M A K E S P A C E

Workshop :: Alter + Repair :: December 2024

Garment alterations are a fun and empowering way to level up your sewing skills and expand your wardrobe options. Professional tailor Lauren Taylor is here to guide you through the entire process of this essential skill set! Whether you are working with handmade, ready-to-wear, vintage or thrifted clothing - this class will teach you how to see flaws in garments as exciting opportunities for improvement.

Students are encouraged to bring a variety of garments, both handmade and ready to wear. Although we may not get through every single piece by the end of class, students can expect to leave with the knowledge and confidence to be able to continue their practice at home.

The Workshop

*Please review our Workshop Policies.

What students can expect to learn in class: (exact techniques covered in class will depend on the garments that are brought in by students)

Effective seam ripping techniques for a variety of stitches, including straight stitches, serged finishes, and chainstitches
How to assess a garment’s fit and style, and how to determine what changes need to be made
How to pin fit a garment and transfer the adjustments in preparation for sewing
How to take apart a garment, look inside, and determine the best method for executing whatever adjustment needs to be made based on the construction of the original garment
Basic garment repair
How to determine whether a garment can successfully be altered or repaired, best practices for using trial-and-error to approach for alterations on existing garments, and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise

Don’t know what to bring? Here are some suggestions of topics that can be covered:

Altering a garment for a better fit
Making design changes to a garment (shortening or removing sleeves, changing necklines, or collars, adding or removing style ease/volume, adding or removing pockets)
Changing hemlines – topstitched, blind, rolled, using the original hem on jeans
Garment repairs – holes, split seams, tears, replacing elastic, replacing buttons, replacing broken zippers, adding patches and repairing worn fabric
Making a garment smaller or larger
Repairing or replacing a garment lining
Garment repairs (repairing holes, split seams, tears, worn fabric; replacing elastic, buttons, broken zippers; adding patches)

The Sewlebrity

Lauren Taylor is a sewing enthusiast and rad sewing instructor based in Nashville, TN. 100% self-taught, Lauren has been sewing for most of her life and makes pretty much all of her clothing at this point.

In addition to teaching fun sewing classes and workshops, Lauren also works professionally in wardrobe + alterations, as well as in sewing production for a local clothing designer. Lauren blogs for the Mood Sewing Network, and at her own blog, LLADYBIRD.com.

Skill Level:

intermediate

Instructor Name:

Lauren Taylor