Dressmaking

Bring your own dressmaking project, and we will guide you through the process of cutting out, fitting and sewing.

This class is suitable for all levels. If you are a beginner, we are happy to advise you on suitable patterns and fabrics to start with. If you've made lots before, then choose some more challenging garments or trickier fabrics, and we'll help you build up your skills.

NOTE: Our Monday class following Easter is for 4 weeks.

Bring your own pattern and fabric and embark on a dressmaking project in this lovely, relaxed class with full tuition. This course is suitable for all levels from complete beginner to those looking to work with trickier fabrics and techniques.

We sell patterns and fabric at the Craft Centre and we are always happy to advise you on suitable projects and fabrics to choose. Just pop in and have a chat with Katharine or Hannah.

Suitable for all levels.

Please Note: This course is currently full and has a waiting list - please contact us to register your interest.

Our evening dressmaking class after Easter is running for 4 weeks (due to Bank Holidays).

Come and learn, or build on your dressmaking skills with Hannah, who will guide you through the process of making a garment. Bring your own pattern & fabric so that you will make something YOU will want to wear! 

We are very happy to give advice on suitable projects to tackle, as we have a wide range of patterns and fabrics in the Craft Centre.

A block of five evening sessions where you will learn how to follow a dressmaking pattern and make an item of clothing of your choice (it doesn't have to be a dress!) guided by our expert dressmaker. We will give what help you need at each stage, whether you are a complete dressmaking beginner and just starting your exciting journey in making your own clothes, or whether you have some dressmaking experience and would like to further your skills.

You will need to bring your own pattern, fabric, thread and notions to this course. We have eight wonderful Brother sewing machines to use for this course, so you don't need to lug your machine here each week (unless you want to, of course!). We will also supply a sewing kit to use in the class (scissors, measuring tape, etc), so you have everything  you need to make a fabulous garment.

We sell patterns and fabric at the Craft Centre, so if you want advice on suitable projects to begin with, please come and visit and we can help you find something suitable.

This one day course will show you how to use your own measurements to draw a fitted bodice block. This will then be used to make a toile, which we will further fit and you will be shown how to transfer changes back onto your pattern.

This course is suitable for those with existing sewing knowledge who want to understand more about their own body shape and made-to-measure dressmaking.

Why not add on the Sleeve Block the following day?

If you have completed our bodice block pattern cutting course, come and learn how to draft the sleeve to go with it.

You will need to bring your bodice block with you, or attend the bodice block course on the previous day to be able to do this course. Once completed, you will know how to draft a sleeve for any garment using a few simple measurements!

Recommended for experienced sewers.

Come and spend a day making a man's waistcoat, under the expert tutelage of Mark Francis of Sewing Bee fame.

You can choose to make your waistcoat by upcycling a pair of large men's jeans or trousers, or you can choose new fabric if you prefer.

The pattern will be provided and you will require;

0.7m main fabric (or pair of trousers) - cord, canvas, denim or wool are all suitable
2.0m lining fabric - cotton, linen or lining weight
1.3m interfacing
5 buttons

The chest size of the person you want to make the waistcoat for if they are not attending!

This is the perfect way to get to grips with overlocking - learn how to use your overlocker to create a fabulous garment!

Using Japanese pattern cutting techniques, you will measure and make a flattering jersey t-shirt almost entirely on your overlocker. 

We have five overlockers available for use at the Craft Centre, so if you want to use one of these, please call us to reserve one. Otherwise, please bring your own machine.

You will also need 1.5 metres of jersey fabric. We recommend a ponteroma or double knit jersey if you have never worked with jersey before. We do have a selection here at the Craft Centre which you can buy in advance, or on the day.

Do you struggle to find well-fitting trousers on the high street? Then this is the course for you! 

Using your own measurements, we will draw a trouser block pattern - flat-fronted with a dart and side zip. We will then make this up in a calico toile, make any adjustments and transfer those back to your pattern. So at the end of the day, you should go away with a usable trouser block pattern.

This course is suitable for those with sewing experience.

All materials are provided, but please bring your lunch.

Come and spend a day sewing with Katharine. You can bring whatever project you like - dressmaking, patchwork or bagmaking and get help with what ever techniques you need. It's a great opportunity to learn some new things in a friendly, sociable environment with like-minded people. Plus we'll have lots of tea and cake!

Our next Sewing Days are 10th & 11th June - Book both days and receive a £10 discount! Call us to book the Friday & Saturday on 01858 466692. We're happy to help arrange accommodation if you are coming from further afield.