Learn all steps from cutting your material to the finished garment. Save money by making clothes for yourself and your family. Estimated cost of materials is $40. BYO sewing machine with foot control and power cord to all classes. NOTE: You must know how to thread machine and bobbin or have done the Get to Know Your Sewing Machine course.
Your tutor is Pauline Walladge
Pauline Walladge has been teaching at WEA since 1989.
With qualifications in fashion, soft furnishings and interior decorating, Pauline has been running craft groups for more than 30 years, as well as teaching at various TAFE campuses and community centres around Adelaide.
She ran her own private business for many years and has also privately taught students who have embarked on careers in the dressmaking industry.
She is also a past WEA Board Member and loves teaching at the WEA.
Sewing for Beginners
Course Description
This is an ideal course for those ready to take the next step in learning how to sew garments using a domestic sewing machine.
Designed for individuals who already know how to thread their machine and bobbin (or who have completed the Get to Know Your Sewing Machine course), this class focuses on developing the essential skills needed for basic dressmaking.
This practical course will guide you through laying out fabric, transferring markings, and constructing a simple garment.
From understanding how fabric behaves to mastering basic stitching, seam finishes, and zips, you’ll build your knowledge step by step.
You’ll learn how to take accurate body measurements, read and select commercial patterns, and understand common sewing terms and construction techniques.
Whether you're sewing for fun, fashion, or function, you'll leave the course with the confidence and skills to continue sewing independently.
Course Structure
This course incorporates a combination of demonstrations, practical exercises, discussions, and theory-based learning, with handouts and support tailored to your progress.
You’ll start by exploring basic sewing tools and techniques, before moving on to working with commercial patterns, preparing fabric, and garment construction.
Each week introduces new techniques, with time for questions and individual assistance.
By the end of the course, you’ll complete a simple garment and feel confident applying what you've learned to future sewing projects.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Operate a domestic sewing machine with confidence
- Take body measurements and assess basic figure variations
- Choose and understand the correct size of commercial patterns
- Read and follow pattern instructions and dressmaking terminology
- Lay out fabric correctly and cut garment pieces accurately
- Transfer pattern markings to fabric effectively
- Apply basic construction techniques including seam finishes and zippers
- Complete a simple garment from start to finish.
Course Requirements
Please note: you must know how to thread your sewing machine and wind the bobbin, or have completed the WEA Get to Know Your Sewing Machine course.
The estimated cost of all materials is $40. Please bring:
- Sewing machine in good working order, with electrical cord, foot control and PRINTED manual (not a digital copy on phone or tablet)
- Zipper foot (must be double-sided – usable on both left and right sides)
- Sharp fabric scissors and a pair of very small scissors
- A selection of machine needles in different sizes
- Fine hand sewing needles
- Cotton thread
- Sharp pins (do not bring blunt or rusty pins)
- String or wool
- Tape measure
- Cream masking tape
- 25cm of cotton or calico fabric
- One nylon skirt zip for practice
- Notepad and pen
Note: No pattern or material for a project is required for the first session.
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