Freehand Sewing

In this class, you will learn to fold fabric a certain way, mark measurements, and cut out a garment style directly on fabric without a commercial pattern. With this method, you can make clothes that fit any body size.

This class is recommended for intermediate to advanced students.

1. How to take measurements of any body size.

2. How to calculate measurements for a single ply or double ply plotting on fabric.

3. How to include Seam allowances, Ease of wearing, and Intakes in measurements.

4. How fabric is folded to create various horizontal and vertical parts of the garment (E.g, bustline, waistline, cap height, hip line, etc)

5. How to draft the basic top, including a knowledge of the following:

○ Across shoulder, across back,
○ back and front neckline measurements
○ Shoulder slope and armhole depth
○ The Underarm line and Armscye
○ Portfolio of sewing skills/ techniques.

Harlem Class Schedule

WEDNESDAY: 4-6:30 PM

SATURDAY: 3-5:30 PM

*Classes are once a week. Each class is 2.5 hours*

Bronx Class Schedule

SATURDAY: 11-1 pm

*Classes are once a week. Each class is 2 hours*

Supplies needed

Fabric and paper scissors
5 yds of muslin
A roll of brown drafting paper
Pins, needles, & threads
Tape measure, tailor's chalk
Notebook, pen, and ruler
Home sewing machine (For homework)

*Pre-req: Foundational Sewing techniques, Intermediate course.

What You'll Learn:

1. Freehand Sewing is a unique practice of training to break down the concepts and skills in an easy-to-follow process of drafting, cutting, and sewing.

2. In freehand drafting, specific measurements are taken directly from the body and drafted on muslin or the fashion fabric.

3. Seam allowances and other intakes, depending on the style, are added to these measurements before cutting.

4. After all pieces have been cut, various foundational sewing skills (which must be acquired before attempting freehand sewing) are applied step-by-step to complete the garment.

5. Although many self-taught sewers start experimenting with freehand techniques, it is often hard to see it as an exact science that can be taught and learned.

6. It is mastered by practice over time, but never-ending because you can create unlimited garment styles.