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Give a Diva a Sewing Machine and watch the magic happen!

Levels

So that you understand what we mean about the various levels see below.

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Choose a level which suits to where you are now. Our aim is to ensure that you learn all the techniques you need to ensure that you understand and are able to move forward.

Sewing and Garment Making Guidance

You must have covered some of the targets listed below in the levels which apply to you

Pattern Making/Cutting Guidance

We strongly recommend that you have a ‘Good’ standard of sewing skills as this knowledge will help you understand the technical processes of pattern cutting.

Level 1: - Absolute beginner

  • I have never used a sewing machine before

  • I have never pinned or cut fabric

 

Level 2: Novice

  • I have threaded a sewing machine

  • I have used a sewing machine before but needs more practice or confidence

  • I have pinned and cut fabric

  • I can sew straight lines

 

Level 3: Walkers

  • I can do everything in level 1 & 2

  • I understand and use backstitching at the start & end of seams

  • I have made an item by following a commercial pattern instructions, but can do with further help and understanding

 

Level 4: Joggers

  • I can do everything in level 1- 3

  • I can use an over locker (basic function/uses)

  • I can confidently insert zips

  • I can create a buttonhole on a sewing machine

  • I can cut and lay a pattern to fabric with confidence

  • I understand the use of notches and grainlines

  • I understand where to apply facings

  • I can work with various woven fabrics with confidence

 

Level 5: Sprinters

  • I am confident with everything in levels 1-4

  • I can insert an Invisible Zip

  • I know where and when to use interfacing

  • I have made various items/garments to a good standard

  • I can work to a good standard with most woven fabrics

  • I have worked with stretch fabrics

  • I can insert a sleeve

  • I can attach a waistband

Level 1: - Absolute beginner

  • I have never used a pattern (commercial or otherwise) to make anything before

  • I can use a tape measure with confidence

  • I have used a sewing machine before but may needs more practice or confidence

 

Level 2: Novice

  • I have used a commercial pattern to make a garment before

  • I understand metric measurement (CM/Centimeters)

  • I can measure the body

  • I have good sewing skills

  • I have fair to good maths knowledge

 

Level 3: Walkers

  • I can do everything in level 1 & 2

  • I understand the terminology such as grainline, notches & cut on fold

  • I have used pattern making tools such as a Pattern Master, Set Square and/or French Curve

  • I know what a ‘Pattern Block’ is

  • I know how to draw right angles & 45* angles

 

Level 4: Joggers

  • I can do everything in level 1 - 3

  • I can work with various woven fabrics with confidence

  • I understand the meaning and use of darts in garment making

  • I know and understand where to apply seam and hem allowance.

 

Level 5: Sprinters

  • I am confident with everything in levels 1-4

  • I have made a Pattern Block

  • I know how to move a dart

  • I have a good idea of altering a pattern for fit

  • I understand the differences between the Master Pattern and a Draft Pattern

Crochet

Level 1: - Absolute beginner

  • I have never crochet before

  • I have very little knowledge of crocheting

 

Level 2: Novice

  • I  have some knowledge and practice of crochet

  • I have worked with yarn (knitting/weaving)

  • I have crocheted but don’t understand the symbols and terminology

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Level 3: Walkers

  • I can do everything in level 1 & 2

  • I can follow a pattern using worded direction

  • I know at least 4 different crochet stitches

  • I can cast on/off and change yarn/colours in a piece of work

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Level 4: Joggers

  • I can do everything in level 1 - 3

  • I can read a pattern of crochet symbols

  • I know more than 4 crochet stitches

  • I can increase/decrease stitches in my piece of work

 

Level 5: Sprinters

  • I am confident with everything in levels 1-4

  • I can follow a worded and symbol pattern

  • I can confidently create shaping when crocheting

  • I can crochet using various weight of yarn

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