Intro To Garment Making

Start your handmade wardrobe by taking this Intro to Garment Making class.  Learn the basics of garment construction while sewing the Hadley Top by Grainline Studio.  We think you’ll love this versatile top as much as we do!!

You’ll learn how to read a sewing pattern and dressmaking techniques to create a well-made garment.  Be sure to check out the details tab above to find out more.  This class is not suitable for absolute beginners.

The Hadley Top has a flattering subtle A-line shape with a beautiful wide gently curved hem. It comes in two versions. View A has a jewel neck, a pleat at the back neckline, and bracelet length sleeves. View B is sleeveless and features a soft V-neck. Be creative and make it your own. We’ll show you pattern hacks like shortening the sleeves or adding a decorative top stitching around the neckline and armholes.  It just takes a little imagination and know-how!

Level:  Advanced Beginner  (Click on Details and Fabric/Supplies tabs for more information)

Session Dates: 

Session 1:  Wednesdays, January 29, February 5 and February 12 , 10pm-1pm

Session Length:  Three, 3-hour classes

To register, select the date of the session you would like to attend and then proceed to the checkout.

We are located at on the South Shore of Boston, Massachusetts at 376 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061. We are around back inside the Yarn’s End shop.

Please be sure to read our class cancelation policy here.  

The Hadley Top sewing pattern is available as either a paper pattern or a digital PDF download, which you can print out at home and tape together or have printed at a local print shop such as Staples or Office Depot.  See our tutorial on assembling PDF patterns here.

Please bring to class:

• Copy of either the paper pattern, or the digital pattern (printed and assembled)
• Fabric (see our note on fabric requirements below)
• Matching thread
• Hook & eye
• and a Basic Sewing Tool Kit

Our fabric recommendation…

We recommend you purchase solid colors in either a cotton shirting, a light chambray or tissue weight linen for your first garment.  A fabric with a small pattern that does not require matching is okay too.

Fabrics we do not recommend on your first try…

This pattern is suitable for other fabrics as well, such as silk, rayon, voile or lawn.  However, these fabrics would be a little more challenging to sew with on your first try.  Avoid fabrics that are too stiff since this top requires a bit of drape.  We also recommend that you stay away from plaids, stripes and one-way design prints until you have sewn several garments.

Fabric Requirements depending on the size you are making are… 

View A  (with bracelet length sleeves) 

• 45″ wide fabric – 2/38 to 3 yards
• 54″ wide fabric – 2 1/8 to 2 5/8 yards

View B – (sleeveless) 

• 45″ wide fabric – 1 1/2 to 2 yards
• 54″ wide fabric – 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 yards

This class is designed for new sewists who have made a project or two and are interested in making their first garment. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. Please see our Basics of Sewing Class if you are a true beginner.

Skills needed to take this class include…

• You should be able to turn on and thread the machine
• Feel confident in sewing straight and curved seams
• Be familiar with some simple pressing techniques

You will learn…

• How to choose which size is right for you
• How to read a sewing pattern
• All about grainlines
• Basic fit and pattern adjustments.
• How to properly cut out a pattern, and mark it.
• How to sew straight and curved seams, darts, pleats, apply facings, and set in sleeves.  (We’ll show you how to add optional flat felled seams and decorative top-stitching too!)
• Proper pressing techniques using a tailors ham and point presser.

CLASS NOTE:  In the first class we will cover choosing the right size, how to read a pattern, how to make basic fit adjustments to the pattern, and how to cut out your project.  Due to limited space, you will be required to cut out your project at home prior to returning for the second class, when we will begin sewing the Hadley top together.

While we cannot guarantee that each student will complete their project, the majority of students do.  There will be homework between classes, such as cutting out your project and possibly some sewing in order maintain with the pace of the class.

Please be sure to read our class policies. If you have any questions about classes or our polices, please email us at info@aliceandann.com.

We are located at on the South Shore of Boston, Massachusetts at 376 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061. We are around back inside the Yarn’s End shop.