Description
About the Course
Have you already begun your sewing journey, gained confidence with your sewing machine, and are now ready to progress into making your own garments? This three-week introduction to dressmaking is the perfect next step on your garment-making journey.
This course is ideal if you’re confident using a sewing machine and keen to make your first garment with support and guidance. It’s also a great next step if you’ve already completed another type of garment and would like to try something different, for example if you’ve made a top or dress before and are ready to move on to making the accompanying trousers.
Led by experienced sewing teacher Emma Smith, the course offers a supportive, hands-on approach designed to build confidence step by step. Emma has many years of teaching experience and is known for her patient, attentive guidance. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout, with plenty of opportunity for individual support, advice, and helpful sewing insights along the way.
In this workshop, you will be making the Chantelle Pants by Sew Liberated — a beautifully designed, modern wardrobe staple offering both comfort and versatility. The Chantelle Pants are relaxed, easy-to-wear trousers with a wide-leg silhouette, with the option to adapt into a barrel-leg shape, making them a fantastic introduction to garment construction and shaping. The pattern is size-inclusive and designed to suit a wide range of body shapes, and the course includes your own printed copy of the pattern.
What You’ll Learn
Over the course of the workshop, you will be guided through the full dressmaking process:
- How to measure yourself accurately to determine your correct pattern size
- How to read and understand a commercial sewing pattern, including markings, notches, grainlines and layout instructions
- How to work out fabric requirements and select suitable fabrics and notions for your garment
- How to prepare and handle your fabric correctly before cutting
- How to lay out your pattern pieces and cut accurately and confidently
- How to construct your garment, with Emma supporting you throughout
As the course progresses, you will be supported step by step as you begin constructing your garment, building skills and confidence as you go.
This is a structured yet relaxed introduction to dressmaking, designed to take you from pattern understanding through to a finished handmade garment in a friendly, encouraging environment.
Course Dates and Times
All sessions run from 1:30pm – 4:30pm
- Week 1: Thursday 13th August
- Week 2: Thursday 20th August
- Week 3: Thursday 27th August
Most participants complete their garment during the course. However, as everyone works at a different pace, some finishing details may be completed at home, with clear guidance provided.
What You’ll Need to Bring
A basic sewing kit: small scissors, large scissors, pins or clips, hand sewing needles, fabric marking tool, and a seam ripper
Notebook and pen for taking notes
Water bottle (optional)
Materials for your garment:
You may bring your own fabric to the first session or purchase in the shop during the course, where guidance will be available to help you choose suitable fabrics and quantities.
Fabric requirements (including suggested quantities) are shown in the photographs attached to the pattern listing, alongside sizing information. If you would prefer to purchase your fabric in advance, please refer to these images when selecting your fabric and requirements, or feel free to pop into the shop for advice beforehand.
Attendees receive 10% off shop purchases over £25 made on the day of the class only, as part of your workshop benefits.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided throughout the sessions — sewing always runs better with refreshments.
Venue & Studio Information
The Sewing Studio is equipped with Janome 5060QDC sewing machines, overlockers, ironing stations, and Oliso irons. Classes take place in small groups of 5–6 people to ensure individual attention.
The studio is located within The Fabric Boutique at 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AL. Please note there is a flight of stairs leading to the studio from the shop floor.
For your comfort, there is a toilet and handwashing sink within the studio, as well as a small fridge available if you would like to keep any refreshments or cold drinks chilled during the session.
Parking is available nearby. There is Rushtons Yard car park adjacent to the shop; however, this has a maximum stay of 3 hours and charges apply, so it is not ideal for this workshop as you would need to move your car during the session.
We recommend using the long stay car park on South Street, which is only a short walk away. Charges also apply.
Please arrive 10 minutes before each session so we can begin promptly.
Booking Information
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Full payment is required to secure your place.
Places are confirmed once full payment has been received
Payment is required at the time of booking
Gift cards can be used towards workshop fees
A minimum of 3 participants is required for the course to run
Courses are for adults aged 18+
Cancellation policy:
- Cancellations made 14 days or more before the start date receive a full refund or transfer (subject to availability)
- Cancellations made less than 14 days before the course start date are non-refundable
- If The Fabric Boutique must cancel due to low numbers or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued
- Refunds are processed promptly, but please allow 7–10 working days for funds to appear in your account