Study Sewing Online Course and Learn Basic and Advanced Sewing Techniques

The most intimidating aspect of learning to sew for some people is learning how to use the sewing machine. The Sewing Online Course begins by assuaging your fears by teaching you the fundamental elements and operations of your sewing machine, regardless of manufacturer. You will rapidly learn how to use a sewing machine, along with how to thread the bobbin and thread your machine, as well as how to troubleshoot any minor issues that may develop and how to care for your machine correctly.

Understand fundamental and applied sewing skills, a variety of machine and hand stitching styles, the tools you will need and how to use them, how to properly evaluate and pick fabrics, how to follow standard patterns and develop your own, and how to start a company. You will also get a head start on your portfolio by putting your newfound abilities to use in eight guided projects.

What you will learn with our Sewing Online Course

• Introduction to Sewing
• Sewing Stations and Machines
• Measuring and Cutting
• Fabric and Thread
• Stitches and Seams
• Patterns
• Lining
• Fasteners
• Curves and Pleats
• Learning to Sew
• Business and Marketing   

The course takes all the skills you have learned and combines them into several projects for you to follow, all of which will help you to develop the various techniques you have learnt. Each project gives you a summary of the item that you will make, the materials you’ll need, and the skills you’ll develop, before giving you step-by-step guidance on how to create the piece. The fully-guided projects included in the course are:

• Small Decorative Pillow
• Placemat
• Patchwork Table runner
• Headband
• Fashion Scarf
• Pouch
• Pin Cushion
• Infinity Scarf

Sewing Online Course - Requirements

The Online Sewing Course is delivered 100 percent online.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

• Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources
• Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)
• Be a self-directed learner
• Possess sound language and literacy skills

Quick Course Facts

1. Course content is structured for easy comprehension
2. Registered students gain unrestricted access to the Online Sewing Course
3. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device
4. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace
5. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

Sewing Online Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Sewing

Sewing is putting cloth together to create a completed object or garment. It is a technique that anybody can learn because it is helpful in everyday life, even if you are not engaged in sewing as a career.

History of Sewing

Sewing's origins are unknown. Clothing was woven together as far back as archaeologists have unearthed 4,000 BCE. During that time, clothing was made from antlers, bones, and animal intestines. The most frequent types of material were hides and fur. Baskets, tents, and garments were all made using sewing. Needle and thread were first introduced in the Middle Ages, and stitching has been done that way ever since. Tailors and sewists were in high demand.

Learning to Sew

There are several advantages to learning to sew. Many schools include a curriculum that teaches kids the fundamentals, such as sewing on missing buttons.

Sewing by Hand

Sewing used to be done almost exclusively by hand. These clothes were constructed with such care that they have survived for years. In truth, several instances of vintage clothing are still in good condition. While sewing by hand takes a long time, it allows the seamstress or tailor to have precise control over delicate stitches and thread visibility.

Sewing Machines

Using a treadle or electric machine to sew will save you much time. While you only guide the material through the machine, the machine will do most of the job. Hand finishing may or may not be required, depending on the design of your project. When time is a concern, this speed is critical. If you operate a business with tight deadlines, switching to sewing machines instead of stitching by hand can help you enhance your output. Sewing by machine will offer your completed product a professional finish in addition to speed and precision.

Module 2: Sewing Stations and Machines

We will go through setting up and putting up a sewing station in this section. We will also look at the differences between a commercial and a sewing machine for home use. This will include a discussion of the many parameters to consider when selecting a sewing machine and setting up a workspace.

Factors in Selecting a Machine

Because everyone has different tastes and wants, it is up to you to identify your specific requirements as a sewing specialist.

• Cost of equipment, furniture, and other materials
• Capabilities of the machine
• Ease of use 

Physical Space

When setting up your sewing station, the first thing to think about is how much physical room you have for the tools you believe you will need. Begin with the fundamentals: your sewing machine, toolbox, supplies, and fabric. Your sewing station should be adequately lighted, with natural light preferred during the day.

Commercial vs Home Sewing Stations

There are various distinctions between commercial and home sewing stations, the most important being the nature of the sewing machine itself.

