Sewing Classes with Zoba Martin

COURSE BREAKDOWN

BEGINNER 

If you have never touched a sewing machine before and want to learn the basics of sewing and fashion design, then this class is for you. In this class, you'll learn how to use the industrial sewing machine comfortably, adapt some finishing techniques and create a simple gathered skirt.

Duration: 4 weeks

3.5 hours/ week
Investment: $1450

WEEK 1

Know your equipment 

• Introduction to the industrial sewing machine, Industrial Serger

• Machine feet and uses 

• Machine needles: knit and woven 

• Ironing: settings, heat levels, steamer and tailor's clapper, and tailor's ham 

• Muslin and uses 

• Different kinds of seams: straight serged, flat-felled, french seam, pipping, zigzag hem, types of hems

• Cover stitch hem 

• Practice use of the machine: sewing lines, sewing hems, etc 

WEEK 2
Beginner sewing techniques, particularly details that can be used to upcycle garments 

• Detailing techniques: gathers, ruffles, bias, pleats ( knife pleats, box pleats, inverted pleats) 

• Installing zippers:  invisible zipper, open-ended zipper, close-ended zippers, hook and eyes 

• Hand stitching techniques: blind stitch and lace applique sew on 

WEEK 3

Taking measurements on a person and mannequin. Making a gathered skirt

• Dress forms (types, sizing difference, adjustable and non-adjustable) 

• Full body measurements 

• Making a gathered skirt

WEEK 4

• Gathered skirt cont’d 

• Fabric styles and fullness 

• Sewing (length, waist, and fullness) 

• Elastic waistband

By the end of the four weeks, you would have made your own gathered skirt with techniques learned!

You’ll be given lots of homework each week to practice.

INTERMEDIATE

This is for you if you already know how to use the sewing machine and want to get a bit more technical with it! 

Duration: 5 weeks

3.5 hours/week

Investment: $1850

WEEK 1

Introduction to Pattern Drafting 

• Materials, tools, and terminologies 

• Labeling patterns 

• Grainlines 

• Notches 

• Circle skirt pattern

WEEK 2

Sewing a circle skirt

• Drafting a circle skirt pattern with waistbands  

• Exploring different hem finishes (rolled hem, horse hair braids)

• Adding zippers

WEEK 3

• Circle skirt continued

• Making a waistband 

• Non-elastic waistband

WEEK 4

Drafting a straight skirt pattern 

• Skirt block 

• Darts 

• Seam allowances 

• Notches

• Transferring darts and adapting the pattern to different skirt styles 

WEEK 5

• Drafting a straight skirt continued

• Finishing a straight skirt

By the end of the four weeks, you will be more familiar with pattern-making and the terms involved. You can waltz to your next party in your self-made skirt. Make one for a loved one too! 

You’ll be given lots of homework each week to practice.

ADVANCED

You can sew, draft a pattern, and want to get into some haute couture details to make your work more professional. 

Duration: 5 weeks

3.5 Hours per week

Investment: $2100

• Pick a couture design of your choice, and we will go through the entire project, from fabric selection to finishing details. This is your chance to learn a design you’ve always been curious about or if you need professional support with an ongoing haute couture project. You’ll be challenged to implement creative details to level up your designs. These classes are also offered online.

You’ll be given lots of homework each week to practice.

Materials needed:

• Pattern paper 

• Muslin 5 yards 

• Woven fabric of choice 5 yards 

• Two pairs of scissors, fabric, and paper 

• Zippers ( 2 invisible zippers and two close-ended zippers, 12 inches) 

• Pattern drafting tools: pencil, eraser, markers, ruler, curved rulers, measuring tape, notcher.

All items needed can be provided for you at an extra cost.