Dressmaking Courses
Beginner — Confident Beginner — Advanced Beginner
Intermediate — Confident Intermediate
Start Your Sewing Journey
Beginner Sewing.
A beginner-friendly course designed for those with little or no sewing experience. A perfect start to the world of machine sewing in a fun and practical way.
Introduction to Sewing Machines and Techniques.
By the end of your ‘Journey’ you should be able to
set up, maintain and make adjustments to the sewing machine and overlocker. Perform a range of basic sewing techniques. Have a set of sew samples that you can keep as your reference library. Complete a beginners project that you can use. Have fun learning to sew.
Advanced
Simply Sew
101. Sew a simple shirt – Confident Beginner to Advanced Beginner.
This course is designed for those who have completed a beginner garment and are ready for the next step into sewing a more complex garment. Using a commercial shirt pattern designed for the average seamstress, you will develop your skills and learn more advanced techniques.
Intended Student. This course is ideal for students who have completed the ‘Ready Set Sew’ or have equivalent experience. You will need to be confident operating a sewing machine and overlocker.
By the end of Simply Sew you should be able to
developed a better understanding of average level commercial patterns. Gained a better understanding of how a structured shirt comes together. Completed a ladies shirt using a commercial pattern. Apply new skills and confidence using a more complexed pattern
Ready Set Sew
Beginner Ready Garment Sewing.
This course is designed for those who are ready to start sewing garments using a commercial pattern. This is the perfect next step on your creative journey. You will have the opportunity to apply your sewing machine skills in a simple, achievable garment using a beginner-friendly commercial pattern.
Intended Student. This course is ideal for students who have completed the ‘Start Your Sewing Journey’ three lessons or have equivalent experience. You will need to be confident operating a sewing machine and overlocker.
By the end of ‘Ready Set Sew’ you should be able to
developed a better understanding of commercial patterns. Gained a better understanding of how a garment comes together. Completed a simple garment using a commercial pattern. Have applied new skills in a simple, achievable beginner-friendly project.Gained confidence learning to sew.
BYO Beginners Project
Confident and Advanced Beginners.
Bring your own beginners sewing project and benefit from the expert guidance of an experienced dressmaker in a small, friendly group setting. This workshop is designed for those who have basic sewing skills and are ready to enhance their confidence and abilities.
You’ll receive personalized assistance tailored to your project, along with practical tips and step-by-step guidance to help you overcome challenges and refine your techniques.
Expand your skill set, troubleshoot issues with professional support, and enjoy the a warm and encouraging sewing community. Simply come prepared with your materials and a passion for creating beautiful garments.
Treasure your Trousers
102. Learn to Sew and Fit Trousers or Dress Pants – Advanced Beginner to Intermediate.
Trousers…. noun. 1. An outer garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg. In Australia more commonly known as Pants.
Learn to sew and fit your own pair of trousers. As you start to become more competent using sewing machines, creating a beautiful pair of well-fitting trousers is an important skill to master. Using a commercial pattern, you will create your own trousers while learning various types of advanced techniques and finishes used in trouser construction.
By the end of ‘Treasure your Trousers’ you should be able to
Understand Trouser fittings and construction. Have learn new skills and techniques. Completed a pair of bespoke trousers. Apply new skills and added to your sample library.
BYO Sewing Project
Bring your own sewing project and enjoy the support of an experienced dressmaker in a small group of friendly sewers.
Whether you're making clothes or fixing treasured items, you’ll get personalised help, useful tips, and guidance. Learn new skills, solve problems, and enjoy the company of a welcoming sewing community.
Beginners, Intermediate to Advanced skill levels —just bring your materials and a love for creating.
Want to learn more?
Contact Dressmaking Lab anytime—we welcome your requests for new courses and are happy to assist with any questions or suggestions to improve your learning experience.
Beginner — You've used a sewing machine before but need a quick refresher to regain confidence. Maybe you last sewed in school and feel rusty. You've completed some small projects and now want to start making your own clothes.
Confident Beginner — You sew straight and curved seams accurately with even allowances, understand various seams and finishes, can thread machines, wind bobbins, fix tension issues, and have completed a small project or one of our beginner courses.
Advanced Beginner — You’re experienced with various garment patterns, fabrics, and sewing tools. You skill-fully can use different presser feet, install zippers, and cut fabric precisely. Joining our classes, you’ll gain confidence and polish your skills to make every project professional and refined.
Intermediate — You love sewing and can adjust patterns for the perfect fit. By following instructions closely, you master complex techniques, ensuring each detail is neat and professional. Your focus on fit and finish makes every garment polished, reflecting your passion and skill.
Advanced — An advanced sewing level means mastering complex techniques like precision tailoring, detailed pattern drafting, and expertly handling various fabrics. Sewers create high-quality garments using advanced stitches, seam finishes, and embellishments. They troubleshoot fit issues, modify patterns, and use specialised equipment such as industrial machines or sergers. This level requires meticulous detail, deep garment construction knowledge, and creative innovation within dressmaking.