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
Weekday daytime course: £85
| Lesson 1 | Wednesday | 23/04/25 | 9.30 to 12pm |
| Lesson 2 | Wednesday | 30/04/25 | 9.30 to 12pm |
| Lesson 3 | Wednesday | 07/05/25 | 9.30 to 12pm |
Weekday evening course: £103.75
| Lesson 1 | Wednesday | 23/04/25 | 5.30pm to 8pm |
| Lesson 2 | Wednesday | 30/04/25 | 5.30pm to 8pm |
| Lesson 3 | Wednesday | 07/05/25 | 5.30pm to 8pm |
Weekend course: £122.50
| Lesson 1 | Saturday | 26/04/25 | 10am to 1.45pm |
| Lesson 2 | Saturday | 03/05/25 | 10am to 1.45pm |
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