Are you interested in learning about how to use a sewing machine, cut delicate fabrics or how to make a pattern and fit a garment? If the answer is yes, then you ought to enrol in one of Rudolf’s courses. Whether you have sewn before or not at all, there is a topic to suit just about everyone.
Classes are conducted on an individual basis, so that you may take full advantage of and share in Rudolf’s many years of knowledge and experience. Rudolf has recently completed a course of study and is now qualified in Training & Assessment (Certificate IV, TAE 40110).
I think it’s great, because I don’t feel I should be doing something else! J.
The courses on offer are described in detail in the list below. Each curse consists of a total of 12 hours, split into several lessons scheduled at a time to suit you. Should you require further information, then please contact Rudolf with your enquiry.
Traditional Tailoring Techniques 1
Skill level: Introductory
Course outline:
Suited to both novices and seasoned sewers alike, Traditional Tailoring Techniques 1 lays the foundations on which to build your sewing skills.
During the course, you will learn how to use a sewing machine effectively, read patterns, cut fabrics and assemble the pieces. Class demonstrations and illustrated instructions will enable you to construct samples to complete your book, your personal sewing repertoire.
Before any of this can be studied in detail though, you will be taught the basics of textile fibres and fabric construction. This knowledge is essential when selecting, working with and caring for fabrics. Furthermore, you will be shown tools of the trade and how to use them.
Please note:
Completion of this course is recommended before moving on to Traditional Tailoring Techniques 2, 3 and beyond.
Course summary:
- Textile knowledge
- Tools of the trade and how to use them
- Machining skills
- Interpreting and using patterns
- Laying up, marking and cutting fabrics
- Construction of seams, darts and edge finishes
Traditional Tailoring Techniques 2
Skill level: Intermediate
Course outline:
Traditional Tailoring Techniques 2 will see you construct a sample shirt in calico from beginning to end, using an existing pattern. New techniques as well as some old ones are incorporated into the sample and its detailing.
You will learn about pattern layouts, how to estimate fabric requirements, laying up of fabric, cutting and fusing and the list could go on. All the while, countless tips and tricks will help you achieve a professional finish. Challenge yourself to something a little more advanced and expand your repertoire!
Garment details include patch pocket with a flap, a box pleat, double yoke with seams inside, sleeves set in using French seams, front placket and narrow double-turn hem in one and a two-piece shirt collar.
Please note:
It is recommended that you will have completed Traditional Tailoring Techniques 1 before enrolling in this course.
Some home work may be required to keep pace with the course.
Course summary:
- Estimating fabric consumption
- Laying up of fabric and patterns
- Cutting and fusing
- Order of assembly
- Garment construction and finishing
- Pressing and shaping using a steam iron
Traditional Tailoring Techniques 3
Skill level: Advanced
Course outline:
The objective of this course is to construct a sample skirt from beginning to end, using an existing pattern. This time, calico will be substituted by a proper fabric, and lining will introduce an additional challenge. Once you have completed this course, you should have the skills and confidence to make a garment from a commercial pattern.
Please note:
It is recommended that you will have completed Traditional Tailoring Techniques 1 and preferably 2 also before enrolling in this course.
Some home work may be required to keep pace with the course.
Course summary:
- Invisible zip
- Pocket-in-a-seam
- Constructing a split
- Waist band with button and button hole
- Complete lining
- Blind hemming
Pattern Drafting & Design 1
Skill level: Introductory
Course description:
Pattern drafting is a fusion of mathematics, geometry and organics. You will learn to correlate the two dimensional shape of a pattern to the human body, a three dimensional form.
Fundamental principles of pattern drafting such as dart manipulation, ease and working with measurements will be taught using half-scale skirt block patterns. In addition to this, you will learn about a patternmaker’s tools, and how to use them efficiently.
Once you understand the basic techniques, you will be shown how to measure your body correctly, and how to draft a basic skirt block using these measurements. After making up a test sample, called a toile, from that block, you will be able to try it on and see where alterations may be needed.
The finished and perfectly fitted block will then enable you to develop patterns for many different skirt styles.
Please note:
Completion of this course is recommended before enrolling in Pattern Drafting & Design 2 and 3.
Basic machine sewing skills are useful to have for this course. If you have no sewing experience at all, then you should consider first completing a Traditional Tailoring Techniques I course.
Course summary:
- Pattern making tools and techniques
- Principles of flat pattern making, working with a skirt block
- Dart manipulation, seam allowances and stitching lines
- Body measurements and the importance of accurate work
- Drafting a skirt block from your own measurements
- Cutting and assembling a toile
- Garment fitting and alterations focusing on skirts
Pattern Drafting & Design 2
Skill level: Intermediate
Course description:
Building on the skills attained in Pattern Drafting & Design 1, this course will focus on the altogether more complex subject of the bodice.
You will be shown how to drape and pin fabric directly on the body as a way of creating a first pattern, making a toile and fitting this to your body. Furthermore, a sleeve pattern will be created from measurements to fit your bodice.
Please note:
It is recommended that you will have completed Pattern Drafting & Design 1 before enrolling in this course.
Proficiency on a sewing machine is a requirement and some home work may be required to keep pace with the course.
Course summary:
- Draping fabrics on the body
- Body measurements and the importance of accurate work
- Drafting or draping a bodice block from your own measurements
- Cutting and assembling a toile
- Garment fitting and alterations focusing on the bodice and sleeve
Pattern Drafting & Design 3
Skill level: Advanced
Course description:
This course will focus on pattern making and fitting trousers. Once again, the basic principles are conveyed using half-scale patterns, followed by you creating a trouser block from your personal measurements.
Fittings and alterations will allow you to fine-tune the pattern and achieve a perfect fit.
Please note:
It is recommended that you will have completed Pattern Drafting & Design 1 and preferably 2 before enrolling in this course.
Proficiency on a sewing machine is a requirement and some home work may be required to keep pace with the course.
Course summary:
- Body measurements
- Drafting a trouser block from your own measurements
- Cutting and assembling a toile
- Garment fitting and alterations focussing on trousers
Advanced Garment Construction
Skill level: Advanced
This course will allow you to design and make a garment to fit you. Each student will work on a project of their choice, adapted to their individual skill levels, using either a commercial pattern or the blocks already made in Pattern Drafting & Design.
As an example, you may like to make a skirt, a dress or a blouse. In order to do the former, you will need your skirt block, for the latter your bodice and perhaps sleeve block.
Topics covered (but not limited to) in this course:
- Garment Design
- Fabric selection
- Pattern making, fitting and altering
- Laying up of fabrics and patterns
- Cutting and fusing
- Garment construction and finishing
Students will need to do some of the work at home, so as to make the best use of class time.
Important Information
Course fee: AU$450.00 per student
Course duration: 12 hours
Class size: 2 students
Click here to download a copy of the Enrolment Form, which also contains the Terms & Conditions.
Private Tuition
Designed for people who require personal assistance with a sewing project, are after advice on how to alter a pattern or need someone to fit a garment on them, private lessons can be booked at a time to suit you, an hour at a time.
Please note that charges will apply from the time you have booked the lesson whether you arrive on time or not. Should you need to reschedule, then please provide as much notice as possible.
Single session per hour: AU$60.00
5x 2 hour sessions: AU$550.00