THE KIMONO JACKET COURSE

 

Duration and Earnings

  • During this 9 week course, customers will receive 18 learning hours. When you subtract the time you spend delivering demonstrations and instructions, customers spend 10.5 hours making the kimono. It takes them longer to make it than it would you; it would only take you around 7 hours to make it. Some customers will complete the kimono in session 8, but an additional session is added to allow for any slower sewists or any absences during the course.

  • Total earnings of £600 is broken down below:

    • The advised preparation time for this course is 7 hours, with earnings of £140

    • Your total delivery time is 23 hours, with earnings of £460

Challenge level and skills

This is marketed as a challenge level 2 out of 5 course. Customers view the course info page to determine which course is suitable for their ability and desired aims.

There are 10 separate pieces of fabric to make the jacket, with straight edge seams throughout, and some topstitching and stitching in the ditch. The most complex part for customers is the sleeve insertion, attaching the cuff, and the bottom edges of the collar. Extra time is allocated at these stages in the session schedule. During the course, you will emphasise the following skills, for customers to learn:

  • Pattern markings and lay planning

  • Edge finishing with zig zag stitch and/or overlocking. If you have enough overlockers, you can give customers time to practise, and then decide which method to use throughout their jacket. If you do not have enough overlockers, you can deliver the zig zag option only.

  • The difference between open and closed seams

  • Stitching in the ditch

  • Topstitching

Fabrics

If you run this course with the final session in the warmer months, a light to medium weight fabric such as poplin or lawn, in cotton or viscose, or a linen mix will be provided. The jacket also works well in cooler months, in which case a heavier fabric such as twill will be offered to customers. Customers will be given the option to make the jacket in full print, full plain, or a mix of plain and print by contrasting collar/hem/cuff with the main jacket. This will all be explained to customers on the website when they book.

A final note from Anneka

I loved delivering this course, because the customers loved it! Their joy in completing each stage and seeing their jacket come together was contagious. For many, it is the first garment they have ever made. The skills they learn feel like big accomplishments for them, which brings reward for you. The delivery flows with ease each week; you will find that an individual stage of making occupies customers for a lengthy amount of time, giving you time to rest between demonstrations. You will get to spend time with smaller groups and individuals for informal and low level challenge assistance, making this a stress free course to run of an evening.