• Stitches
• Quality
• Speed
• Maintenance
• Thread
• Cost

Choosing a Machine

Selecting one might be difficult for folks who are not familiar with sewing machines. Stitching machines come in various kinds that perform similar activities, such as quilting and sewing, although they are frequently employed in diverse environments.

Common Malfunctions

• Breaking thread
• Skipped stitches
• Imbalanced or variable stitching

Components of a Sewing Machine

A sewing machine's components all work together in perfect harmony to allow you to stitch and produce freely.

• Presser foot to hold the fabric you are working on
• Feed dogs to move material under the needle
• Clamp to hold the needle in place

Module 3: Measuring and Cutting

This section will go through how to prepare for a project by measuring and cutting cloth. We will also go through how to take accurate body measurements to guarantee proper size.

Measuring for Custom Clothing

Gendered apparel requires a different method of measuring body proportions. You will need a dressmaker's measuring tape or a soft tape that you can quickly wrap around a client's torso to capture these measures.

Women’s Sizing

The bust, waist, and hips are the three most essential parts of proper women's apparel measurement. Now, let us go through each measurement in-depth to see how correctly. Wrap the measuring tape over the back of the client's neck, under the arms, and across the entire section of the client's bust, starting with the bust. Wrap the measuring tape around your body just above your belly button and below the end of your ribs to get your waist measurement.

Men’s Sizing

When it comes to fitting, men's measuring standards are more specific. The neck, shoulders, chest, sleeves, biceps, waist, and hips must be measured. Wrap the measuring tape around the neck, starting at the neck's base, but leave a finger or two between the measuring tape and the skin for comfort. Then, measure the area where the collar should go.

Measuring for Bottom Pieces

The waist, hips, front rise, back rise, thighs, and ankles must all be measured for pants and other bottom items. Begin at the waist and wrap the tape measure around the area where the trousers will be worn. Like before, the hip measurement is taken across the widest part of the hips. The front rise is then calculated by measuring the cross-section of the crotch beam up to the waistband.

Sizing Charts

If you want to offer apparel as part of your business, make sure you have a sizing system in place so that clients can estimate the correct size. Consider how aggravating it would be to fit into a small and then order the same size only to find that it is considered too huge.

Ease and Seam Allowances

The term "ease" refers to the extra space in a piece of clothing. The apparel would be skintight and impossible for clients to slide on, let alone wear all day if it did not have the ease. Fittings will be more successful if you know the exact measurements and understand ease. First, make sure the outfit has adequate room to move about freely. Wearing ease is the term for this.

Washing and Pressing

By eliminating any shrinking, pre-washing and drying, the fabric aids the fibres in settling into their final shape and size. Follow the fabric's care instructions to the letter. If not, search for washing directions for your specific cloth on the internet. It is important to remember that not all materials can be washed in a machine.

Cutting on the Bias

One of the most challenging components of sewing is cutting. On the other hand, cutters have long been regarded as some of the most well-respected (and well-paid) personnel in the high-end garment industry. They are masters in converting measurements into pattern pieces and ensuring that they are laid out correctly to use all of a fabric's best features, whether a biased cut collar or perfectly matching a complex design.

Module 4: Fabrics and Threads

If you want to sew professionally, you need to know everything there is to know about textiles and threads. We will go through the various types and characteristics of textiles in this section. You will also discover what materials textiles are comprised of and why this is important.

Types of Fabric

Two critical elements are the fabric's construction and composition. The fabric construction describes how it is created, whereas the material composition refers to the fibre (e.g., polyester, silk, and linen) (e.g., knitted or woven).

• Knitted fabrics are made by continuous looping of a thread, while woven fabrics are made by crossing threads below or above each other.
• As the name implies, Quilted cotton refers to cotton fabric that can be utilized in making structured garments and quilts. The perk of this type of fabric is that it drapes less.
• Silky fabrics are made of polyester fibre and may have a shiny appearance. Soft solids and prints are best suited for linings, tops, and dresses.

Textile Composition

Fabric, yarn, and fibre are used to make textiles. Artificial and natural fibres are the two fibres used in textile materials. Natural fibre textiles are made from animal or plant fibres, whereas synthetic fibres include semi-synthetic cellulose and synthetic fibres.

