Mastering Construction: Foundation Techniques
Sara Alm
Class Preview
0:52
- In-depth Instruction; over 208 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction
1:32
Meet sewing instructor Sara Alm and learn more about the foundational techniques covered in your class. You can use the lessons as a reference, skipping or returning to the techniques you want to learn or review whenever you need!
Construction Basics
10:09
The key to successful sewing is carefully planning. When you make your own garments, you're already thinking like a designer as you choose your fabrics, seam finishes, lining options and more. Sara walks you through a questionnaire that helps you determine key elements and plan your order of construction.
Getting Ready to Sew
30:38
A commercial pattern contains a lot of information you might not need or which you want to modify. Sara shows how to copy pertinent markings onto more durable paper and discusses considerations for seam allowances. Then, learn more about key components to interface and the types of interfacing available. Finally, Sara reviews the pressing tools that are the most helpful to have for garment construction and demonstrates best practices for pressing seams and darts.
Interior Details
45:16
Learn Sara's professional tips for tackling darts to achieve a smooth and flattering finish. Sew along with the included practice pattern pieces as you work with tucks and gathers. If you've ever struggled with getting larger pieces of fabric to match up nicely with smaller ones, Sara's easing techniques will make your day!
Plain Seams
29:42
Straight seams are easy-peasy, but when you get into curves and corners, you will love having Sara's guidance! Follow along as you sew matching curves in delicate fabric as well as joining opposing curves. Opposing corners are even trickier, but Sara shows how to handle both obtuse and acute angles with confidence.
Seam Finishes for Plain Seams
28:14
Give your garments a luxurious finish on the inside as well as the outside by understitching your seams to keep them in place and by binding or serging the seam allowances. Sara demonstrates how to make your own bias tape for simple binding or for the two-step Hong Kong finish, which creates less bulk. She'll walk you through the sewing process on your machine and also share some tips for serging.
Self-Finished Seams
32:42
Topstitched seams are great for making the seam allowances lie flat and can also add a visual pop in the finished garment. Follow Sara's advice for adjusting thread, needle, foot and machine tension for success. Similarly, edge-stitching helps tame your seams and add a design element, while flat-felled and sandwiched seams keep bulk down and hide your raw edges for a beautiful result. Sara shows you how to create these professional seams.
Special Seams
29:09
Tackle the trickier aspects of seaming as Sara shows how to deal with intersecting seams smoothly -- even in super-bulky fabrics -- and how to accurately match patterns such as plaids. Sara also demonstrates how to create slot seams with or without an interior contrasting fabric for an intriguing design detail. Finally, learn how to seam bias-cut and velvet fabrics like a pro!
Build a foundation of professional sewing techniques alongside Apparel Arts instructor Sara Alm. Start by learning to create a stitching order for any garment. Use darts to shape flattering garments. Create perfect tucks, pleats and gathers for gorgeous apparel. Next, see how to ease different size pieces of fabric together with confidence. Stitch smooth matching curves in delicate fabric. Join opposing curves and tricky opposing corners with finesse. Then, bring a fabulous finish to garment interiors with understitching and more. Make and apply a simple binding or create a luxurious Hong Kong finish. Move on to sewing sophisticated top-stitched seams, elegant edge-stitching, bulk-free flat-felled seams and more. Achieve clean intersecting seams and eye-catching slot seams. Plus, find out how to seam bias-cut and velvet fabrics flawlessly.
Sara Alm
Sara Alm started sewing dresses at age 6, and she's never looked back. After graduating from the Apparel Arts patternmaking program in 2005, Sara work has worked as a patternmaker, designer and sewing instructor at Apparel Arts. She also shares her passion for garment-making by teaching sewing and fashion to at-risk teenage girls. Sara recently launched a line of women's activewear and is the author of "Designing Clothes With the Flat Pattern Method" and co-author of "Famous Frocks."
Bonus materials available after purchase