The ability to make your own clothes is a real skill – it allows you to sew the perfect wardrobe to suit your figure and make outfits for those around you. It could inspire you to invent your own original sewing patterns too.
If you struggle to find time to teach yourself dressmaking from a book or can't fit an evening class into your routine, online sewing classes for dressmaking could help you to achieve your goals. You can fit the classes around your schedule and pick up where you left off whenever you have a free moment. You'll learn all of the skills that you need from expert instructors and you'll be making your own bespoke clothes in no time.
There's a range of online sewing classes out there, covering everything from pattern making to sewing a finished garment. In this guide, we've selected some great dressmaking courses that you can try with options suitable for complete beginners or more advanced sewers.
We've included options for all budgets so that you can choose the course that's right for you with confidence. Some of the courses we've included in this article are taught by industry experts, which could come in handy if you want to become a professional tailor! We've also included some shorter modules that you can try before deciding you take the plunge and signing up for a more advanced course.
When choosing an online sewing class, it's important to take the time to make sure that it's the right course for you. Online sewing classes may offer a range of different benefits and resources from video tutorials to bonus sewing patterns.
Read on to discover the best online sewing classes for dressmaking to try…
Featured image by ©tailor-academy.com.
15 best online classes for dressmaking
1. Masterclass by Tailor Academy
Have you ever wished that you had the skills of a professional tailor? If you've ever wanted to learn dressmaking skills from the experts then this is the course for you.
The Tailor Academy based in Austria draws on an incredible 250 years of tailoring experience. They launched the Tailor Academy to ensure that traditional tailoring techniques are not lost forever. Following the success of the original German course, it has now been excellently translated into English.
The course begins with basic tailoring skills and gradually builds up to more challenging techniques, ensuring that beginners feel supported and guided as they learn. The classes are designed to be challenging but not overwhelming, so your sewing confidence will grow as you progress through each new unit.
While the classes are suitable for beginners, they're also very popular with more advanced sewers because they're packed with tips and tricks of the trade that you won't find elsewhere. The course focuses on "learning by doing" so you'll be able to develop practical skills along the way – and make beautiful finished garments.
Tailor Academy stands out from other courses because it has been created by a successful high-quality tailoring company that produces award-winning apprentices. It's even recognised by some other qualifications as a practical part of their courses, so it has all the benefits of a professional internship. This course is a fun learning experience and provides excellent value for money.
Why choose Masterclass by Tailor Academy?
- Experienced tutors: Benefit from 250 years of tailoring experience.
- Level up your skills: Challenging yet supportive learning experience.
- Study at your own pace: Fit study around your schedule.
- Sequential Learning: Courses designed to simulate the presence of a master tailor right in the room.
- Expert insight: Advice, top tips and practical guidance you can only get from a seasoned professional.
- Help and support: Personal support provided, with professional tailors just a message away.
- Join a community: Connect with other sewing enthusiasts.
Subscribe to the Masterclass by Tailor Academy from $34 per unit
2. Basic Sewing Course by Tailor Academy
If you're looking for a beginner-friendly yet comprehensive introduction to sewing, then Tailor Academy's Basic Sewing Course is for you!
This course will give you immediate hands-on experience while providing a comprehensive overview of the basics. As you progress through the modules, you'll apply your new knowledge by sewing a range of real garments. By the end of the course, you'll have a self-made, basic wardrobe.
Tailor Academy's Basic Sewing Course is designed with beginners in mind, so it is packed full of easy-to-follow tutorials, practical hints and tips, and personal support from professional tailors when you need it. Not only that, but you'll also receive expert recommendations for affordable sewing machines and materials.
If you're looking for a cost-effective sewing course designed to provide substantial value by imparting comprehensive knowledge right from the start, then you're in the right place.
Why choose the Basic Sewing Course by Tailor Academy?
- Suitable for beginners: A high-quality, comprehensive introduction to sewing.
- Hands-on learning: Create an entire basic wardrobe as you learn.
- Affordable price: A cost-effective option offering comprehensive expert knowledge.
- Help and support: Support from professional tailors who are just a message away.
- Join a community: Connect with other sewing enthusiasts.
Discover the latest deals and sign up for the Basic Sewing Course at Tailor Academy
3. Skillshare
Skillshare has lots of brilliant online sewing classes to explore (plus lots of great crafting tutorials!). You can learn all kinds of dressmaking techniques including how to make your own clothes, pattern cutting, upcycling garments and even a class showing how to make an evening gown.
Subscribe to Skillshare for £10.25 a month
4. Domestika
Domestika offers high-quality video classes covering a variety of sewing and dressmaking techniques. There's a good selection of classes available and you can buy them individually, so there's no ongoing costs. Popular dressmaking courses include Juliet Uzor's Make Your First Dress class and Latoki's Design Your Own Dress Shirt class.
Explore Domestika courses starting from £14.90
5. Udemy
Like Domestika, Udemy allows you to buy individual classes and there are plenty of dressmaking options available, such as how to make your own clothes without sewing patterns, sewing pattern alterations and drafting basics.
This is a good option to try if you don't want to commit to a full sewing course or want to refresh your sewing techniques.
