The G&G Stitch Academy - Introduction to dressmaking for 10-16 year olds
Ready to take your sewing skills to the next level?
This exciting holiday workshop is perfect for young sewists who are already confident using a sewing machine and are ready to make their first garment. During this fun, hands-on class, students will create their very own pair of comfortable pyjama trousers or shorts to take home.
Along the way, they'll learn the essential dressmaking techniques used in garment sewing, giving them the confidence to tackle future clothing projects.
Who is this class for?
This workshop is suitable for young people aged 10–16 who:
- Are able to thread a sewing machine and bobbin independently.
- Can confidently use a sewing machine independently (Able to sew straight and curved seams and is familiar with sewing terminology such as 'right sides together', 'seam allowance' and finishing off the raw edges)
- Already attend our stitch academy class, have attended our regular holiday classes or have attended classes elsewhere/taught at home.
Students can personalise their project by choosing their own fabric, and the length of their own choice to suit their own style- shorts, knee length, trousers or anywhere in between!
This class is a wonderful first step into the world of dressmaking!
Please note: This is not a beginner's sewing machine class. Participants should already be confident using a sewing machine independently.
If your child is new to sewing or would benefit from building their confidence before moving on to dressmaking, one of our regular holiday sewing workshops would be a great place to start. See our Summer Holiday Workshops for more details.
Ready to take your sewing skills to the next level?
This exciting holiday workshop is perfect for young sewists who are already confident using a sewing machine and are ready to make their first garment. During this fun, hands-on class, students will create their very own pair of comfortable pyjama trousers or shorts to take home.
Along the way, they'll learn the essential dressmaking techniques used in garment sewing, giving them the confidence to tackle future clothing projects.
Who is this class for?
This workshop is suitable for young people aged 10–16 who:
- Are able to thread a sewing machine and bobbin independently.
- Can confidently use a sewing machine independently (Able to sew straight and curved seams and is familiar with sewing terminology such as 'right sides together', 'seam allowance' and finishing off the raw edges)
- Already attend our stitch academy class, have attended our regular holiday classes or have attended classes elsewhere/taught at home.
Students can personalise their project by choosing their own fabric, and the length of their own choice to suit their own style- shorts, knee length, trousers or anywhere in between!
This class is a wonderful first step into the world of dressmaking!
Please note: This is not a beginner's sewing machine class. Participants should already be confident using a sewing machine independently.
If your child is new to sewing or would benefit from building their confidence before moving on to dressmaking, one of our regular holiday sewing workshops would be a great place to start. See our Summer Holiday Workshops for more details.
Further Information
- Read and understand a commercial sewing pattern.
- Lay out and cut fabric accurately.
- Transfer pattern markings.
- Assemble a garment in the correct order.
- Sew seams and finish raw edges.
- Create an elasticated waistband.
- Hem their finished garment.
- Press their work for a professional finish.
This workshop is suitable for young people aged 10–16 who:
- Are able to thread a sewing machine and bobbin independently.
- Can confidently use a sewing machine independently (Able to sew straight and curved seam and is familiar with sewing terminology such as 'right sides together', 'seam allowance' and finishing off the raw edges)
- Already attend our stitch academy class, have attended our regular holiday classes or have attended classes elsewhere/taught at home.
Please note: This is not a beginners sewing machine class. If your child is a complete beginner or not that confdent with using a sewing machine, one of our regular holiday classes would be ideal. See here for details
- Use of all sewing equipment and tools.
- 1m of 25mm wide elastic for the waistband.
- A fun, supportive learning environment with plenty of individual guidance.
- Your own printed copy of the pattern 'Walk the plank PJ Bottoms by Patterns for Pirates' (Printed instructions will be used in class and emailed to students after the class)
- Fabric and matching thread
Fabric suggestions: Medium weight woven cotton (nothing stretchy or slippy)
Upon booking please get in touch via email (lorna@guthrie-ghani.co.uk) with your waist and hip measurements and whether you will be making shorts or trousers. We will help guide you as to how much fabric you will need (approx 0.5m for shorts, approx 0.6-0.7m for knee lnegth, approx 1-1.2m for full length trousers). Help taking measurements can be seen here
Students will receive 20% discount in the g&g shop on fabric required for the workshop - valid on full priced fabrics. You can order your supplies over the phone or in store so that the discount can be honoured.
- A packed lunch
There will be a 20 minute break for students to have their lunch in the studio. They will be supervised by the class tutor, Alison Ivens who has an enhanced DBS check.
- A water bottle
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!
