We run two adult classes, a Beginners class and a Dressmakers class. Crafty Birds adult sewing courses are for people aged 18 and over. If you have a child aged 14 to 17 who you would like to learn to sew with, you can book a place for your child on the adult courses too. (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).

Which class should I join?

beginners class

Do you want to start sewing for the very first time but have no idea where to start? Or maybe you’ve taught yourself some skills at home following Youtube sewing tutorials but would now like some one to one guidance to iron out any problems?

The Adult Beginners class will be perfect for you. We explore how to operate and solve problems on the machine with confidence, learn about different types of fabrics and their uses, and master essential, transferrable skills such as sewing different types of hems, seams, and simple fastenings.

You don’t have to splurge on any equipment or machines to start your new hobby-we have everything in the sewing studio for you to use!

dressmakers class

If you’re a little further ahead in your sewing journey, and are now ready to learn how to make clothes, the Adult Dressmakers course is for you. Those who haven’t sewn in a long time but used to make clothes also find these courses helpful to get back into the swing of things.

This is for people who know how to operate the sewing machine, how to sew seams and hems properly, having made a variety of many products already, but need demonstrations and help to venture into dressmaking. Pattern symbols, concealed zips, button holes, sleeves, waistbands, darts, collars and so many more clothing features will be taught in the Dressmakers class. We also explore fabrics which are more difficult to work with such as stretch, satin, chiffon, denim, and more.

It’s also perfect for people with experience in dressmaking already, looking for the next challenge, as we run a variety of courses to suit different sewing goals.

When are the lessons?

The Beginners courses run on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm to 8.30pm, and the dressmakers courses run on Monday evenings between 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Crafty Birds runs five Beginners courses per year and three Dressmakers courses per year. The Beginners courses run for 5 or 6 weeks, and the Dressmakers courses run for 9 weeks. There is also the option to attend the first 3 weeks only of a dressmakers course, at a lower price. More info on this is below….

what will I make ON THE BEGINNERS COURSES?

During each five/six week course, you will work on a project which you will complete and take home when the course finishes. Some examples of projects on previous and upcoming courses are:

  • Applique drawstring bag

  • Cushion cover

  • Pyjama bottoms

  • Christmas bunting

  • Zipped cosmetic case

  • Wine picnic tote bag

  • Kimono jacket

  • Memory bear

You will receive step by step instructions and one to one help if you need it, and space to push forward independently when you wish to!

what will I make on the dressmakers courses?

In weeks 1, 2, and 3 of the course, you will make practise samples of a few dressmaking skills, with thorough and clear demonstrations and one to one help. For example, on one course you may make a section of a top using scrap fabric, to learn the following skills:

  • How to follow pattern symbols to cut and mark the fabric

  • Sew in darts

  • Join side and shoulder seams

  • Construct a button placket and add button holes

  • Sew and attach a collar

Then in the following 6 weeks of the course, you will have the freedom to work on your own individual item of clothing, ideally applying the skills you learnt in weeks 1, 2, and 3. For example, you would choose to make a shirt or a shirt dress as you now know how to sew a collar and button plackets. For any other skills needed which you’re unsure of, you can simply ask your tutor to give you a one to one demonstration.

You will bring your own pattern and fabric to sessions 4 to 9, and can get advice about this from your tutor in sessions 1 to 3.

who will be teaching the courses?

Anneka, the owner of Crafty Birds, teaches the dressmaking classes. Denyse, another qualified teacher of fashion, teaches the beginners classes.

Both Anneka and Denyse are degree educated in Fashion and Textiles, have previously worked in different areas of the fashion and clothing industry, and are now fully qualified teachers.

All the tutors are friendly and hands on, helping you learn and feel comfortable to ask as many questions as you like. They deliver clear demonstrations, breaking down different stages of making, going at a pace that suits you, as well as providing one to one help when you need it. They can differentiate the learning during the course to ensure everyone feels appropriately challenged, and able to make a good quality product.