20 week Intensive Sewing Course
@
The Sew Much Fun Studio
Course Description:
Most of our courses are aimed at absolute beginners, literally for those who don’t yet know how to thread
their machines. The syllabus begins with developing essential skills and good sewing habits. Most courses
will cover the basics, but in this course, the pace and contents are aimed at having attendees become
proficient enough at sewing, that they can earn some income from sewing after the course is completed.
A certificate of attendance is given after completion should minimum requirements be met.
Classes are structured as a combo of theory and practical experience. We will teach a number of sewing
techniques and garment assembly processes and these will be applied to various projects made
throughout the course. The student will be expected to make a number of garments at home or during
sewing café hours or sew-alongs at one of our studios. During this course, our attendees have access to
our sewing patterns, which they are encouraged to use to practice what they have learned in the class.
Course attendees also enjoy the benefits of our Sew Much Fun Studio club membership, and are free to
make use of any of the facilities during their course as detailed in the club membership FAQ, including
patterns and sewing café time.
Through the use of samples, demos, discussion, and lots of hands-on time for students, we’ll progress into
using different seams , seam finishes, different machine stitches, recognising correct and incorrect
tensions and from these fundamental basics we progress to cover the topics as mentioned below. This
class is for the student who wants more than a basic understanding of machine sewing but needs a
broader and more challenging experience. After we have thoroughly covered the very basics, and
attendees are comfortable using the sewing machines, we continue on by sewing a number of items,
using various assembly techniques taught every week – getting progressively more complicated and
each building on the previous week’s topic. After each class, the student is encouraged to try out
projects that utilise the techniques and new skills acquired. The course will focus on skirts , tops & dresses
and part II of the ‘ learn as you sew’ series, focuses on pants, tailored shirts and jackets. Intensive 1 , is
therefor an alternative entrance requirement for Part II or the practical series. Classes consist of demos by
the instructor, a short lecture about the day’s particular topic, as well as practical sewing time where the
student is expected to execute the technique of the day.
By applying these sewing skills, the student will cut out and construct a skirt as well as various tops, a dress
and lastly a tailored shirt. Students are also taught how to use commerical patterns as well as their own
adaptations of the pattern. We briefly cover the use of overlockers. There is also a demo class of drafting
a basic skirt block/ pattern which students are encouraged to try at home to make their own bespoke
pattern and garment. This class was created to show students how to “connect the dots” of pattern
making and sewing to create a garment. If the student aims to do pattern making, this is the perfect
accompaniment to Pattern making I & II. All instructions and demos are done on good quality top brand
domestic sewing machines and overlockers.
We use mostly Elna, Bernina and Janome machines. We called it the INTENSIVE course as the pace is brisk
and we pack the class time full so students receive maximum value for their efforts.
Supplies Needed:
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All supplies & equipment used in classes, including sewing machines, are provided. Materials used in class
for samples, such as fabric, stabiliser, fusibles, as well as thread, are supplied by the studio. The studio also
sells 3 different kits , aimed at different income level budgets. This is to enable every student to have the
proper equipment to learn with. We also sell various items at our haberdashery at 66 Church street.
Students have to bring their kits to class and use their own equipment during sew-alongs and sewing café
times.
Make up Classes:
Due to the nature of our business model and the small size of our classes, we do not offer make up
classes. Please read our T&Cs regarding reasons for this. If however, a parallel class is running which is not
100% full, it is possible ( to under special circumstances,) attend another class, but this is however limited
to a maximum, of twice throughout the 20 weeks course duration. This is entirely at the instructor’s
discretion. In addition, you can book a private lesson with a teacher at mutually available times. Such
private classes are not free of charge and will be charged at our usual hourly rate. Kindly consult the
studio management for rates for each of our courses.
