Complete beginners sewing course - Introduction to dressmaking
Complete Beginners Sewing Course – Learn to Sew Your Own Clothes
Want to learn to sew your own clothes but don’t know where to start? Or haven’t sewn in years and need a refresher?
Our Complete Beginners Sewing Course is designed just for you.
Across 6 structured sessions (or 3 if you choose the 3 x Sundays option), you’ll go from complete beginner to confident sewist, learning essential dressmaking skills and building a strong foundation in sewing machine techniques. Along the way, you’ll create your very first handmade garment and develop a portfolio of core sewing techniques you can use again and again.
Perfect for anyone looking for a beginner sewing course or structured learn to sew classes, this course provides supportive, step-by-step guidance in a friendly studio environment.
📅 Upcoming Course Options
6 x Monday evenings starting 14th September 2026, 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Week 2 finishes at 9:30pm)
6 x Wednesday evenings starting 11th November 2026 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Week 2 finishes at 9:30pm)
3 x Sundays Feb/March 2027; Sunday 28th February 2027 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 14th March 2027 10:00am-4:30pm, Sunday 21st March 2027 10:00am-4:30pm
Tutors:
14th September 2026 - Gemma Longley
11th November 2026- Alison Ivens
Feb/March 2027 - Claire Heath
Complete Beginners Sewing Course – Learn to Sew Your Own Clothes
Want to learn to sew your own clothes but don’t know where to start? Or haven’t sewn in years and need a refresher?
Our Complete Beginners Sewing Course is designed just for you.
Across 6 structured sessions (or 3 if you choose the 3 x Sundays option), you’ll go from complete beginner to confident sewist, learning essential dressmaking skills and building a strong foundation in sewing machine techniques. Along the way, you’ll create your very first handmade garment and develop a portfolio of core sewing techniques you can use again and again.
Perfect for anyone looking for a beginner sewing course or structured learn to sew classes, this course provides supportive, step-by-step guidance in a friendly studio environment.
📅 Upcoming Course Options
6 x Monday evenings starting 14th September 2026, 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Week 2 finishes at 9:30pm)
6 x Wednesday evenings starting 11th November 2026 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Week 2 finishes at 9:30pm)
3 x Sundays Feb/March 2027; Sunday 28th February 2027 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 14th March 2027 10:00am-4:30pm, Sunday 21st March 2027 10:00am-4:30pm
Tutors:
14th September 2026 - Gemma Longley
11th November 2026- Alison Ivens
Feb/March 2027 - Claire Heath
About this workshop
What to Expect:
Over 6 weeks, you’ll learn a new skill each session, building a portfolio of essential sewing techniques.- By the end of the course, you'll have created your very first garment.
Course Highlights:
Hands-on learning with a professional sewist.- Personalised guidance and support.- Fun and engaging sessions that make learning enjoyable.- Perfect for absolute beginners and those needing a refresher.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from our expert tutor! Book below and take the first step towards creating your own handmade wardrobe. Limited spots available!
Throughout the 6 weeks you will learn
- How to use our sewing machines and how to sew simple seams and hems.
- How to understand grainlines, pressing and finishing seams and key terminology.
- How to sew facings and darts, understanding their uses and construction.
- How to insert a sleeve and learn about different types of sleeves as well as bias binding finishes.
- How to understand a sewing pattern
- How to cut out fabric pieces using the commercial sewing pattern
- Throughout the 6 weeks you will sew your first garment; a woven top using the popular Ashton Top from Helen's Closet. This pattern is very versatile, and you will have the option to make a sleeveless version, or use the Sleeve Expansion Pack to include a variety of sleeve options. The pattern comes in Size Range: 0-30 (up to a 58″ / 147.5 cm bust). You will need to select the choice between a B-cup pattern from sizes 0-22, and a D-cup pattern from sizes 12-30.
