Alteration Basics –1 Hour Class

Perfect Your Fit, One Skill at a Time

Tailoring your own clothes is an incredibly rewarding and practical skill to have! Because this is a highly focused 1-hour session, it is intentionally designed to give you the dedicated, undivided attention needed to properly learn, practice, and master one specific fundamental alteration skill.

Rather than rushing through a massive pile of garments, you will focus your entire hour on a single technique to ensure you leave with the confidence to repeat it at home.

What You Can Learn

You aren’t limited to just a few options—bring in what you want to work on, and your instructor will help you tackle it step-by-step! Common 1-hour focus skills include:

• The Perfect Hem: Learn how to properly measure, pin, and sew clean hems on pants, jeans, skirts, or sleeves.

• Taking In Side Seams: Discover how to alter tops, dresses, or loose garments at the sides for a much more flattering, tailored fit.

• Minor Adjustments: Fix a gaping waistband, adjust shoulder straps, or tackle other simple fit tweaks.

How to Prepare

To get the absolute most out of your session, please keep the following tips in mind:

• Bring a Clean Garment: Make sure whatever item you are altering is freshly washed and ready to go so you can jump right into fitting and sewing.

• Instructor Tip (Start with Low Stakes): If you are brand new to alterations, we highly recommend bringing in something old, worn, or thrifted for your first project. That way, you can practice without the pressure of worrying about making a mistake on your favorite wardrobe piece!

All classes take place in our comfortable, fully equipped classroom here at the Millard Sewing Center.