CIAM’s couture technical sewing workshops provide the perfect opportunity to learn couture sewing techniques that you will be able to apply to garment construction at home. We have workshops appropriate for complete beginners as well as for those who want to take their sewing to the next level.
Previously, only students enrolled in our patternmaking courses could attend these workshops. We have now made these workshops available to everyone who wants to improve their sewing skills. The workshops have been very popular.
A series of individual workshops is scheduled though out the year. Participants may enrol in any or all of the classes. Most classes are stand-alone but some are in two parts where the first workshop is a prerequisite for the second. While the majority of classes are optional extras for you to improve your sewing skills, it is compulsory for students enrolled in CIAM certificate and diploma courses to attend certain technical workshops.
Course Requirements
- Students should bring their own sewing machines along with the manual, correct bobbins and accessories. It may be possible to hire one from CIAM on prior application (Belmore only).
- Students will require basic sewing essentials, including pins, needles, threads, fabric scissors and thread snipers.
Couture Garment Construction Workshops
On days when technical workshops are not held, we will hold Couture Garment Construction sewing workshops. Please contact CIAM to register your interest in these workshops. Participants will need to discuss what garments are suitable for their level of experience with Annamaria Granato, Director of CIAM Patternmaking Australia. As commercial patterns are not suitable for this type of sewing, patterns will be drafted by CIAM to the student’s measurements and style specifications (price dependent upon garment type and style). CIAM Patternmaking students may draft their own patterns.
Cost
The cost for each 3-hour workshop is available on application. Please contact us and we will provide information about the cost of the workshops along with enrolment information.
Booking
Workshop places are limited, so CIAM is unable to refund in the event of cancellation. Please check dates before making your workshop bookings as there can be NO exceptions. In the event of there being insufficient numbers for a viable workshop, the workshop will be cancelled and CIAM will make a full refund to the student.
Book your workshops by sending an enquiry via the contact form on the website or emailing info@ciamaustralia.com.au
Private classes are also available on request at an additional cost.
Locations and Times
For information about class locations and times, email info@ciamaustralia.com.au
Click on the Read more button under each workshop you are interested in below for further information. Then click on the Read less button at the bottom of the workshop content page to return to the list of workshops on this page.
| Workshop |
The basics of couture sewing 1 |
Content
Seam finishes
Techniques
Basic hand-stitching; darts; simple seams (the couture way!); princess seams
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
The basics of couture sewing 2 |
Content
Seam finishes, pleats, gathers & easing
Techniques
French seam; Hong Kong finish; flat – fell seam; pleats, gathers & easing
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Waistline finishing techniques |
Content
Different methods of waistline finishing
Techniques
Waistbands, elasticised waistlines, facing and petersham
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Hems |
Content
Different methods of hemming a garment
Techniques
Hand sewn; bias binding; facing; sheer fabric
Level
Beginner – intermediate
| Workshop |
Zipper insertion techniques |
Content
Different methods of zipper insertion
Techniques
Hand-picked; lapped; centred; invisible
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Tailored skirt vent |
Content
Skirt vent (or kick-pleat) in a tailored straight skirt with lining
Techniques
Constructing a vent with integral lining rather than a free-hanging one
Level
Intermediate – advanced
| Workshop |
Necklines |
Content
Sewing different neckline finishes
Techniques
Stabilisation; simple facing; bias edging; sheer
Level
Beginner – intermediate
| Workshop |
Sleeve vents and cuffs |
Content
Plackets (sleeve vents) and cuffs
Techniques
2 methods of sewing a shirt sleeve placket and how to attach a cuff
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Collars |
Content
Collar and stand
Techniques
How to sew a professional collar and stand onto a shirt
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Fly Front |
Content
Fly front
Techniques
How to construct a fly front for a pair of trousers (including jeans)
Level
Intermediate – advanced
| Workshop |
Pattern Balancing and Matching |
Content
Cutting out patterned fabric (including florals, stripes & checks)
Techniques
How to cut out fabric so that the pattern is balanced over the garment and matched at hems and seams.
Level
Intermediate – advanced
| Workshop |
Sleeves |
Content
How to set different sleeve styles
Techniques
Easing; gathers; pleats; capped sleeves
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Bound pockets and buttonholes |
Content
Pocket with welts and a flap for a tailored jacket
Techniques
Bound pocket with piping variation that can be adapted for a bound buttonhole
Level
Intermediate – advanced
| Workshop |
Horsehair canvas |
Content
Using horsehair canvas to add body and shaping to a wool jacket, especially the collar and lapels
Techniques
Catch-stitch & pad-stitching. Shaping using stitching & steam
Level
Medium – advanced
| Workshop |
Pockets |
Content
Applying different types of pockets
Techniques
Patch pockets; in-seam (hidden) pockets
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Introduction to Sewing Knit Fabrics 1 |
Note: You do not need to bring an overlocker to this class. It is not essential to have an overlocker to sew knits. This class will teach you how to use the zig-zag stitches on a traditional sewing machine as well as an overlocker. It does not teach the use of a coverstitch machine.
Content
Using and sewing knit fabrics
Techniques
Selecting & cutting-out knits; how to use your sewing machine and overlocker to sew knit fabrics
Level
Beginner – advanced
| Workshop |
Introduction to Sewing Knit Fabrics 2 |
This is the second part of a 2-week course.
| Content | Construction techniques |
| Techniques | Seam & hem finishes; neckbands |
| Level | Beginner – advanced |
Note: You do not need to bring an overlocker to this class.