Clothkits Sewing Bee - The Pattern Challenge Workshop | Half Day | Chichester Sewing Courses
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Delivery and Shipping
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Europe
Small Parcels Less than 1kg - £8.50
Medium Parcels 1kg to 1.99kg - £15
Large Parcels 2 to 3.99kg - £25
Heavy Parcels 4kg - 25kg - £45
We use Royal Mail International Standard Shipping, which takes 5 – 14 working days depending on the location. For urgent European orders please contact us first. Please review our International Sales Policy before placing an order.
Rest of the World
Small Parcels Less than 0.49kg £12.50 (approx 1 or 2 kits)
Medium Parcels 0.5 to 0.99kg - £18
Large Parcels 1 to 1.99kg - £30
Heavy Parcels 2kg+ - £65+
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!
The Pattern Challenge is all about one of the trickiest parts of dressmaking: making sense of a sewing pattern. Pattern instructions can sometimes feel like another language, while the accompanying diagrams aren't always much easier to decipher. But what if you could look at the paper pattern itself and understand how a garment is constructed, with only the occasional glance at the instruction booklet?
During this three-hour workshop, you'll learn how to really read a sewing pattern, helping you approach future dressmaking projects with much more confidence.
What you’ll learn
- How to correctly interpret pattern markings, words and symbols
- How to distinguish between information and actual instructions
- How to understand fabric layouts and correctly position pattern pieces for cutting
- How to identify the individual pattern pieces and understand their purpose
- How to visualise how the pieces fit – and sew – together to create the finished garment
- How to use the paper pattern as a valuable troubleshooting tool, as well as relying on the instruction booklet
Is this class for you? Whether you're a complete beginner finding your way around your first few patterns or an experienced sewist ready to tackle more challenging makes, this workshop will help you develop a much better understanding of how sewing patterns work – and, in turn, improve your dressmaking skills.
No actual sewing or pattern alterations are involved in this workshop. If you'd like to develop these skills, please see our other sewing and fitting workshops.
What to bring: A couple of used sewing patterns that have already been cut out but are still intact, plus a notebook and pen.
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 14th November 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
Reviews
Reviews
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.
