Sewing Skills Builder Course

Name: Sewing Skills Builder Course
Rating: 4.7 (22 reviews)

Sewing Techniques & Projects: Dress Sewing, Pants Construction and Spandex Sewing

Created byLoraine van den Berg

Last updated 12/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Printing and Taping of Pdf patterns.
Learn how to take your measurements.
How to lengthen or shorten the pattern.
How to determine which size to cut when your measurements fall between different sizes on the pattern.
Understanding the Pattern Layout.
Pattern Notches and Markings.
Staystitch and Tacking/Basting stitching.
Sewing a Facing.
How to gather fabric.
The easy way to insert Inseam/Hidden Pockets.
How to make and attach side ties,
Fitting and Sewing Sleeves.
Sew the Double Folded Hem.
Sew the Single Folded Hem.
Sew a front waistband.
Sew elastic into a waistband casing.

Course content

3 sections • 29 lectures • 2h 54m total length

Print and Tape your Pattern9:17
Print the PDF pattern in four formats, using A4 or US letter for printing, set actual size, then cut and tape sheets, aligning pages row by row with the diagram.
Take your measurements0:45
Learn to take accurate sewing measurements: shoulder to shoulder, bust around the nipple line, waist, and length from shoulder to waist with the tape held straight at the back.
What size to cut1:20
Measure shoulder from center back to shoulder points with a ruler, and use color-coded lines in black-and-white print to identify size; when between sizes, choose bigger at shoulder and armhole.
Lengthen or shorten the pattern1:59
Lengthen or shorten patterns by calculating shoulder-to-waist differences, marking and moving pieces, aligning center front and back, and adjusting both front and back for a well-fitting garment.
Pattern Layout1:55
Plan pattern layout for directional prints by folding fabric double, keeping the print side outward, aligning grainlines to the selvage, and pinning pieces to minimize waste.
Cut the pieces out10:50
Master fabric layout by cutting pattern pieces with care, preserving space for facings, using offcuts for pockets, testing grain with folds, and preparing facings by fusing and ironing.
Notches and marking5:59
Mark sleeve notches about two millimetres from the edge; mark front armhole notches, back normal notches, pocket placements, stitch line on pockets' wrong side, and ties with white pencil.
Prepare the ties0:56
Prepare ties, pin pattern on fabric's right side, mark a line five millimetres from the edge on both sides and one end, fold to the wrong side and press.
Staystitch and Tacking stitching6:17
Learn staystitching the front neckline curve and tacking stitches along the bottom panel edges to prevent stretching, using correct needle positions, stitch lengths, and fabric easing.
Sew the gathers13:21
Fold and mark the skirt and bodice panels, align right sides at center marks, gather fabric into soft folds, sew with 1 cm seam allowances, then overlock and press.
The facings14:49
Master assembling facings by joining right sides with a one centimetre seam allowance, pressing open, understitching along the edge, and finishing with hand tacking and top stitching at the neckline.
Attach The Ties5:28
Fold and press the ties, align edges, sew from the unpinned end, add a second row 1.5 cm from the edge, top stitch 2 cm from the fold.
The sleeves7:12
Align the sleeve with the armhole by matching front, underarm points, and notches, pin from underarm to shoulder, then finish with overlock or a 1 cm seam and press.
The Inseam Pocket15:40
Learn to construct an inseam pocket with precise placement and one centimetre seam allowance, including pinning, topstitching, pressing, and reinforcing on side and front panels.
Double-folded Hem2:12
Overlock sleeve hems, fold edge to the wrong side, press, then fold again. Start at underarm seam, keep hem 5 mm from edge, stitch length on three.
Single-folded Hem6:14
Fold the skirt hem 1.5 cm, press, pin. Sew with a sewing guide foot, right side up, measure from the foot’s middle to locate the groove.

