Learn to Sew | Basic Skills
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of machine sewing while creating a versatile, stylish tote bag you can carry with pride. Designed especially for beginners, this course is the perfect introduction to sewing — building confidence, practical skills and creative momentum as you work through one complete project. You’ll follow an original CAFA tote bag pattern and leave with a beautifully finished piece that reflects your growing skills.
What You’ll Learn
This course is ideal for total beginners, though those with a little sewing experience are very welcome too. You’ll gain practical, transferable skills that set you up for future projects — including garment sewing — while working at a relaxed, supportive pace.
You’ll learn how to:
Sew confidently using a sewing machine
Press and apply interfacing for a crisp, polished look
Master topstitching and edge stitching
Use understitching and grading for clean, professional finishes
Turn corners neatly and accurately
About the Tote Bag
This tote really has it all. As the first pattern offered by the Couture Arts Collective, it’s been thoughtfully designed to be both functional and beautiful — and we’re sure you’ll love it.
Features include:
Two external pockets for easy access to essentials
Two internal pockets to keep everything organised
A fully lined interior for durability and a professional finish
Contrasting fabric options so you can make your tote truly your own
Not quite ready to book?
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Introductory Pattern Making | Course Summary
This course is based on our professional program and is taught in modules that are designed to build your on your skills as your ability to handle more complex garments increases.
Pattern making uses blocks which are base patterns for garments including skirts, bodices, dresses and pants. At CAFA, we specialise in couture sewing which uses a snug fitting block that is enlarged depending on the garment to be made. This style of block development suits dressmakers undertaking custom work.
For those wanting to undertake commercial work, and are only designing in specific size ranges, the blocks can be adjusted to be more specialised and include base fittings and features such as collars, sleeves and cuffs.
A pattern is not considered complete until a sample is sewn and the pattern tested for fit. Students have the option to learn commercial, high end, ready to wear or couture sewing techniques while undertaking the pattern making course. Those learning couture techniques will also be taught the pattern making skills to design the underpinnings associated with couture dressmaking.
The first module is designed to give you enough skills to start pattern making your own designs whilst simultaneously learning how to tackle more complex garments taught in the later modules.
Module 1
Basic blocks for skirts, bodice and pants
Pattern alteration methods for skirts: tapered, A-line, high and low waisted, gored, pleated, wrapped, bubble, circle and cascade skirts
Bodice enlargement and style chansges using dart manipulation
Basic shirts and bodice variations
Strapless, contouring or close-fitting garments
Necklines, collars and sleeve variations
Pants and trousers
Module 2
Dresses and wimple evening wear
Shirt and blouse variations using advanced techniques
Unstructured jackets
Capes and hoods
Module 3
Stretch fabric pattern making techniques
Stretch tops, pants, dresses and unstructured coats
Lingerie and swimwear
Corsetry
Exercise wear
Module 4
Jacket pattern making
Coat pattern making
Module 5
Introductory draped pattern making
Module 6
Draped pattern making for eveningwear and bridal