- SEW IT WITH LOVE I Sewing classes, workshops, courses, London

Intermediate Unisex Boxy Shirt Course

£260.00 Inc.Vat
June course date now available to book!

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 12 hour course runs as a weekly in studio course (3 hours 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

Wednesday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th June 2024, 5:30pm-8:15pm

* Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class.
Anything else you'd like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us. HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY!
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Out of stock
CIGARETTE PANTS
THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED Are you looking to build on your dressmaking skills? Do you struggle to find trousers that fit well? Have your previous trousers making attempts resulted in a disaster or have you been too scared to attempt this garment by yourself? We hear you! Achieving a well fitting pair of trousers is no easy task UNLESS you have the help of some super skilled pros! So... if you'd like your first (or second!) pair of trousers to be a success, look no further than this class! On this course you will learn to alter the pattern to fit your shape and measurements to create a great fit. You will then learn some great construction techniques such as darts, facing a waist and inserting a concealed zip. PLESE NOTE: We have ready made toiles (test garments) for you to try on so the tutor can establish the necessary pattern alterations. Please be aware that depending on your size and shape, you might need to make your own toile first before cutting into your fabric. Once we fine tune your toile and pattern, you may cut out you fabric and get started on the sewing. This may result in having to finish your trousers at home (don't worry, we'll give you plenty of instruction!) and if you've never inserted a concealed zip before, you'll be given the opportunity to practice this in class. However, making a toile will not be necessary if one of our own toiles fits you reasonably well, in which case you'll be able to move straight onto altering your pattern and cutting into your fabric. So! Are you ready to take your dressmaking and pattern alterations skills to the next level??? Then come along and be part of a lovely group, learn some invaluable skills, chat and make friends. The tea and biscuits are on us! NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: To be able to attend this course you need to be very confident on the sewing machine as well as be able to sew at a good speed and have previous experience of working with dressmaking patterns. You will also need to have previously completed our Complete Beginners Sewing Course, and our Advanced Beginners Dressmaking Course or equivalent elsewhere. Alternatively you would need to have previously undertaken some dressmaking projects independently. WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase on the day at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, zips and threads. Materials Required:

Sizes 8 to 12 – 2m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.50m of 114cm wide fabric

Sizes 14 to 20- 2.5m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.75m of 114cm wide fabric

Matching thread and a 9″ invisible zip (if bringing your own fabric)

Suitable fabrics: Medium weight woven fabrics with 2-3% elastane such as medium weight stretch cotton, stretch cotton drill, stretch gabardine, light to medium weight stretch denim, stretch crepe. Please allow extra fabric if choosing a material with bold patterns or checks. Not suitable for diagonals. *Important note: If you’re bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash it 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 instead. The class includes pattern and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make this trousers again and again! Got a question for us? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
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Out of stock
LEARN TO SEW A FACE MASK

£50.00 Inc.Vat
Sorry no dates available at the moment. Please contact us to register your interest in further dates and be notified when new dates are released

We are excited to introduce to you our brand new Learn to Sew a Face Mask class!

We thought seeing as though it’s become a necessity in these uncertain times, why not learn to make your very own face mask?

You will benefit from this class if you have previously taken our Learn to Use a Sewing Machine workshop or, our Ultimate Beginners Intro to Sewing (Gifts & Accessories) Course and you’d like a refresher. It’s also just great if you are keen to learn to make your own face mask 🙂

In this workshop you will get an introduction to setting up the machine and understanding what the sewing machine has to offer, followed by preparing, cutting and then sewing up your very own face mask with elastic loops.

What’s there not to like??? And it gets even better! All materials, a section of lovely plain and printed cottons to choose from are included free of cost, you get to keep the pattern so you can make more masks at home, and you will receive step-by-step Pdf instructions too!

Just bring yourself along and be prepared to have a lovely time! Please note that this session does not allow for time to set up and go through student’s own machines. When joining this class you will have to use our machines. The basic principles to set up and use a sewing machine are the same for all models and any differences can be easily worked out by going through your own machine’s manual once you have practiced on ours.

What you will learn:

How to set up and thread a machine and how to wind a bobbin

How to set the correct tension

How to troubleshoot common problems

How to cut and pin fabric using a simple pattern

How to sew perfectly straight seams and a curved seam too!

How to handle elastic

How to sew corners

Dates
No dates available at moment. Please register your interest to be notified when a new date is released.
Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us!

HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
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Out of stock
PERFECT FIT MASTERCLASS
THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED Are you a budding home sewer with some garment making experience who often struggles with achieving a good fit on your projects? Maybe you are full or small busted, have a broad back, narrow shoulders or full thighs...fitting issues can be endless, and often the problem is that you might not know how to fix them. Well... because we are very aware of the problems home dressmakers can come across, we have created the perfect course to help you identify and fix all the head-scratching fitting issues that are standing in the way between you and perfectly fitting projects! Because of their extensive dressmaking and pattern cutting experience, our tutors can help you identify, address and fix any issues you may be struggling with. During this course you will work on fitting and toiling a basic semi-fitted dress pattern with sleeves. What you will learn:

Getting to know your body shape and identifying your own unique fitting issues

Learning how to alter the pattern in order to achieve a great fit

How to check for further fitting issues after having made up a toile (test garment) and how to transfer the changes onto the pattern

Course structure: Weeks 1 & 2 - Fitting the bodice Week 3 - Fitting the sleeves Week 4 - Fitting the skirt PLEASE NOTE that you will have to do some of the toile sewing at home in between classes. You will be provided with the pattern free of charge but will have to purchase calico for the toiles and so you know we do have calico available to buy in our studio :) *This class is not suitable for beginners. You will need to have completed some sewing and dressmaking projects prior to attending this course . Please arrive 5 minutes early to allow time to settle and ensure prompt start. There will be tea and biscuits to keep you going sweetly though the session! Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
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INTRO TO PATTERN CUTTING. LEARN TO DRAFT A BODICE BLOCK

£150.00 Inc.Vat
2024 course date coming soon!
Are you a a keen sewer with a few dressmaking projects under your belt, willing to expand your understanding of how patterns are drafted? Do you wish to learn how to draft a basic bodice block you will be able to use as a template to create endless designs? Do you wish to be able to create patterns that will require a minimal amount of alterations? Then this course ifs for you! With the help of our expert tutors, you will be guided through the process of drafting a basic bodice block based on your own measurements and take away a block to create patterns that fit you like a glove! The course will consist of two sessions with some homework in between.
Session 1

Taking accurate measurements

Drafting the block following your measurements

Homework
Cutting out and sewing the toile (test garment) together
Session 2

Checking the toile's fit and making any necessary alterations

Transferring the alterations to the block

Cutting and sewing the final toile

What to Bring
1 metre of calico fabric. All other tools and equipment will be provided. Dates

Coming Soon

Got a question for us? Please check our FAQs before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
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ADVANCED BEGINNERS TROUSER COURSE

£165.00 Inc.Vat
May and June 2024 course date now available for booking! Can you thread up confidently, sew in a straight line and ziz-zag comfortably but would now like to move up to the next level? Would you like to learn other features of the sewing machine like how to sew buttonholes to learning techniques for fusing and guided methods for sewing on a waistband with a drawcord channel and elastic? If so, this is the course for you! This Easy wear draw-cord trouser with side pockets introduces you to all this and more! This one day intensive course is the perfect place for advanced beginners to expand their skill into easing you into trouser making and the perfect follow up to having completed a couple of our more beginner level courses or even one or two of our advance beginner level courses. In order to attend, you'd need to be fairly confident with the basics on the sewing machine, have completed a few basic sewing projects and at least one basic garment making project. *Please note that depending on how you do on the Complete Beginners Sewing Course or other beginner courses, you might still not be ready to move up to this course and might need more practice at a beginners level. In order to attend this course you are expected to be able to set up and use a sewing machine without assistance and have a fairly good sewing pace. You must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as you will have a few things to finish at home. This course will introduce you to an easy wear trouser pattern that you can adjust the length of according to your height and style preference. 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

How to transfer pattern markings

How to sew in side pockets

How to deal with fusing a waistband

How to insert and handle wider width elastic

How to sew buttonholes

How to create and finish a hem and much more!

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 all the trim/ haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, elastic and threads. Fabrics & trims

All sizes 2.2m of 140 to 150cm wide woven or of 112 to 114cm wide woven fabric. (*Please let us know if your height is above 185cm as you may need extra fabric depending on how long you make the trousers)

50cm of light fusible interfacing

1m of 5cm wide elastic (if your waist measures more than 1m you may require more)

Matching thread

1m length of 1cm wide draw-cord

30cm of pocketing fabric (light cotton, preferably matching colour to main trouser fabric.