- In week 2 we will be holding a session based in the shop where an experienced member of the team will talk about different types of fabrics and their uses and you will have the opportunity to purchase the fabric for your final garment with some help and guidance. (This will take place at the start of the class, so please note the slightly later finish time).
Please note that due to time restrictions, you will be unable to complete the Petal Sleeve option, or add pockets to your top.
Due to the needs of the group and time available, the content of the course is subject to change. Everyone learns and sews at a different pace. Every effort will be made for you to complete the garment but there is also a chance you may not 100% finish. We will ensure you know how to complete the top at home after the course if this is the case.
Further Information
- How to set up a sewing machine
- Basic stitches including straight and zigzag
- Simple seams, seam allowances and key sewing terminology
- How to create a hem
- How to finish seam allowances
- The theory behind darts and facings; why they are used
- How to apply interfacing and what it is used for
- How to insert a sleeve
- How to understand the back of a sewing pattern and select your size
- How to layout and cut your pattern
- Techniques for transferring pattern markings
- And many top sewing tips along the way!
- How to understitch and clip seam allowances
- How to create different types of bias tape finishes
Level 1 - no experience required, total beginners welcome!
- 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (fabric & notions) purchased during Week 2 at the shop talk
- An A0 print out of the PDF pattern - Helen's Closet Ashton Top & Sleeve Expansion Pack (US Sizes 0-30, bust 31"-58", waist 24"-48", hips 33"-58") If you fall out of the size range of the pattern included, please let us know in advance and we can arrange an alternative for you
- Fusible interfacing to complete your top
- Fabric packs to practise each technique
- Electronic handouts for each technique, to referred back to in the future
- Use of all top Prym tools, equipment and Brother sewing machines
- Tea/coffee and biscuits
- 10% off full priced fabrics during your dedicated shopping time on week 5 of the course (the shop will be open earlier, prior to the start of the session)
- 1.1m - 1.6m light to medium weight woven fabric such as cotton lawn. Some medium weight cottons or linen cotton blends are also suitable - The quantity of fabric will depend upon the size you make, and also the sleeve option you choose. This will be discussed in more detail during week 2 of your course. At the beginning of week 2 class, you will have a "fabric focus" session where you will have the opportunity to purchase your fabric with your 20% discount.
- Matching thread
Gemma Longley
Gemma was creative and crafty from a young age, leading her to join a sewing class at 14 where she honed her skills. She was then able to craft her prom dress.During university, Gemma delved into the fascinating crossover of Archaeology and fashion, focusing her dissertation on classical themes in regency dress. After graduating Gemma found a home at G&G, sharing her love for sewing with our wonderful customers.Beyond work, Gemma competes with her university's ballroom and Latin dancing team across the country!
Claire Heath
Sewing has always been a huge part of Claire's life. As a child she was always making, crafting and fixing things. Her love of fabric and making drove her to study Textiles and Fashion Design at Leeds University. After graduating and gaining some invaluable experience in the fashion and textiles industry Claire realised her true passion was sharing her skills and knowledge of garment construction with others.
Claire has been teaching design as a qualified lecturer for well over a decade. She joined the g&g team shortly after the shop opened in 2013 as a workshop tutor. During her time with us she has taught countless workshops and has loved helping customers learn how to sew and create wearable garments that will become staples of their me-made wardrobe.
Alison Ivens
Alison has always been crafty and over the years has tried her hand at all sorts, including jewellery making, felting and paper crafts, but over the last few years she has found her passion in sewing and crochet.
After finishing a Fine Art Printmaking degree and Masters in Gallery Studies Alison spent 18 years working as Museum Manager and Curator in a small Lichfield museum, and while this was an important part of her past, she is now enjoying the opportunity to talk dressmaking with our lovely customers.
When she's not at the shop Alison is a mum to two children who, along with her husband, benefit from her dressmaking. Her wardrobe is very eclectic and her favourite pattern is animal print, which she considers a neutral!
