Level 1
Beginner Friendly
A great first make.
- You're ready if
- you can thread your machine and sew a straight seam - no other experience needed.
- What's involved
- A few pattern pieces, simple seams and easy closures - an elastic or tie waist, a single button, or no closure at all; never a zip. Often a knit or an elastic waist, in a relaxed or stretchy shape, so there's very little to fit. Our knit patterns are written for a regular sewing machine or an overlocker, so you don't need an overlocker to start.
- Fit & toile
- You can often get away without a toile, as these shapes are relaxed and forgiving. If you're between sizes or want peace of mind, a quick toile is never wasted.
Level 2
Confident Beginner
Your next step: zips, pockets, facings and simple outerwear.
- You're ready if
- you've finished a few level 1 makes and know your way around your machine.
- What's involved
- Still a manageable number of pieces, now with the techniques that make a garment look shop-bought - zips, pockets, facings, darts and waistbands - plus simple outerwear such as a jacket with a collar band, or lightweight, delicate fabrics that need a gentler hand. Each new technique is taught step by step.
- Fit & toile
- Relaxed, easy-to-adjust fits. Plenty of makers skip the toile, but it's worth making one if you're between sizes or want a closer fit.
Level 3
Intermediate
Details that reward patience: fly fronts, button plackets, collars and careful fitting.
- You're ready if
- you've made a few level 2 patterns and zips, pockets and facings feel comfortable.
- What's involved
- Details that reward patience and accuracy - fly fronts, button plackets with a row of buttonholes, a shirt collar on a stand, neat visible topstitching - often on closer-fitting shapes like jeans. The instructions and sewalong walk you through every step.
- Fit & toile
- Closer-fitting shapes, where careful fitting matters. A toile is a good idea for fitted styles.
Level 4
Confident Intermediate
A longer build where the precision steps stack up.
- You're ready if
- you've made a few level 3 patterns.
- What's involved
- More pieces, more precision steps and a longer build. It's the combination that makes it level 4 - for example a collar on a stand plus cuffs, plackets, flap pockets and flat-felled seams across many panels, or a bias-cut fitted bodice with sewn-in bra cups. Expect a little less hand-holding: the instructions take you through the build, but assume you're confident with the techniques from the earlier levels.
- Fit & toile
- We assume you know how to fit your own garments. A toile is recommended.
Level 5
Advanced
Built-in structure from a specialist discipline.
- You're ready if
- you're confident at level 4 and ready to take on a specialist skill.
- What's involved
- Built-in structure from a specialist discipline - underwires set in a cup cradle, boning and corsetry, or tailoring, like a structured blazer - often with hand work. There's less hand-holding: at this level of difficulty the instructions can't spell out everything, so they assume plenty of experience and leave some decisions to you.
- Fit & toile
- We assume you know how to fit your own garments. A fitted toile is essential.
