St Kilda South, Victoria2 sewing teaches near you

Few people know that sewing encompasses a vast array of professions. To give you an idea, the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion has identified no less than 80 different professions, at minimum! These include the fashion designer, patternmaker, runway model, tailor, and more.

This encompasses the creation, design, and similar professions, but the majority of needs in the industry concern commercialization (sales), production, and management.

In this context, we will focus on the creative core of the profession, as our topic today revolves around sewing courses themselves. From beginner level to fashion schools, from children's sewing to beginner courses, and to perfecting skills, we will explore what is possible.

Before obtaining the Baccalaureate:

There are three different CAPs (certificat d'aptitude professionnelle) that allow newcomers to enter the world of sewing, including even fashion accessories:

• CAP Métiers de la mode-vêtement flou (CAP in Soft Fashion Design)
• CAP Métiers de la mode-vêtement tailleur (CAP in Tailored Fashion Design)
• CAP Métiers de la mode-chapelier modiste (CAP in Millinery and Hat making)

Note: To teach this type of CAP in high school, one must obtain the CAPLP, which is the equivalent of a CAPES (for vocational high schools).

For a Baccalaureate level or equivalent:

• Bac pro Métiers de la mode – Vêtements (Professional Baccalaureate in Fashion and Clothing)
• Brevet Professionnel Vêtement sur mesure option A – Tailleur dame (Professional Certificate in Custom Clothing – Women's Tailoring)
• Brevet Professionnel Vêtement sur mesure option B – Tailleur homme (Professional Certificate in Custom Clothing – Men's Tailoring)
• Brevet Professionnel Vêtement sur mesure option C – Couture flou (Professional Certificate in Custom Clothing - Soft Fashion Design)

Note: The technique of "Couture Flou" (soft fashion design), as opposed to "Tailleur" (tailoring), refers to the methods used to make soft and unstructured clothes (such as dresses, ensembles, shirts, etc.) from precise instructions.

For a Bac +2 level:

• BTS Métiers de la mode - vêtements (Advanced Technician's Degree in Fashion - Clothing)
• BTS Métiers de la mode – design de mode, textile et environnement (Advanced Technician's Degree in Fashion Design, Textiles and Environment)

Since the 2018 academic year, the National Diploma in Art and Design Trades (DNMADE) has made its appearance. It was created following the removal of three diplomas: BTS applied arts, MANAA (preparatory course for applied arts), and DMA (diploma of applied trades). It takes three years to complete and includes an option in fashion design, which can lead to a higher degree (DSAA - Higher Degree of Applied Arts) that a BTS may not necessarily provide access to.

To conclude this section, we would like to emphasize the fact that a good seamstress or tailor is not necessarily loaded with diplomas. There are many autodidactic profiles in the profession, and it is true that nothing beats practice. It is perfectly possible to find sewing courses given by someone who has learned on the job. In this case, the best course of action is to ask to see some examples of their work.

Talking about sewing is as vast as talking about cooking… There are so many techniques, tricks, stitches, fabrics, threads, and different creations that learning everything may not be possible in one lifetime… The sewing vocabulary is also as rich as that of cooking… We talk about patterns, pouches, tutorials, alterations, spools, bobbins, handmade, ribbon, lace, beautiful words that adorn our language and evoke images of what sewing is all about. The comparison with cooking is not accidental, as many people who started sewing did so to "do something," to "think about something else," and when you are a true beginner, it can be challenging to know where to start… Like in cooking, once again, the sewing book (and tutorials too...) is a good companion, but you need to practice, not just study theory. Sewing classes are precisely there to prevent you from struggling with this, meaning that you will be taught the basics immediately, without having to fight and torture yourself for any small manipulation that makes a difference. Based on this principle, it quickly triggers the desire to improve, to tackle ever more ambitious projects… Studying and using your very first patterns, positioning your hands correctly to guide the fabric just the way it should be when progressing under the machine needle, learning to place the needles that hold the fabric, finding the right thread tension, etc. So many small things that can take time for adjustments, but will quickly be optimized with the help of a teacher who will keep a watchful eye on these details. Thus, you will make your first creations: a pencil case, a scarf, a small purse, a cushion cover, a cuddly toy, a little apron, a bathrobe, a kimono, a tunic, a cape, a blouse, a skirt, panties, a small bag, a tote, a T-shirt, overalls, a sweatshirt with or without a hood, a blouse, a dress… As you learn how to sew (during school breaks when you have more time or on weekends…) and how to use sewing machines or overlockers properly, you will realize that it's not so easy to place a zipper correctly, for example. As for the purely practical aspect, knowing the basics and being able to manage a sewing machine is a good way to save money, as it will allow you to resew small cuts, make small fixes, and beautiful hems. For those who already possess the basics of the technique and mastery, taking sewing classes with an experienced teacher will always allow you to learn new ways of doing things, new techniques for working with this or that fabric, to achieve this or that outcome (embroidery, hand-sewn techniques, advanced functions of the sewing machine, gathering, pleating, etc.). It is by discovering new horizons that you can think about going even further, towards ever bolder, complex, and technical creations or achievements.

