This is an essential course for everyone wishing to learn to sew. This course covers machine set-up, maintenance of equipment and trouble shooting, how to control your machine and get to know it’s stitch capabilities. You will also learn about different seams and finishes, pattern cutting and by the end of the course you will have made a complete garment using all the skills you have learnt throughout the course. This course will have you well on the way to altering, repairing and producing beautiful garments for yourselves and your families. You will find this course very enjoyable whilst learning a worthwhile skill for life. Once you have made your first garment this course will have you addicted to sewing.

If you want to learn Sewing in Sydney, then this course is for you.

Agenda

During this course the intention is that the following topics will be covered, but not necessarily in the order given. Due to the variable nature of Adult Education classes, parts of the curriculum may be adapted to suit the needs of the class.

Week 1 – GET TO KNOW YOUR MACHINES

• Learn about different machine parts and how they work.
• Machine set-up and adjusting thread tension.
• Machine maintenance, clean and oil.
• Stitch capabilities of machine, zigzag, stitch length etc.
• Practice on paper sheets different sewing lines and pivoting.
• Practice controlling speed, stopping and starting and practicing on calico with thread.

Week 2 – DIFFERENT SEAMS AND FINISHES

• Sewing a flat seam, an open seam and a French seam and learn when it is appropriate to use each seam for different fabrics.
• Sewing a stitched hem, a double turned hem. Other hem finishes.

Week 3 – LEARN ABOUT PATTERNS AND CUTTING

• Discuss a commercial pattern and get to know the terminology on the pattern and what all the various markings are.
• Fabric selection and spend some time learning about the perfect fabric/pattern design marriage.
• Cutting efficiently and learning about why some fabrics must be cut a certain way ie: stretch fabrics, velvets, cords and one way prints.

Week 4 – MACHINE TECHNIQUES

• How to gather.
• Stitching darts.
• Tucks and pleats.
• Frills and flounces.
• Topstitching.
• Pocket application.

Week 5 – COMMENCE PROJECT
Students will have a choice of two different projects.

• Vintage style apron or and easy shift dress.

Week 6 – FINISH PROJECT

• Final presentation of project.

h3. Objectives

The intended Learning Outcomes for this course are as follows.
By the end of the course the student will have:

• Learned how to maintain and make adjustments to machines.
• Learn basic sewing and pattern cutting skills.
• Learned basic machine techniques and applications.
• Made a complete garment.

Other Information

Materials to be supplied by Students. Please bring:

• 1 Meter of calico.
• Pins and hand sewing needles.
• 1 reel of white and 1 reel of dark colored sewing thread.
• 1 pair of fabric cutting scissors.
• 1 pair of small thread cutting scissors or clippers.
• Measuring tape.
• Notebook, ruler, pen and pencil to take notes.
• If you wish to use the College machines, please buy only a JANOME bobbin which can be bought from Janome stores, to suit ‘My Excel 18W’ machines. These bobbins are not available from any other store.*
  
• Otherwise please bring along your own machine (if portable) if you would like to learn on your own machine.

Please wear closed in shoes.

PLS NOTE: All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled and you will be informed. Courses are usually cancelled, when necessary, 2 working days prior to the scheduled start date.***Please be aware that you may be informed of a cancellation &/or change via SMS or E-mail.