Thank you so much for your interest in sewing classes! Currently, I am on hiatus from teaching. I’m so sorry. If you’d like to stay in touch, please sign up for the newsletter below. I will announce if classes and private lessons will resume. Thank you so much!

I recommend Beehive Craft Studio and Ronkita for class offerings.

XO, Leslie

Intermediate Pattern Fitting

The biggest obstacle to a successful clothing project is the FIT. Fit is everything, and sadly, the majority of patterns can’t be whipped up right out of the envelope, just by following the size chart. Patterns are just a starting place based on an “average” body proportions. But, we are NOT average. Our bodies are a unique creation, just like a fingerprint!

When you learn to make your specific alterations accordingly, you’ll unlock the door to sewing garments that fit YOU every time. Learning to make custom adjustments to the pattern tissue before you cut, is the way to ensure that your fabric investment and sewing time will end happily.

I’ve made some changes to the format of this class for 2020! Formerly, this was a 4-hour class for all levels, and while most students were able to finish, it felt rushed, and not everyone finished. SEW, the format is now two 3.5-hour classes for intermediate students, giving us more buffer time, and adding a muslin fitting to further test our adjustments in fabric. Beginner students will now take the Garment Sewing For Beginners class for their first foray into pattern fitting and garment construction.

This class is for experienced sewists who want to crack the code of commercial pattern sizing to achieve a custom fit. Students bring a simple top, dress, or skirt commercial pattern to fit from a list of preferred styles. (If you’d like to fit a pair of pants, you’ll enroll in the Pants Fitting class)

Class 1: You’ll learn to compare your measurements and desired fit to the finished garment measurements, so we can start with the correct general size/s. We’ll make custom adjustments to the pattern tissues to address your specific fitting needs. Common adjustments such as: torso length, full or small bust, shoulder width, dart placement, sleeve fit, and neckline fit. We’ll do a pattern tissue pin-fitting to check our work and mark any additional custom fit changes back to the pattern.

Class 2: Students bring a test fabric and we’ll finish up any remaining tweaks to the pattern. With flat pattern alterations finished, we’ll cut out the main pattern pieces and baste the garment together to do a test fitting in fabric. Any remaining tweaks to the test garment will be recorded back to the original pattern.

Note: Some students will work faster than others. and some will need more complex pattern adjustments than others. Because of these variables, I can’t guarantee that you will finish your test garment in class. Private lessons will be available to students who need to finish up, at a discounted rate.

Two 3.5-hour classes • 3 students per class • $85 per student • Pre-requisite: You feel confident operating your machine, and have taken Garment Sewing For Beginners or have an equivalent skillset. Not sure? Just shoot me an email and we can discuss!