Garment Construction – Sheath Dress

ONLY SUITABLE FOR LEARNERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE PATTERN DRAFTING - BODICE & SLEEVE BLOCK COURSES
AGE 18+ WOMEN ONLY CLASS - Full day class

This course is designed for learners who already have a bodice, sleeve block, and foundational sewing skills and want to develop expertise in pattern adaptation and garment construction.  Participants will learn how to transform a basic bodice block into a complete sheath dress, covering every stage from pattern adaptation to fabric preparation, cutting, and complete garment assembly.

Through a combination of practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, learners will acquire the knowledge and confidence to accurately adapt patterns, execute finishes such as necklines and zippers, and construct a wearable sheath dress to their size.

By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of pattern manipulation, garment construction techniques, and the workflow from block to finished dress.

Key Learning
  • Identify and describe core structure of sheath dresses and how they have been adapted culturally
  • Take accurate body and bodice measurements and calculate adjustments for pattern adaptation
  • Adapt the bodice to maintain a continuous, close-fitting line through the torso and skirt to produce a sheath garment
  • Prepare, lay, and cut fabric with correct grain alignment and precision
  • Draft a V neckline and its corresponding facing to finish on the garment
  • Prepare and sew a lapped zipper
  • Produce a completed sheath dress to individual measurments
  • Invisible zip insertion
  • Develop confidence in pattern manipulation and dressmaking techniques for further creative projects

You will need to bring

Please do not bring heavy, slippery, stretchy, or sheer fabrics

  • Your bodice and sleeve pattern
  • Your appropriate choice of pattern drafting paper
  • 1.5m to 2.5m (approx 150cm/60" wide) cotton (lawn/poplin) fabric
  • Matching colour sewing thread
  • 1/4m fusible interfacing
  • 41cm (16") to 56cm (22") standard zip (not an invisible zip)

Tools and equipment will be provided; we cannot accommodate using your sewing machine.

Tea and coffee will be provided; we recommend bringing lunch, or you can visit one of the local cafes/shops.

Location

91 Ayres Road, Manchester, M16 7GS