Intro to Garment Construction - Level 1

Introduction to garment making will focus on understanding fabric types, styles, basic construction, professional finishes. 

Students will learn to read & understand apparel patterns and shape them into wearable garments. 

Create a reference binder of techniques and  notes on your journey to custom clothing! 

Learn to read both tissue paper & PDF patterns.

• 8 week course; 2.5hr/once a week

• Friday Evenings 6:30pm-9pm  

• Pattern focused 

• Learn to piece, cut, and read patterns, using both traditional tissue paper patterns & PDF patterns

• Learn finishing hems & techniques while keeping a neat reference binder 

• Finishing techniques

• Terminology 

 Supplies Required:

• Sewing machine

• Coordinating thread

• Rotary Blade

• Fabric scissors (6” - 8” recommended)

• Basic Sewing kit (marking tools, pins/clips, safety pins, thread snips)

• Marking tools (vanishing tailors chalk, washable blue fabric marker, frixion pen)

• Various needles (70/10 - 90/14 general use, 100/16 denim/canvas, ball point) 

• Fabric suited to project (each will be outlined in detail) + notions

• PDF Patterns, printed & pieced 

• Binder (handouts, notes, sample work)

Lesson 1

• Learn about material - knits vs woven, natural vs synthetic, fabric types and structures 

• Grainline, cross grain, bias 

• How to take measurements. Students will take their own measurements to record in their binder. 

• Sample work of

• Finished hem techniques (pinking shears, zig zag stitch, serger/overlock, french seam, double fold hem, skinny hem, stay stitch, baste, blind hem etc…) 

• Zippers (plastic teeth, coil, metal teeth, invisible)

• Button Holes

• Embellishments: Gathering, pleats, decorative trims & stitching, twin needle, freehand, machine stitch types (satin, long, decorative, lettering) different feet 

• Darts

- Intro to patterns

• Sizing

• Cutting tissue paper

• Reading booklet info 

• Pattern Symbols 

• Intro to Pajama pants Pattern

• Layout & cut process 

Lesson 2 - PJ Pants 

• Choose between a straight legged pant (with or without cuff) or a cuffed short. Both pants and shorts feature an elasticized waist, pockets and a faux fly. Techniques: Using a pattern, transferring markings, hemming pants, elastic waistband, topstitching 

• **Shirt from the pattern will be made as the last project Lessons 7 & 8. It is recommended to purchase enough fabric for the outfit if you would like to have a matching set of pajamas**  

• https://www.eastcoastquiltco.com/shop/c/p/Closet-Core---Pattern---Carolyn-Pajamas-x67870564.htm

Lesson 3 & 4 - Robe

• https://closetcorepatterns.com/collections/sewing-patterns-all/products/veronik-robe-pattern?_pos=1&_fid=92c76e23f&_ss=c&variant=39703716233350

• Véronik is our take on a luxurious robe, an indispensable and elevated design for cozy time at home, or as an unexpected layering piece for out on the street.

• The Véronik Robe comes in two lengths, hitting at mid-calf, or just above the knee. Choose between a traditional collar band, or a notched collar for architectural interest. The sleeves come in two lengths: elbow length with a facing (perfect for adding a pop of fabric contrast) or wrist length with a folded hem. All views include roomy slanted pockets and can be tied with a traditional full sash, or looped through the side seam openings to create unexpected volume in the back.

• https://www.namedclothing.com/products/lahja-unisex-dressing-gown (Men PDF option)

Lesson 5 & 6 - Dress

• https://www.eastcoastquiltco.com/shop/c/p/Closet-Core---Pattern---Cielo-TopDress-x67870607.htm

• The Cielo Dress & Top is an easy, breezy take on a boxy tee and shift dress. Loaded with interesting details and interchangeable features, it will fast become a wardrobe-building favourite.

Choose between a semi-cropped top with a cuffed short sleeve (View A) or a dramatic gathered long sleeve (View B). Or, make an easy-fitting dress with sleek inseam pockets (View C), or without pockets (View D). All views have a slightly dropped shoulder, angled shoulder yoke and roomy fit, with a choice between an elegant bias binding or a faced neckline finish.

Lesson 7 & 8  

• The Carolyn top features a classic notched collar, curved hem and breast pocket with three sleeve options, button & button holes 

For a matching pajama set, choose between a straight legged pant (with or without cuff) or a cuffed short. Both pants and shorts feature an elasticized waist, pockets and a faux fly. personalize Carolyn by adding contrasting piping details for an elegant finish. 

• https://www.seamwork.com/catalog/negroni (Men`s shirt PDF)

This class is suited for adults (age 15+)


All workshop participants are required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop. The entire waiver can be viewed at the bottom of our classes page. (East Coast Quilt Co. Workshop Waiver)

CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cannot attend a class and it is 7 or more days before class, you will receive a store credit for 75% of the value of the class with a 30-day expiry date. If you cancel less than 7 days before class, you will NOT receive a refund or store credit. No credit or refund will be given for a "no show" in class regardless of reason. So please ensure that you are able to attend before signing up. East Coast Quilt Co reserves the right to cancel classes/events for any reason. If this happens, you will be refunded your full class fee.

WHAT IS IN A BASIC SEWING KIT: 
For most of our classes we ask you to bring a 'basic sewing kit' which usually contains: rotary cutter and/or scissors, small snipping scissors, straight pins & a pin cushion or collector, seam ripper, a spool of neutral 50 wt cotton thread, extra bobbins, notebook & pen/pencil, ruler(s), etc.).