Beginners sewing course

Let’s make an easy pouch or tote bag together!

A) Introduction

Hey there! Have you always wanted to learn how to make your own clothes? You gotta start somewhere, and here you can ! This class will be taught by myself, Itiya, the designer and maker of Itiya Studio. 

In this course we will make a simple makeup bag/ tote bag/ pouch or even a sewing project you would like to have guidance with. I'll provide most, if not all the tools necessary. More info on this in section C. 

The course might begin with a brief, but will be tailored to each student's needs. As we get to know each other, I will be able to follow the pace of each student, therefore, if you are quick, I will help you move quicker with more advanced sewing tips and skip stages you seem to know. However, if you seem to need further explanations and a slower pace, all will be catered to your needs. 

If you have a friend that wants to join the course with you, please let me know and I’ll give you both a 10% discount! If this is you email me at itiyastudio@gmail.com. 

B) Structure & dates

4 hours each session, you decide how many you'd like to purchase. You may purchase only one if you are unsure, however, the classes may fill up so it is highly recommended to get your sessions booked ahead of time. Info about refunds appears in section F. 

1 Session (4 hours) - we will get acquainted with the industrial and domestic sewing machines, as well as, with the overlock machine. We will practice sewing straight, curved and sharp lines, how to pin, how to cut the fabric with the grain line or bias to it. We will do so with woven fabrics as they are beginner friendly. 

2 Sessions (8 hours) - You will get started on your project. Throughout the course you will be fully guided step by step on how to correctly cut and sew your project with useful tip for future projects. As each student will have a different project, you may be able to learn from the others' projects too!

3 Sessions (12 hours) - You will be shown how to beautifully finish your item in several ways, if you get to that stage. You will receive recommendations on the best equipment for your home toolkit. You may not finish your project but will be given advice on how to, or you will be more than welcomed to come for more sessions. 

Wednesdays starting from 19th of Feb 16:00 - 20:00

Thursdays starting from 20th of Feb 10:00 - 14:00

Fun friends workshop: a group of 3 or max 4 friends. One purchase valid for one group member. 

Dates to be coordinated via email at itiyastudio@gmail.com.

If you have a scheduling issue with the above days, we can find others. As my schedule is quite flexible, we don't have to have consecutive weeks if this doesn't work out for you. Email the address mentioned above for coordinating this. 

C) Materials

For this course you can bring (all optional):

• An image for our reference. Not a must if you want to follow one of my patterns of a pouch or a tote bag. 
• The fabric you'd like your new item to be from (this won't be necessary if you are not fussed and happy to use my leftovers!). If you do want to use your own, you won't need it until the second session. 
• A notepad for your notes. 

In my courses you’ll be allowed to use any leftover fabric I may have in the studio, as well as buy from my rare trimmings collection. That way, you too contribute with the (almost) zero waste aspect that I love achieving with my brand myself. 

I will provide the rest of the materials (such as calico, pattern paper, zippers, interfacing, scissors etc) but if you have your own equipment, things will go quicker, and we won’t waste unnecessary time!

D) How to choose your item: 

Beginner: simple/easy  tops, skirts, trousers, tote bags in any shapes.      

Intermediate: simple dresses/ jackets/jumpers/bras. 

If you are unsure, you can bring a few options to class and I will help you choose or you can email me at itiyastudio@gmail.com.

E) Glossary

What is a Pattern? A pattern is the term used to call the paper pieces each garment uses, so the seamstress knows how to cut the fabric. The pattern pieces are shaped differently according to the design, and the fabric is then cut and assembled by sewing (and many other tricks), to form the garment you’re after. All patterns can be used several times by the way!

What is Pattern-making?  it's its own separate field of knowledge to sewing, one does not need to know how to make a pattern to know how to sew it but one needs to know how to sew in order to make a pattern. One can also buy a ready made pattern and adjust it to need with some basic knowledge if the focus is to sew! There are 2 general methods to pattern-make: drafting a block pattern and draping on the mannequin. The pre bought patterns often are somewhat like a block pattern, that allow space for a variety of body types within that specific general size. A good pattern is highly valuable and is really worth keeping. How do you know they are good quality? first of all, if the pieces do not match. Often times a trained pattern maker can see easily by looking on the pattern pieces that they won't end up looking like the image of the garment, once sewn. So, a way to perfect one's pattern is to test it with a toile. A good trick is to include notes on your pattern (such as an image of the model wearing the final product or a note that says "this pattern fits X"). 

What is a toile? A toile is a test run of your pattern on a cheap fabric such as calico but not restricted to. The toile can use any relevant material that has the same qualities as the one you end up using, such as similar elasticity, similar “body”. The toile helps you save money and time by avoiding making mistakes on your expensive material, it is used to visualise your design better by fitting it on a person, checking there's enough space for movement and apply changes; it is an opportunity to finesse anything without needing to take too many risks or the opportunity to change your design. Not everyone loves using toiles, such as those whose design approach is informed by their mistakes and love experimenting, etc. 

What is Grading? Grading is another advanced form of pattern-making whereby one changes the size of an existing pattern to a bigger one. This is a highly technical skill and is really great for people with spatial understanding, an imaginative brain and requires the use of a calculator. 

F) Terms and Conditions:

I will fully refund you if you cancel the course 72 hours before the first session by emailing me to itiyastudio@gmail.com. 

If you purchased above 1 session and you want to receive a refund for the 2nd and third sessions because of lack of satisfaction from the first session, you will only receive a 50% refund for the classes missed; this will be accepted if you notify me during the first session or email me 24 hours after the first session. 

Please read through all the above info to avoid misunderstandings because you may be taking a place of someone else who can benefit from it. 

You will be entering my private studio where I make my own creations and manage my business. You are allowed to take photos, but, please do not take anything away from my studio except for your own work.  

Location: This is a physical course taking place in my London studio. Closest underground station is Tottenham Hale. Exact address will be emailed after purchase has been completed. 

If this course isn't exactly what you’re looking for, we have more openings, some technical and others, creativity-focused. Go to the courses page!