*Important note: If you're bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash both the main fabric and pocketing 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 these garments again and again! Dates

Saturday 4th May 2024, 10:30am-5:30pm

Sunday 16th June 2024, 10:30am-5:30pm

* Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses. Anything else you'd like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us. HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY!
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Out of stock

PRETTY KNICKERS. INTRO TO LINGERIE SEWING

THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED Are you looking for a quick and fun project that can be completed in just a few hours? Do you have fabric scraps you don't know how to utilize? Are you stuck for handmade gifts ideas? Are you looking for a gentle, yet fun introduction to lingerie sewing? Would you like to expand your sewing skills by learning to work with small seam allowances and narrow elastics? Would you like to learn to sew something that will make great use of those leftover fabrics that are forever lying unused in your stash? If this sounds like you, this fun and practical workshop is an absolute must! Come and joins us for a fun evening and learn to sew a beautiful, quick project! On this class you will be shown how to alter the pattern to your measurements (if necessary). You'll be guided through the necessary steps to make a pair of super cute knickers out of lightweight cotton and lingerie elastic, learning all the tips and tricks for working with small seam allowances and narrow elastic! *Please note that you need to be very confident on the sewing machine and have completed at least a few simple projects and ideally some basic garments prior to joining this class. Ideally you would have completed our Complete Beginners Sewing Course or equivalent and had some further practice beyond that. If you're a complete beginner why not take one of our Beginners Classes to get you started? What to bring: Nothing! We have the perfect fabric and elastic for you to buy on the day. You will also receive PDF instructions so you can make make many more at home! Got any questions you'd like to ask? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATE TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!

Details
Gift voucher

£5.00 Inc.Vat

Voucher redeemable against the value of any available classes and valid for six calendar months from the date of purchase. Please note that you will be sent an E-voucher via email for you to print at home. Your voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase if bought during working days. All vouchers bought after 5:30pm on a Friday will be emailed on the next working day. *All vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes.

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Gift Voucher

£10.00 Inc.Vat

Voucher redeemable against the value of any available classes and valid for six calendar months from the date of purchase. Please note that you will be sent an E-voucher via email for you to print at home. Your voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase if bought during working days. All vouchers bought after 5:30pm on a Friday will be emailed on the next working day. *All vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes.

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BOXY TOTE BAG

£55.00 Inc.Vat
Sorry, no dates available at the moment. Please register your interest to be notify when new dates are released.
Are you a complete sewing newbie? Are you feeling daunted at the thought of using a sewing machine? Does it feel like rocket science to you? Are you looking for a crush course that teaches how to use a sewing machine as well as how to use simple sewing patterns and basic cutting skills? Did you know that, when taught by someone who knows what they're doing, learning to use a sewing machine is easy and fun? We promise - this workshop is exactly what you're looking for! After spending three hours with one of our expert tutors, you will come away feeling confident, proud of your achievements and inspired to practice and learn more. Plus, you will be the owner of a fabulous new boxy tote bag :) What's there not to like??? And it gets even better! All materials are included free of cost, you get to keep the pattern so you can make more bags at home, and you will receive step-by-step Pdf instructions! No previous sewing machine experience is necessary in order to join this workshop. You will also benefit from it if you have previously taken our Learn to Use a Sewing Machine workshop or, our Ultimate Beginners Intro to Sewing (Gifts & Accessories) Course and you'd like a refresher, or if after taking those classes you want to learn to work with simple accessory type sewing patterns and gain some basic cutting experience. So just come along, be part of a lovely small group with plenty of individual attention from the tutor, learn to sew, chat and make friends! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

How to set up and thread a sewing machine and how to wind a bobbin

How to cut and pin fabric using a simple pattern

How to sew straight seams and how to finish them with zigzag stitching

How to sew corners

How to create a boxy shape

How to troubleshoot common sewing machine issues

And much more! *Please note that this session does not allow for time to set up and go through student’s own machines. When joining this class you will have to use our machines. The basic principles to set up and use a sewing machine are the same for all models and any differences can be easily worked out by going through your own machine’s manual once you have practiced on ours. Dates

No dates available at the moment.

Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP.
Select options Details
Gift Voucher

£50.00 Inc.Vat

Voucher redeemable against the value of any available classes and valid for six calendar months from the date of purchase. Please note that you will be sent an E-voucher via email for you to print at home. Your voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase if bought during working days. All vouchers bought after 5:30pm on a Friday will be emailed on the next working day. *All vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes.

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Sorry no dates available at the moment. Please contact us to register your interest in further dates and be notified when new dates are released

Session 1

Homework

Session 2

What to Bring