FAQ: 12 Week - Absolute Beginners Course
PART I of the “learn as you sew’ series
Course Description:
This course is aimed at absolute beginners, literally for those who don’t yet know how to thread their
machines and beyond. The syllabus begins with developing essential skills such as straight stitching and
control of the machine, presser feet, guiding fabric and thread control. We will familiarize the student
with the sewing machine and its various functions. Through the use of samples, demos, discussion, and lots
of hands-on time for students, we’ll progress into making different types of seams, using different seam
allowances, finishing seams, recognizing stitch length and tension and from these basics we progress to
cover the more advanced topics, such as garment construction techniques. The techniques include:
seams, seam finishes, edge finishes, closures, using binding and piping in simple home décor projects,
fullness and creating shape in the garment, via darts, pleats, tucks, gathers, facings, waistbands, hems,
and patch pockets. Lastly, we make at least 2 garments, and learn how to use patterns and take proper
measurements to be able to adjust patterns to fit us properly.
This class is for the person who wants to sew for fun and to make garments for themselves as well as
possibly their children and family. It is not aimed as a career qualification, but is a good thorough
foundation in sewing skills and is an enrichment course. The course then culminates in students making a
garment that contains all these techniques. By applying the various newly acquired techniques and
sewing skills, the student will cut out and construct a skirt as well as a final garment, e.g a dress, with fitted
bodice, containing darts, facings, pleats and an invisible zipper.
Who should attend?
This course was created to show busy professionals living and working in and around the city bowl, how
to sew successfully applying basic knowledge of garment construction techniques. Due to the shortage
of space to sew in, the studio has designed a fun course and space for working individuals to come and
create something beautiful to wear, in-between their busy schedules.
Course attendees will also have access to our pattern library and can make as much as 5 garments from
our library of up-to-date designs. Topics include:
Getting to know the sewing
Machine, i.e. tension, settings, stitches
Taking proper measurements
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The use of purchased patterns as well as a adapting these to properly fit
Laying up, marking & cutting
out fabric for assembly.
Fabrication, what to use, shrinking etc
Needles and threads.
Darts, gathers, pleats, tucks,
Waist finishes and belts
Different types of seams + hems
Patch pockets
Facings, use of binding in edges
Pressing and fusing, interfacing
Using elastic , shirring with elastic thread
Fasteners, (zippers, buttons, button holes, hook n eye etc.)
Supplies Needed: All Supplies used in classes, including sewing machines, are provided. The use of our
machines and equipment is included in your course fees. You may however, should you wish to do so,
bring your own machine. The students are also encouraged to bring a note book and take notes if they
wish to do so, although some basic notes explaining our techniques in class are provided via email in pdf
format.
FAQ - 18 week INTERMEDIATE SEWING – MODULES 1, 2 & 3
PART I of the “learn as you sew’ series
6 WEEKS DURATION PER MODULE – 18 weeks in total
Making your own properly tailored, well fitted garments, seems out of reach to many beginner as well as
intermediate sewists, however, it is the ideal way to create your own individual style and achieve
consistently proper fitting garments. – totally unique and the only of its kind. Sewing at this level is not only
economical and fulfilling when you create clothes that fit and look well, but it can also become a regular
form of income as there will always be a demand for made-to-order garments. Further, if you have fit
issues due to being plus size or petite, then this course is the ideal compliment to your existing sewing
experience and skills.
Course Description:
This three-part course provides the student a grounding in using more advanced patterns and getting to
grips with some basic tailoring techniques - covering various more advanced techniques in construction
entailing more structure and interlining, interfacing and hand sewing as well as altering patterns to fit
100%. Dressmaking is a vast subject and so this course is aimed to be a practical guide to making 3 of
your own wardrobe basics and to inform the attendee what sewing made-to measure and tailored
garments is all about. Our first construction classes will cover the design and choice of fabrication, as well
as altering the pattern and making test mock up garments in calico for a great fit. The course is primarily
practical sewing done in a class setting as well as working on a dress form.
Who should attend?
