for $7)

If you're a returning student, or have already mastered the basic skills, you'll work on your own project so please bring along whatever you're currently working on (or something new) and your sewing kit.

Patterns:

Please note that paper patterns from traditional companies (such as Simplicity, Butterick, New Look, or Kwik Sew) are being phased out, so you are welcome to bring a PDF pattern. If you choose to print your PDF pattern at home on A4 paper, please bring a roll of sticky tape to class to join the pages together. Alternatively, you can have your PDF pattern printed commercially at A0 size.

By the end of the course, you'll have been introduced to basic skills in dressmaking (for beginners) or further skills for the more experienced.

You'll be able to:

• Use all sewing machine equipment and demonstrate basic sewing techniques (basic seams and finishes)

• Begin to read a pattern and select appropriate materials for your task

• Cut out and construct a garment using techniques learned

• (In addition) Use a variety of advanced sewing techniques e.g., rolled hems, various zip insertions (invisible and standard), make buttonholes, or line garments.