Basic Tailoring Course

Lesson 1 • Workspace Organisation and Safety

Establishes ergonomic layout and safe practices for a tailoring workspace. Proper organisation reduces errors and prevents injury.

Lesson 2 • History and Scope of Tailoring

Covers the evolution of tailoring from bespoke craft to modern production. Establishes professional context and motivates disciplined technique.

Lesson 3 • Essential Sewing Tools

Identifies hand tools, cutting instruments, and pressing equipment used daily. Students practise correct grip and safe handling of each tool.

Lesson 1 • Fabric Weave and Weight

Analyses plain, twill, and satin weaves and their effect on drape and durability. Weave structure determines cutting and sewing approach.

Lesson 2 • Fabric Preparation and Pre-treatment

Covers pre-washing, straightening grain, and pressing before cutting. Proper preparation prevents shrinkage and distortion in finished garments.

Lesson 3 • Fabric Fibre Types and Properties

Examines natural, synthetic, and blended fibres and their performance characteristics. Fibre knowledge guides appropriate fabric selection for each garment.

Lesson 4 • Notions and Trimmings

Surveys threads, zippers, buttons, and other notions needed to complete garments. Correct notion selection ensures durability and professional appearance.

Lesson 1 • Standard Size Charts and Grading

Compares individual measurements against industry size charts and introduces basic grading. Students learn to select the best starting pattern size.

Lesson 2 • Taking Accurate Body Measurements

Teaches a systematic sequence for measuring bust, waist, hips, and length points. Consistent technique ensures repeatable, reliable data.

Lesson 3 • Fitting Analysis and Adjustment Principles

Identifies common fit problems such as drag lines, pulling, and excess fabric. Students diagnose causes and plan corrections before cutting.

Lesson 1 • Length and Width Alterations

Applies slash-and-spread and tuck methods to adjust pattern length and width. These techniques correct the most common fit discrepancies.

Lesson 2 • Pattern Tracing and Transfer

Demonstrates tracing patterns onto paper to preserve originals and enable alterations. Accurate transfer maintains pattern integrity.

Lesson 3 • Dart Manipulation and Relocation

Explains dart function and teaches pivot and slash methods to move or convert darts. Dart control shapes garments to body contours.

Lesson 4 • Anatomy of a Commercial Pattern

Decodes pattern symbols, grain lines, notches, and instruction sheets. Fluent pattern reading prevents cutting and construction errors.

Lesson 1 • Preparing Fabric for Cutting

Reviews grain alignment, folding, and pinning fabric before cutting. Correct preparation ensures pattern pieces cut true to grain.

Lesson 2 • Handling Specialty Fabrics When Cutting

Addresses cutting challenges with plaids, stripes, nap fabrics, and sheers. Special handling prevents mismatched patterns and distortion.

Lesson 3 • Cutting Tools and Techniques

Demonstrates scissor and rotary cutter techniques for straight and curved edges. Smooth, single-stroke cutting produces clean seam lines.

Lesson 1 • Machine Seam Types

Demonstrates plain, French, flat-felled, and lapped seams and their appropriate applications. Seam choice affects durability, bulk, and appearance.

Lesson 2 • Topstitching and Edge Stitching

Teaches decorative and functional topstitching for collars, cuffs, and edges. Consistent stitch distance elevates garment professionalism.

Lesson 3 • Stitching Curves, Corners, and Points

Addresses technique adjustments for sewing curved seams, inside corners, and sharp points. Mastery here determines garment shape accuracy.

Lesson 4 • Seam Finishing Methods

Covers pinked, zigzag, serged, and bound seam finishes to prevent fraying. Finish selection matches fabric type and garment end use.

Lesson 1 • Collar and Neckline Construction

Builds flat, stand, and shirt collars and attaches them to necklines cleanly. Collar construction tests precision in cutting, stitching, and pressing.

Lesson 2 • Hems and Edge Finishes

Covers blind hem, hand-rolled hem, and machine hem techniques for varied garment types. Hem choice affects drape, weight, and visual finish.

Lesson 3 • Waistbands and Waistline Finishes

Covers interfaced waistbands, faced waistlines, and elastic casings. Sturdy waistline construction supports garment shape and comfort.

Lesson 4 • Sleeve Setting and Cuff Attachment

Demonstrates easing, setting, and pressing sleeves into armholes and attaching cuffs. Smooth sleeve caps and flat cuffs signal professional skill.

Lesson 1 • Lining Insertion Techniques

Demonstrates bagged and hand-sewn lining methods for jackets and skirts. Proper lining improves drape, comfort, and interior finish.

Lesson 2 • Final Pressing and Garment Care

Applies professional pressing sequences to shape and set the finished garment. Correct pressing transforms a sewn garment into a tailored one.

Lesson 3 • Buttons, Buttonholes, and Snaps

Covers machine and hand-worked buttonholes, button sewing, and snap placement. Secure, evenly spaced closures complete garment function.

Lesson 4 • Zipper Installation Methods

Teaches centred, lapped, invisible, and fly-front zipper applications. Flat, pucker-free zippers are a benchmark of tailoring quality.