Introduction to Dressmaking

Introduction to Dressmaking is a 4-week course to teach you how to use paper patterns. Making your own clothes is extremely satisfying. You can obtain a perfect fit and have something completely unique, But it’s difficult knowing where to start.   If you’d like to learn to make your own clothes, but are struggling to get started, then this short course will give you a great foundation.

Wednesdays 3 to 24 June 2026. 6.15pm-8.30pm 

Course Description

Commercial paper pattern sizes bear no relation to shop-bought, and all those fabrics to choose from?

I’ll guide you through interpreting the ‘lingo’ of patterns. Using the best size, choosing the right fabric, cutting and sewing – all with help at hand. You will need to bring your choice of paper pattern, the fabric and everything else you need to complete the garment: thread, interfacing etc. I’ll provide you with a few suitable suggestions if you need help to choose. I’ll share lots of tips and tricks that give your projects a polished look. The course focuses on good technique so your clothes won’t look ‘Homemade’, but ‘Handmade’.  No-one will believe you made them yourself.

You must already have competent sewing skills i.e. have completed a Beginners sewing course, be confident using a sewing machine and be able to thread up and wind bobbins, and to sew neat, accurate seams.

Who is this aimed at:

• Anyone who has recently started to sew and would like to make clothes
• Novice dressmakers who would like some help to understand how to use commercial patterns, and improve your dressmaking skills
• Lapsed sewists: perhaps it’s been a while since you last did any dressmaking and you need to brush up your knowledge and skills

• If you don’t have confident sewing skills (able to wind bobbins, thread a machine, and sew neat, accurate seams, then you may want to consider one of Artisan Stitch’s foundation-level Courses)

What will Introduction to Dressmaking teach me?

How to use commercial paper patterns and learn garment-construction techniques.

• choosing the best size, and making some basic alterations for a good fit;
• select suitable fabric and use it economically.
• understanding the ‘language’ and markings on patterns
• Fabric-cutting and marking techniques
• sewing pieces together (garment-construction)
• tips and tricks to obtain a professional-quality finish

Course Arrangements

You’ll need to bring your own paper pattern, fabric, thread, zip etc.  I’ll provide a note of what you’ll need when you book, including some suitable pattern suggestions. Sewing machines are available in the studio or you can bring your own if you prefer. (If you bring your own, then please remember the power cable/foot control, bobbins, presser feet, spare needles and the instruction manual)

You’ll also need your basic sewing kit of : Fabric shears, scissors for cutting paper, pins, tape measure (cm) chalk pencils or fabric marking pens, note book.

Important: This is a dressmaking course focused on garment‑construction techniques. It is not a beginner‑level sewing class.
*You must already be able to:

• Thread and operate a sewing machine confidently
• Sew neat, accurate seams
• Use basic edge‑neatening methods
• Ideally insert zips and sew buttonholes

If you need to refresh these skills, please take one of the Beginners or Refresher courses at Artisan Stitch before booking.

Why Choose Artisan Stitch?

Artisan Stitch is proud to be Scotland’s leading sewing school having won multiple awards for top-quality sewing tuition. Accolades include:

• Certificate of Excellence (2019)
• Best Sewing Classes in Edinburgh (2020)
• Best Private Sewing Education Tuition & Most Outstanding Sewing Classes (2021)
• Best Craft Tuition Provider, Scotland Prestige Awards (2023/24)
• Best Sewing Classes (2022/23, 2024/24, 2024/25, 2025/26), Scotland Prestige Awards

Limited places Available.  Book here

(For enquiries, contact jen@artisanstitch.co.uk)

Useful links:

I’ll be covering both of these topics in the course but you might want to have a wee read before then:

Making your mark – A guide to fabric marking tools

What pattern size am I? – how to choose the correct size

Location details

St. Margaret’s House – Sixth Floor
St. Margaret’s House, 151 London Road
Edinburgh EH7 6AE

How to find St Margaret’s House

Directions