Have you ever wanted to recreate that favorite black dress or the special top you purchased years ago and wished you had bought it in multiple colors and fabrics? This comprehensive workshop teaches you to develop sewing patterns from your most-loved garments and produce them in whatever fabrics and prints you choose. Transform favorite pieces into a personalized wardrobe collection.
What You Will Learn:
Throughout the workshop, you will master essential garment construction techniques:
- How to make an accurate sewing pattern from one of your existing, well-fitting garments
- How to skillfully follow your custom pattern to accurately recreate your garment in new fabrics
- How to evaluate and select appropriate fabrics for your chosen project, considering drape and weight
- Essential stitches, seaming techniques, and finishing techniques for professional, polished results
Suitable Project Options:
These projects are ideal for pattern-making and reproduction:
- Skirts: pencil and A-line styles
- Pants: elastic waist styles and pants with invisible zippers
- Shirts and tops: t-shirts and tank tops
Projects to Avoid:
These styles involve complex construction that is not suitable for this course:
- Button-up shirts with complicated closures
- Pants with a zipper fly construction
Course Structure and Projects:
You will complete three distinct projects during the course: creating a pattern for your chosen garment, constructing a muslin prototype to test fit and make adjustments, and then creating your final finished project piece in your chosen fabric. Depending on project complexity, some additional sewing and finishing work may be needed after class time, which can be completed in our complementary Sewing 102 follow-up session (one session included with this course at no additional charge). The total course spans 12 hours of instruction plus one 3-hour Sewing 102 session to finalize your work.
What to Bring:
Bring the dress, skirt, shorts, pants, or top you wish to use as your pattern model, along with muslin fabric for creating your mock-up prototype.
Prerequisites:
Sewing 101 completion or basic sewing skills, including knowledge of seams, basic stitches, and garment construction, are required before enrolling in this course.