This course is intended for people who have some prior sewing experience, and who wish to gain further
experience and additional skilsl in the garment construction process to compliment their existing skills. This
is an enrichment course.
Supplies Needed: All Supplies for use in classes will be provided, including calico for mock ups. The
studio supplies some patterns, however, students may also bring their own choice of pattern.
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FAQ 16 week Introduction to Pattern making Course I & II
Choosing and making your own patterns, is the ideal way to create your own individual style and achieve
consistently proper fitting garments. Sewing for yourself is economical and fulfilling when you create
clothes that fit well. If you have fit issues due to being plus size or petite, then this course is the perfect
compliment to your sewing experience.
Course Description:
This two-part course provides a basic grounding in ladies wear pattern making - covering the various
basic blocks and miscellaneous techniques for developing various styles of garment. Pattern making is a
vast subject and so this short course is aimed to be a ‘ taster’ - to inform the attendee what pattern
making is about, so as to be a springboard for further inquiry. Our first clothing construction classes will
cover the design and construction of the skirt as well as bodice . Part II, is about drafting pants, dresses
and jackets and doing further techniques more advanced than in Part I.
Who should attend?
This course is intended for people who have no prior experience with pattern making, but who wish to
gain an additional skill in the garment construction process to compliment their existing skills. This is an
enrichment course.
We have two studios - one based in the Cape town CBD in Church street and the other in Long street.
Some basic understanding of garment construction vis-à-vis actual practical sewing, would be
advantageous and preferred for anyone attending the course.
Course Outline :
The course will be presented as a series of practical demonstrations and some homework
assignments and will cover the following topics:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Taking proper measurements
Drafting a basic skirt block
Drafting a skirt of choice
Drafting bodice blocks – front and back, as well as hip length moulage
Drafting a Basic sleeve block X 2 methods, + sleeve styling.
Stretch blocks – adapted from moulages
Techniques: pivoting, dividing, removing darts, slashing & spreading, adding additional interest
via seam lines, adding/ removing ease.
8. Principles of grading, 2 different techniques
Supplies Needed: All Supplies & equipment for use in classes will be provided. Pattern drafting kits are
also sold be the studio.
FAQ - Overlocking Courses I & II
4 weeks duration 3 hours a week Part I & II
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These are our topics covered over 2 X 4 week courses. Depending on class preferences, we choose either
the leggings or T-shirt/ dress as items to make in course I or II. The course covers the theory and some
practical examples and sample sewing, but the actual items have to be cut and assembled at the
attendees own time and pace. Homework and assignments are also given.
1. Introduction to using the overlockers & differences between normal sewing
machines
2. Various stitches and techniques unique to overlockers and applications thereof
3. Decorative seam applications
4. Working with stretch lace
5. Working with elastic and waistbands
6. Working with a coverstitch machine and various hems
7. Making a ladies undergarment - stretchy lace panties, or bikini cut panties
8. Making your own T-shirt / T-shirt dress
9. Making your own leggings
10. Sewing of tracksuit top or hoodie with zipper
You will need to purchase roughly R 100 worth of knitted fabric for each course when completing
projects. We can provide a maximum of 6 overlockers to students who do not own one.
Supplies Needed: All Supplies & equipment for use in classes will be provided. Overlocking kits are also
sold by the studio.
Who should attend?
This course is intended for people who have no prior experience with using overlockers , and who can use
a sewing machine to some extent already but who wish to gain an additional skill in the garment
construction process to compliment their existing skills. This course is a great accompaniment course for
the Intensive , Intermediate or Absolute beginners courses. It can enhance existing skills, and enable
students to make garments that look professionally made and that can be sold in shops. In addition, no
sewing machine can really do the same great job as an overlocker can when it comes to sewing with
knits or stretchy fabric. This course also serves as entry requirement course for advanced courses such as
the evenign wear and bridal, as well as lingerie and swimwear.
