For: Students who completed Intermediate 101 or have experience sewing basic garments Total Hours: 21 hours Recommended Format: 6 sessions × 3.5 hours Goal: Learn to create more refined, fitted garments with intermediate-level techniques and custom finishing
About Intermediate Class
This hands-on class will boost your confidence and creativity, preparing you for more advanced sewing projects. Join us and start designing with skill!
Objectives: • Understand knit fabric behavior • Accurate measurements & pattern layout • Fabric cutting & marking Breakdown: • 15 min – Welcome, course overview, goals, review Intermediate 1 skills • 20 min – Discuss knit fabric properties, handling & common issues (stretch, curling edges) • 30 min – Take individual body measurements (bust, waist, hips, arm length) • 30 min – Pattern reading: identifying stretch directions, notches, seam allowances, placket, collar pieces • 70 min – Fabric layout & cutting: • Align fabric grain/stretch properly • Pin patterns securely • Cut carefully with scissors or rotary cutter • Transfer all markings with tailor’s chalk or washable pen • 15 min – Edge finishing demo: serger or zigzag stitching to prevent curling • 20 min – Q&A and recap
Class 2: Polo Shirt Assembly – Seams & Collar (3.5 hours)
Objectives: • Sew stable seams on knit fabric • Attach sleeves • Construct and attach collar Breakdown: • 15 min – Review of knit seam stabilization techniques (using stay tape or clear elastic) • 45 min – Sew shoulder seams with appropriate stitch (stretch stitch or narrow zigzag) • 45 min – Attach sleeves using flat method, pinning accurately • 30 min – Sew side seams and underarm seams continuously for clean finish • 60 min – Prepare collar pieces: interfacing, pressing, understitching • 15 min – Attach collar to neckline, easing fabric carefully to avoid puckers • 10 min – Clean up & pressing
Homework : - Practice sewing a straight seam and zigzag/stretch stitch on scrap knit fabric .
Class 3: Polo Shirt Finishing & Shorts Prep (3.5 hours)
Objectives: • Construct front placket with buttonholes or snaps • Hem polo shirt • Begin shorts project: pattern reading & cutting Breakdown: • 45 min – Construct placket: • Interface placket pieces • Press folds precisely • Attach placket to front neckline • 45 min – Create buttonholes using sewing machine or attach snaps • 30 min – Hem sleeves and bottom edge using twin needle or coverstitch machine • 30 min – Final pressing and fit check of polo shirt • 30 min – Transition to shorts project: overview of shorts styles & fabric selection • 30 min – Pattern reading & layout for shorts • 15 min – Fabric cutting & marking for shorts
Homework : Practice making buttonholes on scrap fabric or experiment with snap attachments.
Class 4: Shorts Construction (3.5 hours)
Objectives: • Assemble shorts panels • Construct and attach pockets • Sew waistband casing Breakdown: • 45 min – Sew front and back shorts panels (pin, sew, press) • 45 min – Pocket construction (side seam or patch): • Cut pocket pieces • Attach to shorts panels • 45 min – Sew side seams and inseams • 45 min – Prepare waistband casing: • Fold & press casing allowance • Sew casing leaving opening for elastic or insert drawstring tunnel • 30 min – Press shorts and discuss fitting considerations
Homework : Research different types of waistbands (elastic , drawstring, flat ) and write pros and cons for each.
• Insert elastic or drawstring in waistband • Hem shorts • Begin babydoll dress: cutting and bodice assembly Breakdown: • 45 min – Insert elastic into waistband using safety pin, secure ends • 45 min – Hem shorts evenly (fold, press, sew) • 30 min – Add optional topstitching or decorative details • 15 min – Final pressing of shorts • 20 min – Introduce babydoll dress project: design, fabric choice, measurements • 30 min – Pattern layout & cutting for bodice and skirt panels • 25 min – Sew bodice: shoulder seams and side seams
Homework : Practice inserting elastic into a fabric casing using a safety pin . Practice gathering fabric evenly by hand or machine on a scrap piece.
Class 6: Babydoll Dress Completion & Showcase (3.5 hours)
Objectives: • Finish neckline and sleeves • Gather skirt and attach to bodice • Hem skirt • Final pressing and presentation Breakdown: • 45 min – Finish neckline with bias binding or facing, sew sleeves if included • 45 min – Gather skirt panels evenly by hand or machine • 45 min – Attach gathered skirt to bodice, sew carefully to distribute fullness • 30 min – Hem skirt evenly • 20 min – Final pressing and quality checks • 25 min – Q/ A ; Student presentation of projects, group photos, feedback, and celebration Homework : Prepare a short presentation ( verbal/ written ) about your sewing journey / challenges faced
Skills Covered • Handling and sewing with knit & woven fabrics • Accurate pattern reading and fabric cutting • Advanced seam finishes and stabilization techniques • Collar and placket construction • Pocket insertion techniques • Elastic waistband construction • Gathering and attaching full skirts • Professional hemming methods • Pressing and garment shaping • Project planning & time management
