G&G Sewing Masterclass - Learn to Fit: Bodice Toile & Adjustments
Struggling with gaping necklines, tight busts, draglines you can’t interpret, or patterns that never seem to fit quite right?
This immersive one-day G&G Sewing Masterclass is designed to give you the clarity, skills, and confidence to fit a bodice that truly works for your body. Using the well-loved Ashton Top from Helen's Closet Patterns as your base, you’ll learn how to create and fit a toile, identify fit issues, and make personalised adjustments with expert guidance. You’ll leave with a fitted bodice toile and an adjusted pattern you can use for tops, dresses, and future projects.
With a maximum of just 6 students, you'll have plenty of room to take full advantage of the bright, airy studio and high cutting tables. Plus, there will be ample time for one-on-one support from Emma.
Available 2026 dates:
Saturday 11th April 2026 10-5pm
Friday 23rd October 2026 10-5pm
Ready to take a deep dive into toile making and improving the fit of your bodice? Join us!
N.B. If time allows, you can cut out fabric for a final version of your top but this class focuses on customising the fit during the toile making process.
Please note: While a specific pattern is featured for this workshop, alternative patterns may be available. Our classes focus on developing sewing skills in a supportive, welcoming environment for everyone. If this applies to you, drop us an email: info@guthrie-ghani.co.uk
Struggling with gaping necklines, tight busts, draglines you can’t interpret, or patterns that never seem to fit quite right?
This immersive one-day G&G Sewing Masterclass is designed to give you the clarity, skills, and confidence to fit a bodice that truly works for your body. Using the well-loved Ashton Top from Helen's Closet Patterns as your base, you’ll learn how to create and fit a toile, identify fit issues, and make personalised adjustments with expert guidance. You’ll leave with a fitted bodice toile and an adjusted pattern you can use for tops, dresses, and future projects.
With a maximum of just 6 students, you'll have plenty of room to take full advantage of the bright, airy studio and high cutting tables. Plus, there will be ample time for one-on-one support from Emma.
Available 2026 dates:
Saturday 11th April 2026 10-5pm
Friday 23rd October 2026 10-5pm
Ready to take a deep dive into toile making and improving the fit of your bodice? Join us!
N.B. If time allows, you can cut out fabric for a final version of your top but this class focuses on customising the fit during the toile making process.
Please note: While a specific pattern is featured for this workshop, alternative patterns may be available. Our classes focus on developing sewing skills in a supportive, welcoming environment for everyone. If this applies to you, drop us an email: info@guthrie-ghani.co.uk
About this workshop
Why this masterclass?
Many sewists find it difficult to analyse fit issues on their own - or know how to correct them. In this one-day masterclass, you’ll receive personalised one-to-one fitting support while also observing fittings on other students, giving you a far deeper understanding of how different fit issues appear and how to address them.
You’ll spend focused time refining your toile and applying adjustments so that you leave with a truly custom-fit pattern you can use for future projects. With no complicated maths or drafting blocks required, this class shows you how to use an existing pattern with essential bodice features as a base, and adapt it beautifully to fit you.
Fitting can feel intimidating, but this masterclass is designed to be approachable, encouraging, and body-positive. Students feel comfortable, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
Further Information
- How to prepare a bodice pattern for fitting using the Helen's Closet Patterns Ashton Top
- How to cut and construct a toile (muslin)
- How to assess bodice fit and recognise common bodice fit issues
- Core pattern adjustments for better fit - these may include Full Bust Adjustment (FBA), Small Bust Adjustment (SBA), shoulder and neckline adjustments, adjusting armholes, dart manipulation (N.B. these may be group demonstrations depending on the needs of the group)
- How to transfer fitting changes to the paper pattern
- Tips on how to use the new pattern going forward
Level 4 - Intermediate Dressmaker - Please click here to read the description of this level to ensure it is suited to you
- Your own A0 copy of the Helen's Closet Ashton top and sleeve expansion patterns (RRP £20.98)
- Full use of sewing machines and sewing tools
- Calico fabric for making the toile(s)
- Patterntrace Swedish Tracing paper for making the toile(s)
- Dot and cross dressmakers pattern paper as needed throughout the workshop
- Tea/coffee and biscuits
- 10% off full priced fabrics and Patterntrace products purchased at g&g on the day of your course
- Please bring a packed lunch or visit some of the lovely local cafes during your 30 minute lunch break.
- For comfort during fittings, we recommend wearing or bringing a vest or camisole, as you’ll be trying on toiles and may need to remove outer layers.
Emma Smith
Emma started sewing as a young girl using scraps from her mum’s dressmaking to makes dolls clothes.
She developed that love through needlework class at school, and fashion and textiles courses at college and University, after which she spent time working in the garment making industry.
She now works as a freelance sewing tutor and loves sharing her passion with others, as well as finding time to sew most of her own clothes – she has the motto “if I can make it I can’t buy it”!
On the rare occasions she’s outside of the sewing room Emma endeavours to stay fit and healthy by running and training in a local gym.