Beginner Sewing Classes

Next Course Start Date: Monday the 22nd of February

Learn how to create professionally finished garments for yourself. AIFD's beginner sewing classes are designed to teach student's the tricks of the trade to creating beautifully finished garments for themselves.

Students will start off making a straight skirt in calico and then will make the skirt again in a good quality fabric to reinforce the skills learnt. This makes sure we cover some important basic techniques such as darts, lining and invisible zips. We have sample skirts for students to try on to determine correct sizing. Students work at their own pace and the teacher attends to each student along each step of the way.

What if I have sewn before?

If you have sewn before and are confident with the basics, you should look at the 'intermediate sewing classes'.

What to Bring to Class:

Bring any sewing items you have at home. There is no need to initially run around purchasing products. We sell the basic products you will require at discounted prices (lower than or equal to Spotlight) to save you having to run around searching for products. We can also advise you on the best items to purchase.

Items you will need in your first lesson (and will be available in class to purchase):

• Pins with heads
• Sharp sewing scissors * especially important –recommend: Mundial Signature Series Dressmaker Shears
• Tape Measure
• Matching thread
• You will be provided with calico and an invisible zip for your first garment (the straight skirt)
• You will require a suitable fabric and haberdashery for the following garments that you make in class (the teacher can advise you on the correct selection).

Course Duration

10 weeks (1 X 3hr class/week) Students must enrol per term and pay upfront for each term. No 'make-ups' are allowed for student's who miss a class.

Price

$400. $200 deposit required to enrol. Balance payable on course commencement.

Next Course

Monday the 22nd of February 2010

Enrolment

To enrol, download the Short Course Enrolment Form (PDF), and return with the non-refundable course deposit to secure your position, or enrol and pay online now.

 

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

What do you make after the straight skirt?

After you have made the straight skirt in calico, you will make it again in a fabric of your choice to reinforce the skills learnt (the invisible zip and lining for example). After completing the two skirts you will make a simple pant. Depending on the students ability, if additional time is available, some extra sewing techniques will be taught.

I just want to learn sewing methods…

After you have made the first skirt you may select to learn various sewing methods. In this case you will not be learning how to make a finished garment, but how to make parts of garments. This is only recommended for people who already know how to construct a garment from start to finish and want to learn how to do various methods correctly. Please tell the teacher which methods you are hoping to learn. You will most likely make these methods up on some calico which you can purchase from us if required.

Do you use Industrial or domestic machines in the sewing classes?

We use domestic machines for our sewing classes, as they are directed more towards student's wishing to learn how to make clothing for themselves. Industrial machines are generally used only in production and are therefore not necessary for students learning to sew for themselves. Students in our full time Advanced Diploma course learn on industrial sewing machines as well as domestic.

Do you teach stretch wear in the sewing lessons?

Yes and No, We teach students to make garments of all types. Generally if you are learning to sew, learning how to sew more structured (non-stretch) garments will teach you more about sewing than stretch wear, as stretch garments are easier to make and require less fitting than non-stretch garments. If you are interested in making stretch wear you may be interested in our Swimwear Design Course.

We will soon be running a Stretch Wear Course - click here for further information.

I have a favourite pair of pants at home that I want to copy…

If you are wanting to make a copy of an item of clothing you have at home this can be done, BUT you will need a pattern! You can either enrol in our ‘Pattern Making’ course to learn to make patterns from your block size and take patterns from existing garments or you can pay one of our pattern makers to have the pattern copied for you. The price of the pattern will depend on how much work is involved in the garment. Show your teacher the garment for a closer estimate of price. (Patterns will usually take between one – two weeks).

Do you teach me how to use my sewing machine?

You may bring your own sewing machine to class if desired, but we ask that you only bring your machine if you know how to use the machine properly and it is operating correctly. Because each sewing machine make and model is different, your teacher cannot possibly know the in's and out's of every machine. For this reason we recommend going to the sewing machine dealer for lessons in how to operate your machine. In the first lesson the teacher will show students how to treat the sewing machines used in the classroom.

I don’t own a sewing machine, do I need to buy one for class?

No, you don’t have to purchase a sewing machine to do the course. We have sewing machines that you can use in class if you don’t have your own. If you are looking to purchase a sewing machine we can advise you on the best brands and models to purchase and direct you where to go.