Beginners shirt making

Dates/Times

4 sessions of 2.5 hours each (Wednesday evenings )

– Wednesday 7th January 2026 – 6.15pm – 8.45pm

– Wednesday 14th January 2026 – 6.15pm – 8.45pm

– Wednesday 21th January 2026 – 6.15pm – 8.45pm

– Wednesday 28th January 2026 – 6.15pm – 8.45pm

£160

What to expect

This is a 4 session course spread over 4 weekday evenings  in which you will be introduced to garment making. Each lesson will be structured towards this end goal. We will be using the Donny Shirt from Friday Pattern Company – an easy to wear pull-on shirt with a boxy silhouette designed to be a staple workhorse in your wardrobe. This shirt is a great way to learn how to insert sleeves, patch pockets and lapel collars.

By the end of this course you will be confident in selecting the correct size, and fabric for a project. You will understand how to use the direction of the grain of fabric, how to construct and finish a garment that fits and makes you feel fabulous. You will be ready to go home and start on your next project!

This course is suitable for beginners.

What to bring?

You will be given guidance about what fabrics to choose on booking the course and how much you will need. The pattern will be provided and details about this will be sent out when you book the course. You may wish to bring a notepad and pen.

Please note that everyone works at a different pace and the below information is for guidance only.

Overview

Lesson 1 : Measuring your body and cutting out your pattern

Key skills:
• identify different parts of garments and the pattern pieces.
• Understand the glossary of sewing terms used in garment making.
• Learn how to take body measurements with a tape measure and record.
• Learn how to determine amount of fabric to buy and what type of fabric and thread
• Learn how to use the direction of the fabric grain and lay pattern pieces on the fold.
• Understand different ways of cutting out (scissors, rotary cutter)
• Using the correct seam allowance etc.

Lesson 2: Seams and facings

Key skills:
• Preparing facings, using interfacing
• Matching notches
• Pinning pieces ready to sew
• Sewing together with the correct seam allowance

Lesson 3: burrito method and collar

Key skills:
• Attaching the collar
• using the burrito method to turn the shirt and create the yoke
• Finishing seams
• Troubleshooting
• Hemming
• Neatening all finishes
• Adding trim if time.

Lesson 4: Inserting the sleeves and finishing

Key skills:
• Sleeve insertion
• neatening and finishing the sleeves
• hemming the bottom of the shirt and sleeves
• Troubleshooting