Clothkits Sewing Bee - The Made to Measure Workshop | Half Day | Chichester Sewing Courses
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Small Parcels Less than 1kg - £8.50
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Small Parcels Less than 0.49kg £12.50 (approx 1 or 2 kits)
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We use Royal Mail International Standard Shipping, which takes 5 – 14 working days depending on the location. For urgent International orders please contact us first. Not trackable.
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Description
Description
Inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee, our Clothkits Sewing Bee Challenges are designed to build your dressmaking knowledge, confidence and know-how – without the pressure of a competition!
On The Great British Sewing Bee, the Made to Measure Challenge is often the decider for Garment of the Week. It tests not only the contestants' sewing skills, but their ability to create a garment that actually fits – a pretty important outcome after all the time, effort, money and emotional investment that goes into making your own clothes!
Our Made to Measure Challenge is all about helping you understand how to achieve a better fit. Because however carefully you choose your pattern size, very few of us conform perfectly to the standard proportions used to create dressmaking patterns – we're all wonderfully different shapes.
During this three-hour workshop, you'll learn how to recognise your own individual proportions, identify where fit adjustments may be needed and develop a process you can use when approaching future dressmaking projects.
What you’ll learn
- How to measure yourself accurately and use those measurements to select the best starting pattern size
- How to identify your individual body characteristics and understand how they can affect the fit of a garment
- How to use tissue fitting to make an initial assessment of the fit of your chosen pattern
- How to identify and map the fit adjustments you may need onto your pattern
- How to establish a fitting process that you can apply to future sewing patterns
There won't be time during this workshop to cover the exact alteration method for every individual fit issue. Instead, the focus is on helping you identify what needs adjusting and why. Jo will then be able to signpost you towards suitable workshops, books and online resources where you can learn the relevant alteration techniques in more detail.
Is this class for you? This workshop is best suited to sewists who have already made a few garments from sewing patterns and would like to understand why things don't always fit quite as expected. Curious beginners who would like to start developing their fitting knowledge are very welcome too.
A little note about fitting: This is a small workshop with a maximum of six people, creating a friendly and supportive environment in which we promote and encourage body positivity. As the session involves taking measurements, discussing individual body shape and assessing fit, you will need to feel comfortable doing this within a small group setting.
What to bring: A notebook and pen or pencil, plus a couple of garments and/or sewing patterns you've made where you weren't happy with the fit.
Please wear suitable clothing for measuring and tissue fitting. A vest top with your usual bra is ideal, as different bras can affect garment fit and measurements. Dresses aren't usually a practical choice for this workshop.
Please note: This workshop focuses on understanding and identifying fit issues rather than teaching the individual pattern alteration techniques required to correct them. Please see our other fitting and pattern alteration workshops for these skills.
About your Teacher: Jo gained her experience in the fashion industry as a designer/pattern cutter in ladies' outerwear. She has taught adults sewing and pattern cutting skills for over a decade, from absolute beginners sewing to bra making, simple pattern alterations to fitting masterclasses. Jo is an inspiring teacher and encourages creativity and confidence in dressmaking and sewing projects.
Course Duration: 3 Hours
When: Saturday 24th October 2026 - 10am - 1pm
About the Clothkits Sewing Bee Challenges: We've created four different three-hour challenges inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee. Take them individually or work your way through the whole series:
- The Pattern Challenge
- The Fabric Challenge
- The Alteration/Transformation Challenge
- The Made to Measure Challenge
They may be challenges, but they're definitely not a competition – there are no prizes and everyone's a winner!
Venue: The workshop is held in our modern and vibrant studio at the Clothkits shop. We are located in central Chichester, about a 10 minute walk from the train and bus station. The closest car park is The Cattle Market.
Terms & Conditions: Please take a moment to read our booking terms below before reserving your place
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Workshop Terms and Conditions
Workshop Terms and Conditions
We want everyone to have a lovely experience at our Clothkits workshops and courses. As places are limited and our tutors and materials are arranged in advance, please take a moment to read our booking terms before reserving your place.
If you have any questions or need a little help, please email us at info@clothkits.co.uk or give us a call. We're always happy to help.
How to Book
All our workshops and courses can be booked online, over the telephone or in person at our Chichester shop.
Places are limited and bookings are confirmed once payment has been received. Unfortunately, we cannot reserve spaces without payment, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Cancellations & Changes to Your Booking
We understand that plans sometimes change. However, as our workshops have limited spaces and tutors are booked in advance, we do have a cancellation policy.
- At least 6 weeks before your course: If you can no longer attend, please let us know at least six weeks before the course start date. We will be happy to transfer your course fee or deposit to another available workshop or course.
- Less than 6 weeks before your course: Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or transfers to another course if you cancel within six weeks of the start date, subject to your statutory rights.
- Unable to attend on the day: If you are unable to attend, or miss part of a course, we cannot offer a refund, credit or replacement session, except where required by law.
- Sending someone in your place: You're very welcome to pass your booking on to a friend or family member if you can no longer attend. Please contact us in advance with their name and contact details so we can make sure they receive all the information they'll need.
Please note: Course fees and deposits are non-refundable for customer cancellations, subject to your statutory rights. Any transfer to another course is subject to availability and must be arranged with us in advance.
We always appreciate as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend, even when a refund or transfer isn't possible. It may mean we can offer your place to someone else.
If Clothkits Cancels a Course
Occasionally, we may need to cancel or reschedule a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances, tutor illness or insufficient bookings.
If this happens, we will contact you as soon as possible and offer you the choice of:
- A full refund of the course fee paid.
- A transfer to another available date or suitable alternative course.
Unfortunately, we cannot cover additional expenses such as travel, accommodation or other arrangements made in connection with attending a course, except where required by law.
Course Materials & Supplies
Every workshop is a little different, so please check the individual course description for details of what's included and anything you'll need to bring along.
As a little extra treat, everyone attending a Clothkits workshop receives 10% off most purchases in our shop on the day of their course. Some exclusions apply.
We recommend allowing a little extra time before your workshop if you need to choose fabrics or other materials, particularly on busy days.
If you'd prefer to purchase your supplies in advance, just get in touch and we'll arrange a discount code for you.
Not sure what to bring? Please ask! We're always happy to help you get everything ready for your creative day.
