Dress Fitting workshop
DRESS FITTING WORKSHOP
Are you a keen sewist looking to widen your skills? Would you like to know how to tweak a pattern for that perfect fit. Our three day course introduces you to the basic concepts of pattern drafting and fitting using a simple shift dress as the starting block. You will learn how to take measurements correctly and then use them to adapt the pattern to suit your shape, and add extra elements to suit your personal style.
THE COURSE
Our Dress Fitting course is suitable for those who already have some sewing experience. You don’t need to be an expert, but you will need to be familiar with techniques involved in making a basic shift dress.
Under the supervision of Katie, an experienced cutter (and tailor in a past life), you will take measurements and draft an initial paper pattern to your own body shape. Over the 3 days we construct several toiles and learn how to make adjustments as you go along.
All machines, equipment, pattern cutting paper and calico are included in the retreat cost. You will go home with a professional card dress pattern that has been customised to fit your own body shape and the knowledge of how to apply it to other commercial patterns for use in the future.
OUR MACHINES
We use Brother Innov-is 15 machines – brand new in May 2026. They have top-loading bobbins and a built-in needle threader. The ‘jog dial’ makes it very simple to select stitches and, with the LCD screen, you can see at a glance information about the stitch width and length.
THE VENUE
Sew Different is located within the Dean Clough mill complex in a dedicated sewing studio with lots of natural light. All equipment is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you prefer. We are located on the first floor with lift access.
Dean Clough is a thriving 22-acre mixed-use mill complex, stretching half a mile in length and consisting of 16 Grade II listed Victorian mills. Where it was once a working textile mill, it is now a community encompassing work spaces, art galleries, a theatre, restaurants, bars, shops and a hotel!
Address: Sew Different, Suite E107, E Mill, Dean Clough, Halifax HX3 5AX
THE AREA
Yorkshire is famous for its rolling green countryside and hosts some fantastic places to visit, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Cannon Hall, Leeds city centre with its Victorian shopping arcades and the famous Titanic Spa. There are also great walking and cycling routes for anyone who is thinking of bringing along a non-sewing partner!
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is not included on the course. There is a basic but serviceable Travel Lodge on site located a 2 minute walk from the studio. For a more luxurious choice, Akroyd House has 4 rooms and is a 5 minute walk away (use the code SEW for a £5 discount). Halifax town centre, bus station and train station are a ten minute walk from the studio. There is parking on site (free evenings and weekends).
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE COURSE:
-
- Dedicated studio sewing with expert teaching – maximum of 8 students
-
- Use of all sewing machines and equipment
-
- All calico, pattern cutting paper and card
- A finished card pattern to your own body shape
-
- A delicious lunch everyday of the course
-
- Teas, coffees and snacks every day in the studio
-
- A 20% discount on all other Sew Different patterns
-
- A 10% discount on Sew Different fabrics
Cost £375 – £100 deposit required to book your place and the full balance required 6 weeks before the course starts. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. Available dates:
Dress Fitting workshop
£100.00
Private workshops for solo sewists or small groups can be arranged. They can be run to a similar format as our listed retreat but you would have the studio to yourselves. The advantage of this is that we can customise the itinerary to suit you. Please email [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