Fabric Dyes

Cloth dyeing is the process of uniformly applying colour to a fabric. You must carefully pick the cloth type, colour, and type of dye you plan to use before dying fabric. Synthetic materials are more accessible to colour than natural fabrics. Cotton materials are the simplest to dye, whilst polyester fabrics are difficult to colour. To avoid shrinking when dyeing linen materials, ensure they have been pre-washed. Acid dyes, fibre-reactive dyes, and synthetic dyes are the three types of dyes.

Step 1: Wash the fabric.

It is a good idea to wash the cloth before commencing the dyeing process once you have decided on the right sort of dye. The goal is to eliminate any chemical finishing agents in the cloth that could hinder the dye from entering.

Step 2: Prepare the fabric dye.

Before dyeing cloth, try the dye on a sample to determine its impact. You must, however, prepare your dye before you begin. To make your dye, dissolve it in warm water and ensure it has evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the fabric.

You may employ the tie-dye method by tying portions of the cloth together to produce a design. When you are ready, use protective gloves to insert the wet fabric inside the pot of dissolved dye. The fabric's colour becomes darker when immersed in the dye.

Step 4: Take out the fabric.

Remove the fabric from the dye solution and rinse it after being happy with the colour. To remove the excess colour, start rinsing with warm water and washing in cold water.

Step 5: Drying

Before ironing, hang the fabric to dry. It is not a good idea to put the fabric in the dryer.

Assessing Fabric Quality

Varied types of textiles have different properties that might influence their quality.

Most Challenging Fabrics

For different applications, different types of cloth will be more appropriate. Some fabrics are notoriously tough to deal with, which adds to the time and effort required to sew them.

Types of Thread

• All-purpose or polyester thread is made of cotton, polyester, or a combination of both.
• Machine embroidery thread is made of rayon or viscose.
• Heavy-duty upholstery thread is polyester and used for topstitching on heavyweight fabrics like jeans.

Module 5: Stitches and Seams

This section will go through some of the most popular stitches and seams. We will also go over when hand stitching or topstitching is the best option. Time commitment, expense, fabric, and talent are all things to consider when picking stitches and seams.

Types of Stitches

• Lockstitch or straight stitches are highly versatile in application. It requires you to move your needle straight from one point to another on the fabric. Shorter stitches offer stronger seams.
• Basting stitches are excellent for temporarily holding your material in place. A seam ripper can help remove a basting stitch if you make a mistake. They are primarily used in marking the fabric's position in tailoring. They also help direct prints and stripes to match an image pattern correctly.
• Zigzag stitches are suitable for shelling your fabric’s raw edges for sewing buttons and minimizing fraying. It is also used in securing elastic fabric.

Stitching by Hand

Hand stitching has some advantages.

• Repairs
• Cross-stitch and embroidery
• Attaching appliques or patches

Topstitching

Topstitching is a decorative stitching technique applied to the exterior of a sewed item. Any pair of jeans with much topstitch will have a lot of it.

Types of Seams

• Plain seams join two fabric pieces together facing opposite sides.
• Double-stitched seams are similar to a plain seam with additional two stitch lines to provide extra strength for the fabric.
• French seams are used only on lightweight and delicate fabric, like organza or chiffon.

Module 6: Patterns

We will talk about patterns and how they are applied in this course section. We will also go through the most common pattern kinds and find them.

Purpose of Patterns

A sewing pattern is a diagram that shows how to make a particular garment form in a specified size. Patterns are a collection of flat paper pieces that may cut fabric to the precise size and form needed to make a garment. According to a set of principles, patterns often provide instructions for putting the garment's components together in the correct sequence. As you gain experience, you may alter designs to suit your needs.

Sourcing Patterns

There are two sorts of patterns: paper patterns and digital patterns. They are commonly accessible in stores and on the internet. Some individuals also pay for pattern databases or publications that offer a variety of fresh pattern pieces. Your tastes will primarily determine the type you use and whether or not you have access to local retailers.

Best Patterns for Beginners

Beginners should begin by mastering simple, easy sewing patterns. Here are a few crafts that are both enjoyable and intriguing for beginners.

