How many times have you taken a class and completely forgot what you learned once you got home?
In this Beginner Garment Sewing Series, not only will you be creating beautiful garments, but you will also develop a technique sample binder.
Never again will you say, “How did I do that again?” Simply flip to your technique binder and reference it for future projects.
My goal is to help you become confident and self-sufficient when working with commercial sewing patterns.
There are four levels in the Beginner Garment Sewing Series.
Level 1 starts with a cute and practical apron perfect for all your “Cinderella” duties – cooking, cleaning, crafting, and gardening! It is designed to be both a useful learning experience and a piece you’ll enjoy wearing.
What You’ll Learn:
- Pattern preparation and sizing
- Accurate fabric cutting with attention to grainlines
- Essential construction techniques (stay-stitching, grading)
- Finishing methods (understitching, clean-finishing)
- Machine hemming
- Strap construction
- Creating curved patch pockets
Pattern: Level 1 Apron Pattern
In Level 2 we will be sewing a comfortable and fashionable robe! Choose cozy flannel or drapey rayon for a bohemian vibe. This will quickly become your favorite third layering piece.
What You’ll Learn:
- Setting sleeves flat
- Sewing neckbands
- Creating square patch pockets
- Accurate pressing techniques
- Zig-zag seam finishing
- Hand-sewn slip and ladder stitches
- Two fabric gathering methods
- Sewing darts
Pattern: Level 2 Robe and Pajama Set Pattern
In Level 3 we will create comfortable pants in your choice of woven fabric. Even though they are technically a pajama pants pattern, you can sew it in any woven fabric you wish. Sew them in linen and they can be your “going out” pants! With an elastic waistband, nobody has to know. It’ll be our secret.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic crotch depth and hem fitting
- Various hemming techniques
- Sewing elastic in a casing
- Directly stitching elastic
- Creating a “sew as you go” elastic casing
- Understanding and using ease stitching
- Successfully stitching-in-the-ditch
- Sewing machine and blind hem casings
- French seams
Pattern: No need to get a new pattern! We will use the same pattern from Level 2.
You’re now at Level 4, the last of the levels! Level 4 is two class sessions- 5 hours of instruction- as we have a lot to cover! We will up the ante and tackle a basic camp-style top. Again, this doesn’t have to be restricted to just a pajama top. Get creative with fabrics and buttons to wear it out and about.
What You’ll Learn:
- Attaching collars
- Working with cut-on facings using interfacing
- Sewing buttonholes and buttons (hand/machine)
- Creating pointed and lined patch pockets
- Inserting centered, lapped, and fly front zippers
- Applying French trim
- Applying ribbing cuffs
Pattern: We will use the same pattern from Level 2 again. When you sew all the pieces on the sewing pattern envelope, we call it sewing pattern Bingo. We just completed our bingo card! We sewed the robe, pajama top and pajama pant. BINGO!
After completing the entire Beginner Garment Sewing series you will have the necessary skills to sew any commercial sewing pattern. These skills are transferable into basic alterations and refashioning of pre-loved garments.
Q&A: (updated as I receive questions)
Can I skip ahead?
You can choose to skip ahead if you wish. However, each step is designed to help you create technique swatches for your binder, building a practical resource you can refer to again and again.