Introduction1:19
learn to sew wide leg pants with a front waistband and elasticized back, achieve a great fit and finish, guided steps using the sewing guide and basic-to-advanced course.
Prepare and Sew the Basics1:24
Prepare and sew the basics by printing the serving guide and pattern to actual size, measure waist and hip, grade between sizes if needed, and cut fabric with grainline.
Steps 6 to 1512:11
Measure elastic about 20% shorter than the back waist, test fit, sew with zigzag to prevent fraying, fold waistband, stitch in the groove, and finish with hems.

Introduction1:59
Practice sewing on stretch fabric and troubleshoot common issues while creating a neckline with a facing on spandex. Download the pdf pattern and instructions to sew the knit eyeline top.
Percentage Stretch in Fabric2:42
Learn to measure fabric stretch by folding on the grain and pulling 10 cm to determine a 35% stretch, across viscose spandex, nylon spandex, bonbon, and cotton spandex four-way fabrics.
Test your Stitching13:51
Experiment with fabric samples to tune sewing machine tension and stitch settings across spandex and viscose, using zigzag, double overlock seam, walking foot, and twin needle hems for stretch seams.
Preparations for the neckline with a facing4:56
Print the pattern at actual size, place front and back panels on the fabric fold with the neckline facing, and press interfacing along the grain with a hot iron.
The shoulder seams7:21
Master how to overlock facing edges and shoulder seams with 1 cm seam allowance, test stitch settings on scrap fabric, and press the seams open for a neat finish.
Attach the facing5:01
Fold facing double at the V point, mark the pivot mark one centimetre from the inner V edge, and pin to the neckline while aligning shoulder seams and center front.
Clip the seam allowance and sew under stitching2:07
Clip the seam allowance at the V and around curves, press the seam to the facing, and sew under stitching on the facing to achieve a neater neckline.
Sew the Top Stitching8:47
Finish the neckline by attaching the facing, securing with tacking stitches, and topstitching with a walking foot to keep layers aligned; start at center back and press from the inside.
Sew the hem7:27
Practice setting up your overlocker, adjust stitch length and tension, and fold and topstitch a hem with a walking foot for stable, stretchy fabrics.
Test Your Skill1:11
Test your skill by following pages five to eleven of the course preparation and sewing guide to sew eyeline top, with no video guidance for printing and actual size printing.

Requirements

Basic sewing experience
Sewing Machine
Basic sewing tools
Fabric: 3.3 meters x 150 cm of a woven fabric that drapes well (e.g., Rayon, Viscose, Linen).
Fusing: 30 cm of lightweight fusing for the facing.
Matching thread

Description

Take your sewing to the next level with this practical, creativity-focused garment sewing course. The Sewing Skills Builder Course is designed for students who already understand the basics and are ready to grow their confidence, develop independent thinking, and sew more creatively.

In this course, you will work through three complete projects—each chosen to strengthen different sewing skills and techniques:

A Gathered Dress with Sleeves and Pockets

Full video guidance is provided to help you sew this beautiful project step by step.

Wide-Leg Pants

Learn important construction skills with video support for the challenging steps.

A Knit A-Line Top

Build your spandex sewing skills with stitch exercises, a sample neckline, and a final “test top” guided by the written instructions.

This course is not just about copying steps. You’ll learn how to use patterns, solve sewing problems, and think independently as you sew.

Whether you're building a handmade wardrobe or preparing for more advanced sewing, this course will expand your skills, strengthen your technique, and help you sew with creativity and confidence.

Let’s grow your sewing skills — one project at a time!

By the end of the course, you'll have created a beautiful gathered dress, wide Leg Pants and an A-Line Knit Top, in your chosen size and acquired all the skills mentioned above.

Who this course is for:

This course is intended for learners who have the basic sewing knowledge and want to improve their sewing skills.

Sewing Skills Builder Course

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Gathered Dress Project16 lectures • 1hr 44min

The Wide Leg Pants3 lectures • 15min

Spandex Skill Practice and Final Top Project10 lectures • 55min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: