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Intro to Garment Sewing

  • Tett Centre 370 King Street West Kingston, ON, K7L 2X4 Canada (map)
sleeveless top in white

Transform fabric into fashion in this hands-on beginner workshop.

Over two engaging 3-hour sessions, you'll learn essential sewing skills for making your own clothes while creating a beautiful, wearable top from start to finish. This isn't just a sewing class – it's your gateway into the world of handmade fashion.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is designed for beginners who have basic familiarity with a sewing machine (threading, simple straight stitch) and are ready to advance their skills. No previous garment sewing experience required.

Essentially, have you turned your machine on and run some fabric through it but never really made anything yet? Have you attempted to hem some curtains or make basic home decor items? Come join us! You’ll learn everything you need to know at the workshop.

What You'll Learn:

  • Session 1 - Monday, June 16th from 6:00 to 9:00pm

    • Setting up your machine for success

    • Determining your size and how to grade between sizes

    • Fabric cutting and pattern layout techniques

    • Multiple seam construction methods (which we’ll practice on provided test squares)

    • Starting your top

  • Session 2 - Monday, June 23rd from 6:00 to 9:00pm

    • Bias tape making and application for professional finishing

    • Proper pressing techniques for polished results

    • Basic fit assessment and minor adjustments

    • Completing your top

What You'll Create:

You'll construct a simple linen (or light weight woven cotton) sleeveless top. A versatile and essential staple for every wardrobe. This light, breezy, and semi-fitted pattern is sure to keep you cool all summer long!

I chose this free pattern due to its timeless design and ability to teach fundamental skills you'll use in many future garment project. (Also, it’s free and accessible to those just starting out.)

The pattern comes in sizes 0/2 to 28/30. (NOTE: If you are outside of this size range and would like to participate, please reach out and we’ll source a pattern unique to you.)

What you’ll take home:

  • A completed top! yeah!

  • A new found confidence to try other patterns on your own at home

  • New skills you'll use in every future sewing project

  • Connection with fellow makers

What to Bring:

  1. Your sewing machine in good working order + manual (NOTE: We will not have capacity to troubleshoot broken machines during workshop time. Everyone is expected to come with an understanding of how to thread their own machines. Your manual will come in handy if you’re not familiar with adjusting stitch lengths and backstitching etc.)

  2. 1.5 metres of medium-weight cotton or linen fabric, pre-washed and dried (NOTE: Pre-washing is an essential step as it eliminates any shrinkage prior to making your top. If you do not wash beforehand, you risk your top no longer fitting correctly after it’s first wear and wash.)

  3. Matching thread

  4. Basic sewing supplies (scissors, pins etc. a detailed supply list will be provided upon registration)

All other tools, equipment and pattern provided by the instructor.

About Your Instructor

Led by Breanne Johnson of Wild Bobbin, Kingston's newest sewing education studio and upcoming garment fabric retailer. Breanne brings years of sewing expertise and a passion for teaching sustainable garment construction in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Limited to 8 participants. Waitlist available.

Questions? Contact Breanne at hello@wildbobbin.com