COUTURE HAND SEWING - SAMPLE BOOK will introduce you to a variety of stitches and techniques used in tailored and couture fashion, as you work on a series of step-by-step samples to keep on file for easy reference.
Working with different weights of cotton fabrics you will explore a number of hems including an invisible, a rolled and a faced hem; different types of seams and seam finishes including a French, a flat fell and a bound seam, whilst documenting each new stitch on a calico stitch chart. You will learn how to make and add different types of trims such as frills, pleats and piping and how to use insertion stitches to add extra length and decoration.
In your own time you will be able to repeat these exercises in a variety of fabrics such as different weights of linen and wool, and anything else that you have in your scrap bag. Before moving on to more specialist techniques such as hand worked eyelets and button holes, hand stitched zippers and casing for elastic and boned bodices, you will learn how to make and attach rouleau loops; cover and attach buttons, press studs and hooks and eyes. You will use diagonal tacking for temporary closures and pad stitching, and learn how best to prepare and stitch velvet.
Should you wish to add miniature hand stitched garments to your sample book, a shift top and shift dress pattern in quarter-scale will be provided.
A WhatsApp group will be set up offering you ongoing support and trouble-shooting tips between lessons, and an opportunity to swap favourite books and suppliers with your fellow students.
Price: £595.00 for nine, two hour lessons on ZOOM with a maximum of six attendees.
Dates: Wed 20th January - 17th March 2026 from 6.00 pm to 8.00pm UK time.
Or: Friday 22nd January - 19th March 2026 from 10.00am to 12.00pm UK time.
Equipment and materials are excluded from the price of this course,
however the list of what you will need to purchase will be kept to the absolute minimum
and some swatches of specialist fabrics will be provided.
Samples and Sample Book Pages by Rowena Luke-King.
Once you have completed this course, you may like to expand your skills by enrolling on:
Couture Hand Sewing - Prom Dress
the details of which are coming soon!
I you prefer to study ‘in person’, Rowena teaches a short, hand sewing course at Central Saint Martins;
Hand Sewing for Couture & Bespoke Fashion