As we have just pointed out, taking courses is a simple and effective way to save time and, contrary to popular belief, also save money! The professional who offers courses not only masters his art, but also has a certain pedagogical skill which is helpful for sewing projects.

We have just explored the concept of time savings in the previous section, which covered the range of topics taught in sewing courses. Now let's see why it is financially advantageous to take sewing courses as well.

When starting a sewing project, whether it's a top, pants, a bag, or a cushion, you need to obtain the materials you will use, primarily fabric and thread. You will also need needles, a sewing machine, and possibly a serger, as well as some materials that cost money. By taking risks and learning from your mistakes without seeking advice or guidance, you risk completely ruining your project, and if that's the case, all the money you invested will have been for nothing since fabric is often very expensive...

All it takes is a few failed projects and complete abandonment to realize that taking a few hours of classes with a teacher (why not in a group setting?) would likely have been more cost-effective...

Furthermore, when it comes to repeating mistakes and failure, once again, let us note the advantage of taking courses, emphasizing that in addition to saving you money, it will also prevent you from experiencing possible bouts of despair and demotivation, keeping your spirits up.

The answer to this question depends solely on you! Of course, a bit of common sense is necessary; if you have absolutely no knowledge, or very little, but you promised to make a beautiful prom dress for your daughter for an event that is scheduled in a week, it is probably a bit too late... In this case, we would strongly advise you to directly seek the help of an actual sewing teacher to take care of the "project"... But if we stay within the realm of reason, if you wish to learn the basics, improve your skills, perfect certain techniques, or learn new ones, and take your time, then there are no particular guidelines. Just a spontaneous idea: why not consider a gift card for a loved one or friend who you think would enjoy some sewing lessons?

To be honest, no matter where you are located, which region or department, and no matter what level of sewing classes you are looking for, it is relatively easy to find sewing courses because there are many people offering these types of services and they are well-spread across the country, even in very small communities. So whether you live in St Kilda South or in the deep countryside of Finistère, Nord or Aquitaine, we advise you to start by asking around your acquaintances and relatives, because word of mouth is an excellent way to find the right address for such things. If your search yields no results, know that it is possible to use the Internet, which is a real goldmine for this type of service and for small sewing creators. Once on the web, we invite you to consult a website like StarOfService, for example. This website lists all professionals who teach sewing according to where you are searching and where you live. In just a few clicks, the website will provide you with the contact details of the teacher or professional, so you can inquire about their rates, availability, etc.

The first thing to know is that often the notoriety of the professional you are going to contact will influence their rates; we insist on this fact because in Paris, for example, the price range can be really impressive on this basis. Furthermore, we also wish to emphasize that your geographical location can also have a significant impact on the prices you will encounter. It must be understood, once again and without value judgment, that the rates practiced in Paris or in these types of large urban areas (such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, etc.) are necessarily higher than in a medium-sized town or a more remote village.

Once all of this has been clarified, and in order to take some standard precautions, we insist that the price range we are going to give you is not contractual and is only the result of an average taken from several dozen professionals spread across the entire territory.

Here is the observed price range:

• 1 hour of "Classic" or "Standard" sewing lessons → between 20 Euros and 50 Euros
• 1 hour of "Creative" sewing lessons - per person - between 15 Euros and 30 Euros
• Sewing workshop - 10 to 15 hours of "Intensive" lessons - average formula observed - between 180 Euros and 300 Euros

As often with this type of creative activity, you can often benefit from a diminishing rate by opting for a group rate (with a course that is often very convivial), by taking a flat-rate formula, or if you can benefit from a student rate. The group formula often works in creative workshops or sewing workshops, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced student, and learning to sew through this channel becomes easier and more fun.

Attention: in the event that you need to cancel a class at the last minute, the teacher may ask you for cancellation fees. It is therefore best to inquire about the cancellation conditions before committing to a particular teacher or private course service provider.

As we mentioned earlier, using word of mouth can be very useful in finding sewing classes, especially when it comes to finding a quality teacher or professional who has already satisfied their clients and has a good reputation. Therefore, we suggest you start by asking your friends, family, and acquaintances, as they may know someone who offers excellent services near you.

If that's not the case, don't worry, you still have the internet, which is a goldmine for this type of research, as well as many others, as we said earlier. We recommend that you take a look at and browse through some professional referral websites like StarOfService, using any search engine. You will find complete lists of sewing professionals offering classes in your region or even near you, as well as many reviews and comments from clients who have used their services. We advise you to take the time to read these reviews and comments, as they often give an accurate picture of the quality of the service offered.

Once you have found the right teacher, check their availability and services, and make sure their prices match what you have budgeted or are willing to pay. Then contact them with the necessary information about your level, expectations, goals, dates, schedules, organization, and so on.

We would like to caution you against professionals who offer overly tempting deals with prices that defy all competition on the market, for example. While this may sometimes represent a great opportunity, let's not kid ourselves, it is better to be cautious and think twice before committing.

• How long have you been practicing this activity and when did you start it?
• What initial training or degree(s) do you have to be able to give sewing lessons?
• What are your rates? Is it possible to have a detailed breakdown?
• What are your availabilities and can you guarantee the respect of dates and rates?