May course date now available for booking!

This course is aimed at those who want to learn the skills of shirt making from start to finish. It is aimed at intermediate sewers who must have previous sewing experience.

This Unisex Shirt making course is ideal for those of you who are looking to improve your precision and confidence in garment making by learning a wide range of classic shirt making techniques. You will learn all the fundamental features of shirt making including learning to sew a classic two piece collar, how to handle tricky plackets and cuff openings, how to make button holes and plenty of other useful transferable sewing techniques and methods.

The shirt pattern is a unisex boxy style shirt that is designed to suit and fit a wide range of body shapes. You will have the opportunity to adjust the length according to your preference but please note, the focus of this course is not on pattern fitting and rather on learning the skills of shirt making. The style is a modern loose fit (you can always make a size down if you prefer a closer fit). Depending on the fabric choice, it is more shirt like out of a lighter weight fabric and a bit more like an outer shirt/ jacket like if the fabric is heavier. This is a versatile piece that is classic, useful and a staple in any contemporary wardrobe.

This 11 hour course runs as a weekly in studio course (2 hours 45 minutes per week for 4 consecutive weeks).

* Please note, you must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as it is likely you will have homework between sessions.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• How to accurately take your measurements to pick the correct pattern size for you
• How to alter the pattern to your required length
• Transfer pattern markings
• Interfacing/ fusing the required shirt pieces
• French seams
• Patch pocket
• Inserting inset sleeves
• Sewing a grown-on button stand
• Sewing and attaching a classic collar and collar stand construction
• Cuffs with a placket opening and pleats too
• How to sandwich a double back yoke
• Sewing on buttons
• How to make button holes
• How to sew a curved hem

WHAT TO BRING

We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell a limited selection of the trim/ haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, buttons and threads.

Fabrics & trims

Light to medium weight woven fabrics are most advisable for this project. Cotton poplin, lawn, chambray, lightweight denim, oxford cotton and cotton shirting will all give a crisp finish, whilst linen, rayon, fine needlecord, brushed cotton and flannel will have a more casual feel.

The Unisex Shirt covers UK women’s sizes 6-22 and UK men’s sizes XS- XXL.

• 1.8m - 2.5m of 140 to 150cm wide woven required (lower end required for smaller sizes and more for larger sizes).
• 75cm of light fusible interfacing
• Matching thread
• 11-13 buttons per shirt (approximately 11mm wide)

*Important note: If you’re bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash your fabric according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you’re buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it at the beginning of the class instead.

All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make yourself or something one a lovely versatile shirt!

Dates

• Thursday 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th May 2026, 6:30pm-9:15pm

* Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class.