Sew Ready: Garment Basics

Class Preview

Customize and sew your first garment — a chic pencil skirt — and gain the skills to make even more wardrobe essentials you’ll love to wear! Note: Pattern not included.

Meet Brett Bara & Get Started

Brett Bara introduces herself, explains the project pattern and choosing a size, and discusses the tools you’ll need.

Getting to Know the Pattern

Brett demystifies the pattern instruction sheet, shows you how to read the markings on a tissue pattern and explains how to find the right lines for your size.

Cutting Your Fabric

Brett helps translate the pattern instructions to get the most out of your fabric. You’ll see how to transfer important marks and notches and learn two ways to cut efficiently.

Sewing Darts & Zippers

Darts add shaping to the skirt, and zippers are easier to sew than you might think! Brett shows you how.

Assembling the Skirt

You’ll put together the back and front pieces of your skirt, and see several ways to finish your seams for a smooth and professional look.

Sewing Waistbands

Choose between a smooth, faced waistband or a more traditional attached waistband.

Hemming

You can hand-stitch for an invisible hem, or choose a machine-stitched straight stitch or blind stitch to finish your skirt edge.

Variations

It’s easy to change the look of your skirt and make it unique by using print fabrics, changing the length, color-blocking it and adding a belt.