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The Surprising Truth About Sewing Prep

As a sewing instructor, I've noticed a common misconception among beginner sewers: they underestimate the importance of prep work. In every class I've taught, learners are always surprised by how much time it takes to prepare for a sewing project. They're eager to dive in and start stitching, but skipping or rushing the prep stage can lead to frustration and poor results.

The 5 Stages of Sewing Prep

Before you start sewing, there are 5 essential stages to complete. By breaking down your project into these stages, you'll ensure a smoother, more enjoyable sewing experience.

The 7 Stages of Sewing

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sewing process:

1. Gather everything you need: Purchase pattern, fabric, lining, test fabric, thread, fastenings, notions, interfacing, and paper to trace off your pattern.
2. Pre-wash and iron your fabrics: Prepare your materials for sewing.
3. Trace off your size from the original pattern: Create a custom fit for your garment (and preserve the original pattern).
4. Cut out pattern pieces: Cut fabric, lining, and interfacing according to your pattern.
5. Mark notches, darts, and dots: Add crucial markings to your fabric.
6. Finish raw edges: Overlock or use alternative methods to finish raw edges (more on this below).
7. Start sewing/constructing the garment: Follow your pattern instructions to bring your project to life.

The Importance of Finishing Raw Edges

Stage 6, finishing raw edges, is a crucial step that's often overlooked until the very end, when it's too late. But what if you don't have an overlocker? Don't worry! In my Sew Like A Pro Kit, I share alternative methods for finishing raw edges, ensuring your garments look professional and durable.

Get Your Sew Like A Pro Kit Today!

If you haven't already, grab your Sew Like A Pro Kit now and take your sewing skills to the next level. For a limited time, it's available at the launch price of £19 (regularly £99). This kit is packed with valuable tips and techniques to help you sew like a pro, even if you're a beginner.

IN-PERSON SEWING CLASSES

Sewing Classes in Reading College

The beginner's class starting Monday 4 November has sold out, but there are 3 spaces available on the Thursday classes starting Thursday 7th November.

Click the button to secure one of the last 3 places

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Perfect Fit Masterclass with Lutterloh at Reading Sewing Bee

I'm also running an in-person Perfect Fit Masterclass at Reading Sewing Bee on 11 December and bookings are now open. It's a free class where I'll be showing you how you can create perfectly fitting patterns using the Lutterloh Pattern Drafting kit. You'll also get an opportunity to purchase your own kit so you too can create perfectly fitting patterns.

Sew Like A Pro Kit

I'm thrilled to share that my Sew Like A Pro Kit presale has been a huge success, with over 70 budding dressmakers snapping it up! If you're one of them, get ready for a fantastic experience - I'm hard at work crafting the masterclasses, which will be ready on October 31st.

If you missed out on the presale offer, you might be curious about what all the excitement is about. You can learn more about the Sew Like A Pro Kit here. Although the presale price of £7 is no longer available, you can still get it at the special launch price of £19 (normally £99).