Learn to Sew and Design with Chesney’s Bridal.
Learn the valuable life skill of sewing with Chesney, a skilled designer and the owner of Chesney's Bridal, renowned for her expertise in bridal fashion. Our comprehensive classes cater to both beginners and advanced students, ensuring that everyone can enhance their sewing abilities and creativity. Join us to enhance your skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Meet your instructor
In this immersive class, you will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from Chesney, the talented owner and designer of Chesney’s Bridal. With a wealth of experience as a professional tailor and dressmaker, Chesney brings a deep understanding of the craft to the table. She holds a degree in fashion design from Edith Cowan University (ECU), which has equipped her with both the technical skills and creative insights necessary for designing and constructing beautiful garments.
Throughout the course, Chesney will take you through each stage of the sewing and dressmaking process, from selecting the right fabrics and understanding patterns to mastering essential techniques and finishing touches. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in creating stunning pieces under the guidance of a seasoned professional.
Chesney Howells - Owner and Designer
Explore Our Classes
Beginner
Group Classes
$380
8-week introduction to sewing class
(x8, 2-hour classes weekly)
Beginner Level
Learn how to use a domestic sewing machine
Explore how to sew functional pieces
Learn how to read patterns
Construction of simple garments
Explore finishes and techniques used in the industry
Advanced
Group Classes
$520
8-week advanced introduction to design and sewing class
(x8, 2.5-hour classes weekly)
Advanced/Intermediate Level
Design and draft personalised patterns
Learn the art of draping
Explore fit and how to alter garments
Design your own garments from block patterns
Personal
One-on-one Classes
$150
One 2-hour one-on-one tutor-style lesson class
Any Level
8 - Week Beginners Sewing Class
$380 (x8 2hr Lessons)
Our 8-week beginner sewing class is thoughtfully designed for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals and finish confident making simple garments. Over eight hands-on sessions you’ll master essential skills — measuring and fitting, using a sewing machine, cutting fabric, basic seams, hems, closures, and simple pattern-reading — while completing practical projects that progressively build toward a wearable garment by the final week. Classes are small and supportive, with personalized guidance so you leave able to alter patterns, construct basic skirts, tops, or dresses, and continue creating at home with new skill and creativity.
Available Saturday Mornings 10am-12pm
April Enrolment available now!
Advanced Sewing and Design Basics
$520 (x8 2.5hr Lessons)
Our 8‑week Advanced Sewing & Patternmaking Course
This intensive eight‑week course is designed for students who already have basic sewing experience and want to move into patternmaking, fitting, and creative garment design. You’ll gain hands‑on skills to draft and customise pattern blocks, create toiles, adjust fit through alterations, and develop confident draping and design techniques for original garments.
What you’ll learn
Drafting basic pattern blocks: learn how to draft bodice, skirt, and sleeve blocks from measurements so you can create a reliable foundation for any garment.
Pattern customisation: modify standard blocks to create different silhouettes (waistlines, necklines, darts, gathers, pleats, and style lines) and adapt commercial patterns to suit individual proportions and design ideas.
Toile making and fit adjustment: construct toiles (muslins) to test designs on the body, diagnose fit issues, and make precise pattern adjustments for a polished final fit.
Alterations and advanced fitting techniques: refine skills in grading, balancing, pivoting darts, adjusting shoulders and side seams, and other professional alteration methods.
Draping on the dress form: explore three‑dimensional design by draping fabric directly on a mannequin to create shapes, volume, and unique design details.
Designing garments from concept to sample: develop design sketches, translate ideas into patterns or draped prototypes, and produce a finished sample garment demonstrating your development process.
Course structure
Eight weekly sessions, each 2.5–3 hours long.
Small class sizes to ensure focused, individual feedback and practical help during complex steps.
A mix of demonstrations, guided exercises, and project time so you leave each week with concrete progress.
Projects and outcomes
By the end of the course, you will have:
Drafted your own basic pattern blocks from measurements.
Produced and fitted at least one toile, making accurate alterations to the block/pattern.
Designed and created a draped sample or sewn garment that demonstrates advanced fit and finishing.
Gained the confidence to customise commercial patterns and execute professional alterations at home or in a studio.
Who this course is for
Sewers who have completed beginner classes or have equivalent experience (comfortable using a sewing machine, basic seams, and simple patterns).
Makers who want to move into bespoke patternmaking, costume or bridal design, or those seeking stronger fitting and alteration skills.
Available Tuesday Afternoons 5pm-7.30pm
April Enrolment available now!
Upcoming Classes
Courses Offered
Start Date
Lesson Days/Time
Finishing Date
TBC
Beginner 8-week course
TBC
TBC
Every Tuesday 5pm-7.30pm
Advanced 8-week course
Commencing April 21st
Finishing June 9th (TBC)
One-on-one sewing lessons
Organized Privately
Organized Privately
Organized Privately
Advanced group classes are available for enrolment
If you still have questions, please submit your inquiry online using our contact form.
Your Questions, Answered-
Group sewing classes are held at the Butler Community Centre, while individual classes take place at our home studio. Private group classes can also be requested.
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All classes must be pre-paid and booked online through our booking link. Once payment is received and classes have started, the bookings become non-refundable.
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As this is a group class, it is essential to attend on the scheduled days to avoid falling behind and to fully engage with the learning process. Catch-up private lessons may be available but will incur an additional fee.
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We do not offer weekly payments for group bookings since they are set classes. However, if you book private one-on-one lessons, this may be available upon discussion with Chesney.