Introduction to Garment Construction

This three-day workshop will teach the basics of garment construction. This workshop will cover an overview of the sewing machine, the basics of pattern layout and cutting, essential sewing skills and terminology, and the completion of a butcher apron. The course includes demonstration and class participation. This is a beginner class, but students must know how to thread a machine. Student kit required.

Day 1

Sewing Machine Overview & Pattern Prep

Morning Session | 3 hours

Review of the sewing machine
- Identifying the parts of the machine
- Correct threading of the machine
Pattern Preparation
- Review and explanation of the pattern guide sheet
- Identifying pattern pieces and “rough cutting” pattern pieces
  - Pattern symbols
- Ironing pattern pieces
- “Fussy cut” pattern pieces
Fabric Preparation
- Blocking and pressing fabric

Pattern Layout and Cutting

Afternoon Session | 3 hours

Explanation of the pattern layout diagram
- Selecting pattern size and fabric width
Instruction in the proper pinning of the pattern and cutting out of pattern pieces.

Students should have enough time to finish pinning and cutting out their pattern pieces.

Day 2

StayStitching and Clean Finish

Morning Session | 3 hours

Skill #1 Directional Staystitch
- Teacher demonstrates skill technique
- Students make skill sample
- Students staystitch apron armhole edges
Skill #2 Clean Finish:
- Teacher demonstrates skill technique
- Students make skill sample
- Students clean finish apron upper edge, pocket/s upper edge/s, and outer edges of facings

Grading, Clipping & Notching, and Understitching

Afternoon Session | 3 hours

Skill #3 Grading
- Teacher demonstrates skill technique
- Students make skill sample
- Students pin and stitch facings to apron armholes and grade the seam allowances
Skill #4 Clipping & Notching
- Teacher demonstrates skill techniques
- Students make skill samples
- Students clip and notch armhole seam allowances
Skill #5 Understitching
- Teacher demonstrates skill technique
- Students make skill sample
- Students understitch facings
- Turn facings to wrong side and pin in place

Day 3

Facings, Hand Hemming, and Machine Hemming

Morning Session | 3 hours

Machine stitch inside edges of facings.
Turn down top hem of apron and stitch in place. Topstitch upper edge.
Clean finish sides of apron. Turn in sides ¾” and stitch.
Clean finish the bottom edge of the apron. Turn up hem 1½” and stitch.
Skill #6 Hand Hemming, The Catchstitch:
- Teacher demonstrates skill technique
- Students make skill sample
- Prepare pocket for hemming
- Stitch pocket hem by hand

Attaching Pockets, Ties, and Finishing

Afternoon Session | 3 hours

Pin pockets in position on apron and stitch in place.
Fold ties and strap in half lengthwise and stitch long edge and one short end. Turn and press ties and strap.
Topstitch long edges of ties and neck strap.
Neck Strap
- Cut a piece 5½“ long from neck strap. Slip piece through 2 D rings. Fold in half and stitch ends.
- Turn loop and position seam in center of loop.
- Pin loop to left neck edge and stitch on previous horizontal stitching.
- Turn under raw edge of neck strap and pin to right neck edge. Stitch.
Turn under raw edges of waist ties and stitch to sides of apron.