Explore Udemy sewing courses from £19.99
6. International Open Academy
Pick up essential tailoring techniques with Carale Bow aka Stylish Dad. On International Open Academy's Tailoring and Alterations for Beginners course, you'll learn about basic tailoring terminology, stitch tension and dress alterations, as well as a host of essential tips and tricks.
The course is £99, but a year's access to all International Open Academy's classes is £89 – great value it if you want to try more than one of their courses.
Buy the International Open Academy Tailoring and Alterations for Beginners class for £9.99
7. Tilly and the Buttons
If you're a fan of the Great British Sewing Bee, you might recognise Tilly Walnes of Tilly and the Buttons from the first series of the show. Tilly offers a range of online sewing classes for beginners, covering everything from getting to know your sewing machine to making your own fitted dress. Each course is broken down into modules, so you can build up your skills gradually.
Tilly's courses also look at common sewing problems and how to fix them, which is very useful for new sewers! These courses are suitable for more advanced sewers who want to brush up their skills too.
Explore Tilly and the Buttons workshops
8. Obby
Obby runs lots of in-person dressmaking courses, but they also offer an online course that's ideal for absolute beginners. On its Zero to Sewing Hero course, you'll learn the dressmaking skills you'll need to make your own beautiful skirt!
This course covers how to cut patterns and adjust them to fit, how to construct your skirt, hems and seams and much more. It's designed to be completed in 1-2 days and you get lifetime access, so you can return to the course again and again.
Buy the Obby Zero to Hero course for £57
9. Sew Over It
Not sure what dressmaking skills you'd like to try? If you'd like a wider selection of online sewing classes then Sew Over It could be the right option for you. There are over 150 classes available which can be accessed 24/7, as well as sewalongs and a sewing community you can join.
You can learn everything from how to insert a concealed zip to how to make bust adjustments. We'd recommend the Intro to Dressmaking course, which includes 38 lessons and covers all of the dressmaking basics you need to know.
Buy the Intro to Dressmaking course for £60
10. Sew Me Something
Learn basic sewing and dressmaking skills with Sew Me Something's online sewing classes. These online sewing classes cover everything from basic sewing skills to more advanced dressmaking courses.
You'll pick up lots of tips from its experienced tutors and can study whenever the mood strikes you. There are several classes specifically focused on dressmaking including how to sew garments and a series of pattern-cutting lessons.
Subscribe to Sew Me Something's Sewing Studio starting from £20 per month
11. Arkdefo
Arkdefo's extensive dressmaking course will guide you through everything you need to know to make your own clothes, covering how to take your own measurements, drafting a pattern, simple garment construction and how to design your own wardrobe from scratch.
You'll learn how to work with different kinds of fabric and what to do when things go wrong. You can buy classes to learn how to make individual garments or learn how to make an entire capsule wardrobe.
Buy an Arkdefo dressmaking course starting from £25
Dressmaking 101
Want to create your own unique outfits at home? Get started with Gathered's in-depth how to make clothes guide.
12. Stitch Sisters
This dressmaking course geared towards beginners who want to start making their own clothes for the first time. It gives a good overview of the basics with lots of support and advice to teach you how to make your first garment. It's a good introduction
Buy the Stitch Sisters Guide to Dressmaking course for £28
13. Cashmerette
Do you have curves and want to make beautifully sewn clothes to suit your figure? Cashmerette specialises in sewing classes for women with curves and creative director Jenny Rushmore will teach you how to be a confident dressmaker. Classes include pattern hacking, advanced construction for curves and fitting for curves. You can choose the courses that you're interested in and work through them in your own time.
Sign up for a Cashmerette class starting from $30
14. Sew It Academy
Sew It Academy is a US-based online sewing and design school founded by sewing entrepreneur and influencer Mimi G. It teaches a range of skills including pattern making, draping, fitting and sketching.
Its step-by-step dressmaking courses are clear and easy to follow and they're designed to develop your skills and confidence gradually. Sew It Academy offers 54 womenswear course and 29 menswear courses. There's a free trial period if you want to try before you buy.
Subscribe to Sew It Academy from $11.97 per month
15. BurdaStyle Academy
Get to grips with basic dressmaking skills with BurdaStyle Academy's Perfect Fit Tailoring Course. The course is divided into seven sections and includes pattern fitting, drafting, pattern manipulation and how to make skilful adjustments. You'll be whipping up your own outfits in no time!
Buy the Perfect Fit Tailoring Course for $49.99
16. The Tailoring Academy
If you want to become a professional tailor, you might benefit from signing up to The Tailoring Academy's online course. This year-long course covers bespoke tailoring techniques you'll need to make to create a classic jacket.
It's aimed at people who want to learn tailoring skills but can't commit to a full-time tailoring course. The course fee is £1,795 and places are limited.
Find out about The Tailoring Academy's online courses
Up your tailoring skills today
Sewing your own clothes has never been easier, thanks to our tailor-made list of the best dressmaking courses. We hope there's a course in our list that's tickled your fancy!
Starting out with sewing? Try these courses
If you want to scrub up on your stitching skills before committing to a tailoring course, why not browse the best online sewing courses? We've collated a comprehensive list of the best options, so don't miss out!
