Pattern Cutting & Garment Making
A two-day workshop with SarahB
Friday 31 October & Saturday 1 November 2025
10:30am - 4:30pm (both days)
£150.00
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
a Green Maker Initiative workshop
Learn pattern cutting and garment making techniques with a view to craft a simple jacket or top.
At the early stage of Day 1 there’ll be time for brainstorming, inspiration, discussion and looking at samples for ideas. Time will be spent working with paper and drawing materials as well as with fabric to draft your pattern and to test quick samples. The option to work small-scale (standard fashion industry practice) is available.
It’s important to bring your plain (i.e. no stripes, checks or patterns) washed fabric*, thread, buttons, a calculator, pen, note pad and 12 body measurements** on the first day.
Three metres of cloth should be enough to make a full size jacket but fabric width and the size and length to be cut may make a difference to this estimate. Participants are asked to make an objective decision when sourcing their cloth for this workshop. Plain natural fibre cloth (cotton or linen) of a medium or light weight is recommended.
Even if you plan to work small scale please still bring body measurements with you.
Measurements and how to take them are shown (for women) in this video :- https://youtu.be/kPkfhrQwsD8?feature=shared Bring the measurements made for instructions :- 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 20, 29, 30, 31 & 33.
Men … please follow the instructions in this film which explains and describes 12 measuring requirements :- https://youtu.be/h_KvGI6XJAg?feature=shared
The plan for Day 2 involves using many of the stitch-features on MAKE’s Janome sewing machines to begin or to continue with the making of your jacket/top.
Bring your preferred sewing tools with you for a very focused and exciting stitching time. The group size won’t be larger than six participants.
Design has to be kept simple on this short course. The construction of all the garment features taught can be adapted, exaggerated &/or modified which there may be time for depending on people’s ability levels. The objective is that everyone will complete their garment whilst being realistic about skills levels and cloth working ability. Clear, comprehensive and illustrated jacket construction instructions (written and produced by SarahB) are supplied to all attendees.
Janome Sewing Machines (M100 QDC) will be provided for each participant.
On the Day
All tools and materials will be provided.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop - all participants receive a 10% discount voucher for food and drink purchased on the day.
On arrival, please make your way to the side gate of the Riverside Mill, through the courtyard and up the stone stairs on the side of the building. Please let us know if you require the lift.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.