Garments 101

Description

In this intro to garments class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing your own clothing! From why it’s so important to pre-wash, to what different pattern markings mean, to tracing your pattern and retaining the original – you’ll lay the foundation for use in all future garment construction. Using our ever popular Bondi Top by Sew to Grow, we’ll sew up a simple cotton top that will give you the confidence to embark on your garment sewing journey!

• When: Sunday, March 10th, 9am – 5:30pm
• Instructor: Nishi
• Fee: $149.00 cost of materials

Sewing machine rental available for $5/day

• Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills and familiarity with sewing machine required. Comfortable sewing straight lines and smaller seams.
• Ages: 15+

If you sign up for a class, save 15% in-store at Cate’s Sew Modern on Class Supplies!

Please call the shop at (203) 421-6853 during business hours if you have any questions.

What You’ll Learn: Picking Fabric, How to take Measurements, Pattern Markings, Tracing Patterns, Finding your Size, Garment Terms, Garment Basics

What You’ll Need:

• Bondi Top by Sew to Grow Paper Pattern
• Tracing material
• Cotton Fabric, the simpler, the better for this intro class
• Matching thread
• Pen or pencil
• Measuring tape

Before Coming to Class: 

• Purchase tracing material
• Purchase your fabric. Please do not wait until the day of to purchase fabric! Please also ensure if you’re using fabric from your stash that you have the required yardage.
• **Pre-wash your fabric**
  • If your fabric looks prone to fraying, zig zag stitch the cut edge before washing.
  • You want to make sure your fabric does all of it’s shrinking before sewing it into a garment so you don’t get weird pulling after your first wash. Use your best judgment, but generally you want to put it through a tough wash and dry cycle prior to sewing, and then care for it delicately post sewing. 
  • Use a Color Catcher if you’re concerned about colors bleeding and running.
  • At the very least pre-wash your fabric as you’ll be washing it after it becomes a garment. 
  • Take it out after drying immediately, block, iron, and roll so your fabric is wrinkle free and prepped for class
• Don’t forget to pack a lunch or bring some cash for food!

Instructor Bio: Nishi has been sewing garments since her grandma taught her how to sew an apron for her stuffed bunny rabbit. Her love for sewing her own clothing only grew from there.  “I love the feeling of pride I get when I wear something I’ve made myself out in the world. It’s a special sense of confidence that what I’ve made is unique and more beautiful than anything store-bought!” She now works at Hartford Stage as a stitcher sewing costumes.