• Pillowcases are simple to make and do not require a high level of precision.
• Baby blankets feature primary lines and corners that anyone can make from the start.
• Drawstring bags can be made in various sizes and with different features. This is one type of pattern that can grow with you.

Best Patterns for Advanced Sewing

Patterns that incorporate pleats, multiple materials, and other intricate aspects will pose a more significant challenge to individuals with more advanced talents.

Module 7: Linings

We will go through why linings are necessary and utilize them in this module. A lining is an interior layer of fur, fabric, or other material used in sewing crafts, and it is a great place to add some personality.

Purpose of Linings

Linings conceal interfacing, padding, raw seam edges, and other manufacturing faults to give the interior of a garment a polished look. A lining reduces the amount of wear and tear on clothes, allowing them to last longer. A coat or jacket with a smooth lining can easily slide over other clothing. They also provide warmth to cold-weather apparel, allowing them to serve a dual role depending on the design.

Using Patterns

Although adding linings to clothing is a simple process, it is critical to design the lining pattern precisely, select appropriate fabric, and use approved construction procedures. When you make significant changes to a sewing pattern, such as modifying the structure or construction, you should transfer it onto a fresh piece of pattern paper. Simple modifications, such as relocating a dart or making a minor bust adjustment, do not necessitate retracing.

Common Fabrics

The next step is to select the lining fabric when tracing the pattern. The lining is typically disregarded, whereas considerable care is usually put into picking the appropriate fashion fabric for the garment. This is unfortunate because the quality of the finished product may be significantly improved with the correct inner fabric. The appropriate lining may draw customers' attention in a store or alter how a garment feels to the wearer.

Module 8: Fasteners

We will talk about fasteners in this section of the course. Fasteners are the hardware that combines two or more parts of a garment or item.

Types of Fasteners

There are many different types of fasteners, each with its own set of advantages. They also serve as a decorative feature and offer individuality to the garment or fabric. The end-user can also influence which fastener is used. Small children, for example, may not be able to utilize zippers.

Attaching Fasteners

The procedure for sewing fasteners is determined by the fastener's design. A simple blanket stitch is the most frequent sewing method.

Types of Buttonholes

Hand-sewn, machine-sewn, and fabric loop buttonholes are the three types of buttonholes available.

Styles of Buttons

The most frequent button styles are the following five. However, the number of buttons available is relatively large. Custom buttons made to your exact requirements are also available.

• Flat buttons are the most common type.
• Shank buttons are suitable for jackets and thick material.
• Stud buttons are commonly used in jeans.

Module 9: Curves and Pleats

You will learn how to sew three curves in this unit: convex, concave, and oppositional. We will go through the different types of pleats and their qualities.

Convex Curves

Like the outside of a circle, these curves face outward. Pocket flaps, for example, can be made using these.

Concave Curves

Clothing has predominantly concave curves at the necklines and armholes. You can stitch them in the same manner as convex curves are sewn. The only variation is in how the seam allowance is cut. Instead of triangular notches, use tiny incisions. The rest of the steps are the same as before.

Opposing Curves

Sewing the sleeve of a garment into its armhole is an example of opposed curves (two curves facing in different directions).

Sewing Pleats

Pleats provide interest to a garment by creating intriguing patterns and effects on the fabric. Pleats also give the garment a sense of volume, which improves comfort and mobility while wearing it.

Types of Pleats

• Knife pleats are widely used at the waistband of a skirt.
• Fancy pleats are simple pleats that form fancy patterns on fabrics.
• Mushroom pleats add a smoking effect to fabrics.
• Cascade pleats fall lengthwise in the form of a cascade. Indian sarees showcase these pleats.
• Box pleats are full-length, rectangle-shaped pleats that add fullness to the fabric.

Module 10: Sewing Tutorials

We will go through a few simple tutorials in this course section that integrate the ideas you have studied thus far.

Simple Pillowcase

Knowing how to make a pillowcase can be beneficial for various reasons. You will not have to buy any for your house, for starters. You may also use any fabric and create your pillowcase with personalized colours, styles, and patterns to match your particular taste. It takes around 15 minutes to accomplish the task.

