Which class should I join?

Do you want to start sewing for the very first time? Have you been inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee but have no idea where to start? Or maybe you’ve taught yourself some skills at home following Youtube sewing tutorials but would now like some one to one guidance to iron out any problems? The Adult Beginners class will be perfect for you. We explore how to operate and solve problems on the machine with confidence, learn about different types of fabrics and their uses, and master essential, transferrable skills such as sewing different types of hems, seams, and simple fastenings. On some courses you will also have the chance to try an overlocker to finish the edges of your fabric. You don’t have to splurge on any equipment or machines to start your new hobby-we have everything in the sewing studio for you to use!

If you’re a little further ahead in your sewing journey, and are now ready to learn how to make clothes, the Adult Dressmakers course is for you. This is for people who know how to operate the sewing machine, how to sew seams and hems properly, having made a variety of many products already, but have never ventured into dressmaking. Pattern symbols, concealed zips, button holes, sleeves, waistbands, darts, collars and so many more clothing features will be taught in the Dressmakers class. We also explore fabrics which are more difficult to work with such as stretch, satin, chiffon, denim, and more. It’s also perfect for people with experience in dressmaking already, looking for the next challenge, as we run a variety of courses to suit different sewing goals.

Crafty Birds adult sewing courses are for people aged 16 and over. If you have a child aged 15 who you would like to learn to sew with, you can book a place for your child on the adult courses too. (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).

When are the lessons?

The Beginners courses run on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm to 8.30pm, and the dressmakers courses run on Thursday evenings between 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Crafty Birds runs six Beginners courses per year and three Dressmakers courses per year. The Beginners courses run for around 5 to 6 weeks, and the Dressmakers courses run for around 8 to 10 weeks.

The beginners course 1 runs from the middle of September to the end of October. Course 2 starts in November and finishes before Christmas. Course 3 runs from the start of January to the middle of February. Course 4 starts immediately after course 3 ends and finishes by the end of March. Course 5 is slightly shorter, running for 4 weeks in May. Course 6 starts in the middle of June and finishes by the end of July. There are no courses running during August.

The dressmakers course 1 starts in the middle of September and runs until the end of November (usually with a week break in the middle). Course 2 starts in January and runs until the end of March (again with a week break). Course 3 starts at the beginning of May and runs until the end of June (with a week break in the middle).

what will I make ON THE BEGINNERS COURSES?

During each five/six week course, you will work on a project which you will complete and take home when the course finishes. Some examples of projects on previous and upcoming courses are:

• Applique drawstring bag

• Cushion cover

• Pyjama bottoms

• Christmas bunting

• Zipped cosmetic case

• Wine picnic tote bag

You will receive step by step instructions and one to one help if you need it, and space to push forward independently when they wish to!

what will I make on the dressmakers courses?

In weeks one and two of the course, you will make practise samples of a few dressmaking skills. For example, you will be given demonstrations and one to one help to make a section of a top using scrap fabric. You will learn how to follow pattern symbols to cut and mark the fabric, before sewing in darts and joining side and shoulder seams. You will then be shown how to construct a button placket and add button holes, and lastly how to sew and attach a collar. On another course, you may instead make a practise sample of a skirt in the first two weeks, to learn different skills.

Then in the following 6 weeks of the course, you will work on your own individual item of clothing, ideally applying the skills you learnt in weeks one and two. For example, you would choose to make a shirt or a shirt dress as you now know how to sew a collar and button plackets. For any other skills needed which you’re unsure of, you can simply ask your tutor to give you a one to one demonstration.

This format allows everyone to learn dressmaking skills following thorough and clear demonstrations from the tutor, while having the freedom to make an item of clothing of their choice. You will bring your own pattern and fabric to sessions 3 to 8, and can get advice about this from your tutor in sessions 1 or 2.

This format also provides flexibility to meet different people’s sewing needs and budgets. You can book onto sessions 1 and 2 only for a lower price if you wish (this is called the Magpie option) to learn the skills then make your own item of clothing at home. Or, you can attend the full 8 weeks at the full price, to have access to help and advice throughout the whole process of making your item of clothing.

who will be teaching the courses?

Katie and Anneka teach the dressmaking classes - you will be taught by one of them during the course you are booked on to. Denyse teaches the beginners classes. Katie, Anneka, and Denyse are all degree educated in Fashion and Textiles, have previously worked in different areas of the fashion and clothing industry, and are now fully qualified teachers. All the tutors are friendly and hands on, helping you learn and feel comfortable to ask as many questions as you like. They deliver clear demonstrations, breaking down different stages of making, going at a pace that suits you, as well as providing one to one help when you need it. They can differentiate the learning during the course to ensure everyone feels appropriately challenged, and able to make a good quality product.