Garment Alterations for Beginners
Altering garments requires specialty sewing skills that cannot easily be learned from online platforms. Knowing HOW and WHERE to tailor your garment for the perfect fit can be tricky. This class will take the guess-work out of altering and provide the opportunity to work on your own project with expert guidance.
This four-session class will delve into altering techniques that are commonly used in tailoring. During the first class, Geri-Lynn will demonstrate some common hemming techniques including: blue jeans hems, Hong Kong finish, a faced hem, curved hems, and horsehair hems. Subsequent sessions will be tailored to student needs based on specific projects brought straight from your closet, and may include using darts in shirts, altering waistbands, adjusting side seams or shoulder seams, and improving the fit on pants.
Supply List:
- Sewing machine, ideally capable of zigzag stitch
- 1-2 garments to alter
- Tape measure
- 12" metal ruler
- Fabric scissors
- Tailor's chalk, white and colored
- Seam ripper
- Straight pins
- Safety pins
- Handsewing kit: needles, thimble, threader, small nippers
CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE SUPPLY LIST
Please Note:
If registrations do not meet the minimum students required the class will be cancelled and a refund will be issued. Registration minimum for this class: 6
Registration Deadline June 30, 2026
Sewing Machine Rentals available for $25/session. Reservations must be made in advance of class through A Clean Stitch Sewing Center.
Students may cancel up to 1 week before class for a store credit equal to the cost of the class. Any cancellations after 1 week before class will NOT be refunded.
Late registrations may be available and are at the discretion of the shop in coordination with the instructor. Please contact A Clean Stitch Sewing Center for late registration inquiries.
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Skill Details: | |
| Instructor: | Geri-Lynn Turner |
| Instructor Bio: | My first job involved a different type of sewing---I was a gynecological oncologist performing complex pelvic surgeries for 30 years. I started sewing garments when my 3 sons were old enough to dress up for Halloween, but I became serious in the garment industry when I retired from medicine and achieved a degree in Fashion Design. My focus was menswear. I spent 3 months studying at Liverano and Liverano, a highly respected atelier in Florence, Italy. I have worked in the theatre district in Houston: Houston Ballet and Alley Theater. My most recent and favorite job was for CostumeWorx, a company that makes costumes for high school and college theatre. |
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3275 N. Reserve St. Suite K-1,
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 541-4486