Tote Bag

The following guide will demonstrate how to build a tote bag. While tote bags are commonly constructed of heavier materials such as canvas, they may be created from nearly any fabric.

Simple Tube Scarf

A tube scarf is simple and does not take many ingredients, making it a great beginner's project. Any material can be used, but textured materials, like velvet, guarantee that the finished product is pleasant and warm to wear.

Module 11: Learning to Sew

Sewing is an excellent skill to learn. The initial step for most people who want to go into the profession is to figure out where they can learn to sew. The resources for prospective sewists, tailors, and other sewing professions will be discussed in this session. We will also look at career and income information.

Formal Education

Sewing formal academic programs are legitimate, acknowledged, and approved sewing programs professionally taught by universities or fashion schools. All students participating in such programs must complete a series of tests before receiving certification. Although other universities may also offer basic sewing lessons, the most thorough options will be found at schools with fashion and design departments. Face-to-face training and help can be obtained by attending practical workshops or classes. Most of the time, all of the essential equipment will be given.

Informal Education

Sewing programs that are not authorized or formally recognized for credit are informal. Informal programs do not offer certification. Therefore people choose to learn a new trade or manage their career without needing a degree. Sewing has long been acknowledged as a self-contained profession. Thus a college diploma is not necessarily required to work in this field. Often, a few sample pieces or demonstration of competence is enough.

Career Outlook

• Seamstress/tailor
• Embroiderer
• Clothing manufacturer
• Quilter
• Upholsterer

Salary and Demand

Sewing-related wages vary depending on the occupation and the demand for employment. A seamstress's average hourly wage is around $15. This varies significantly according to the individual's qualifications, location, and talent. Many individuals rely on sewists for everyday tasks like hemming, patching, and fixing holes. Because these are commonplace requirements, the demand for persons who can sew has been consistent in the past.

Module 12: Business and Marketing

Many people like sewing as a pastime and want to pursue it professionally. In this course's last module, we will talk about business and marketing to help you figure out how to put your sewing abilities to work for you.

Scope of the Business

You are undoubtedly aware that starting a business is a complex undertaking. In a career that may be highly competitive, you will need a lot of self-discipline and tenacity to succeed.

Business Models

These days, there are two distinct business methods for selling a product: in-person (via a boutique, market, or event) or online (through a virtual shop or platform). Both strategies offer their own set of benefits and drawbacks, but the strategy you select will be determined by what you are ready to risk, how far you want to go, your budget, and your working style.

Selling on Social Media

These platforms have evolved into locations where you may advertise and sell your business and items. The key benefits of these sites are that they are reasonably simple and easy to use and have robust support systems to assist you with any issues you may have.

Licensing

When you are ready to start your company, you must consider legalities like getting the necessary permits. In most states, selling completed products and services necessitates the acquisition of a business license. This will entail getting a sales and use tax license so that you may withhold taxes from your consumers. These must be paid to the state regularly. Make sure you know what your state's criteria are.

Boutiques

If you do not want to sell your items online, an actual brick-and-mortar store or boutique may be the best alternative for you. If you want to run this business as a full-time career, a shop would be a better option.

Local Markets

If you want to maintain things on a smaller scale and continue to make your items from the comfort of your own home, you may try selling your wares at a farmers market in your town (or a neighbouring town). You will need to perform some investigation into when and where they congregate. Farmers markets are customarily held every weekend and, if hosted outside, are subject to weather conditions. These marketplaces may be fantastic places to get your name out there and begin establishing and increasing your business from there.

Making a Brand

Knowing how to sell oneself effectively, both in-person and online, is another vital component of becoming a successful businessperson. Although we have already covered social networks that allow you to sell your stuff, these sites/platforms are typically utilized solely for self-promotion. It is critical to keep your pages appearing fresh, innovative, and visually appealing if you utilize these networks to market and build your business by reaching new clients. Consider collaborating with graphic designers to create a unique logo that incorporates your company's name.

Standing Out

Another important consideration is determining your selling price. After you have figured out these things, you will need to perform some competitive research to price your goods appropriately. This can also assist you to persuade retailers to stock your products.

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will have the skills and knowledge to become a professional seamstress. You will also be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate, accepted by many organizations worldwide.  

The Certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.