We have two studios - one based in the Cape town CBD in Church street and the other in Long street.
Some basic understanding of garment construction vis-à-vis actual practical sewing, would be
advantageous and preferred for anyone attending the course.
FAQ 5 LESSON MINI SEWING COURSE – LBD, DRESS, SKIRT , BLOUSE
( TOPICS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE)
In this fun ‘ taster’ course, we make an actual garment while
on the course. It might be a dress, a skirt, a blouse or LBD
( aka little black dress)
Who should attend?
This course was designed as a try-out for sewing . Sewing can be a costly hobby and unless you have
some idea of what it is all about, it might be a costly bad decision for some to make, especially given the
price of fabric, notions and sewing machines. Therefor, this little mini course, is the best way to try
something new and see if sewing is the thing for you. We normally run the various topics throughout the
year. The benefits of doing the course far outstretch the costs, as even if you do not wind up a serious
seamstress ever, you will definitely use what you learned in future, for mending your own garments ,
putting in hems, sewing on buttons and just having a new & more appreciate eye for good quality
garments.
We cover the following topics.
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1. HOW TO CHOOSE SUITABLE FABRIC FOR YOUR PROJECT
2. HOW TO PREP YOUR FABRIC AND CHOOSE SUITABLE NOTIONS AND THREAD
3. USING EQUIPMENT SUCH AS A SEAM GUIDE, SEWING GUAGE, SCISSORS, CUTTING MATS & ROTARY
CUTTERS, MEASURING TOOLS, PRESSING TOOLS,
4. USING THE SEWING MACHINE PROPERLY
5. UNDERSTANDING TENSIONS ON MACHINES , USE OF THREAD, NEEDLES, STITCH LENGTHS
6. BASIC SEWING TECHNIQUES: SEAMS, HEMS, SEAM FINISHES, CLOSURES
7. PUTTING IN A ZIPPER
8. USING AND READING PATTERNS, DOWNLOADS & STOREBOUGHT
9. TAKING PROPER MEASUREMENTS FOR THE MAKING OF A GARMENT &
10. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE PATTERNS
FAQ - ADMIN
How to Register:
Fill out the registration form attached to our T&Cs form, and return along with your proof of payment,
either in full, or by options 1,2 or 3. When making use of our payment terms, please ask for the application
forms and contract to be emailed to you.
Prerequisite:
No experience is necessary but a good understanding of English, spoken and reading ability is very
beneficial to the learning experience. It is recommended attendees have a minimum of grade 10 school
attendance/equivalent education.

Do we have to bring our own supplies and/or sewing machine to class?
No, all supplies and machines are provided by the studio. However, the student is free to use their own supplies/ sewing machines
should they wish to do so during class.

Do you sell any pattern making, sewing equipment and haberdashery supplies at the studio?
Yes, the studio sells pattern paper and tools needed for pattern making and garment construction. We have made these available
due to regular shops not being able to service our needs, and often running out of stock and not having the proper items. Our kits
are sold far below retail prices and are therefore a much better deal than when you purchase individual items by yourself. We also
stock a limited range of fabric for use in garment construction.
The studio also services sewing machines, overlockers and sharpens scissors. You can also purchase the Babylock brand of
Overlockers from us, as well as good quality previously owned sewing machines and overlockers, of good brand names, depending
on stock availability.
You can also purchase individual haberdashery items and sewing kits from us via our online shop, or at our Church street premises.
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What methods of payment do you accept?
The studio accepts cash, (stop orders for payment terms), EFT’s and credit card via a paygate.
We will allow split payments only to students who meet our criteria for credit. Please ask us for an
application form.
To book for the upcoming classes, please make sure to email us your T&Cs form filled out as well as your proof of
payment. We unfortunately cannot allow any new students to attend without these conditions being met.
If you cannot attend the 1st class, you can still join the following 2 weeks, but you will have to attend a
private make up class to cover the introductory classes at your own cost.
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