Overlocker 5 Week Course

The UK's first structured five-week overlocker course.

This course is an absolute must, for anyone wanting to take dressmaking seriously. ‍ ‍‍ ‍

Your overlocker can do far more than finish a seam. Over five weeks, we take you deep into everything this machine can do — and you'll sew complete garments on it from start to finish.

So many people own an overlocker. Almost nobody is taught how to truly use one.

Across the UK, you'll find short overlocker classes that teach you to thread the machine and sew a seam. That's where they stop — and that's where this course begins.

Learners have travelled from Manchester, Birmingham, Norfolk and beyond to take our four-hour Overlocker class, because overlockers are one of our deepest areas of expertise here at Charmingo Sews Academy

This course is the natural next step: five weeks of structured, hands-on teaching that turns your overlocker from the machine you're slightly afraid of into the machine you reach for first.

What you will learn

Over five weeks, you will:

  • Master threading, tension, stitch width, cutting width and differential feed — until adjusting your machine feels like second nature

  • Build your own stitch reference book covering the full range of overlocker stitches, from 4-thread and 3-thread overlock to rolled hems and flatlock

  • Understand and see how different fabrics behave under the knife — jersey, Lycra and spandex, wovens, delicates and more

  • Work with specialist presser feet and discover techniques most overlocker owners never learn

  • Sew complete garments solely on the overlocker, including knickers, leggings, dress/top, shorts/pants, hair accessories, home furnishings and even a bag.

  • Learn thorough cleaning, oiling, knife and needle care so your machine runs beautifully for years

  • Explore different types of threads and needles and the outcomes they give us

  • Use the coverstitch machine for professional hemming, alongside learning the alternatives you can achieve without one

The five weeks

Week One — Know Your Machine Threading from bare, tension theory, stitch settings and differential feed. You'll begin your stitch reference book and complete your first makes: a selection of simple starter projects including hair accessories.

Week Two — Fabric, Seams and Lingerie How different fabrics behave on the overlocker, seam types and stabilising, and elastic application — put into practice as you sew your own lingerie.

Week Three — Leggings, Cut to Finished in One Session This is the week the overlocker shows off. Once your pattern pieces are cut, a pair of leggings takes just a handful of seams — you'll sew and hem a complete, wearable pair within the session.

Week Four — Your Garment, Your Choice Choose from a selection of garments made almost entirely on the overlocker — options such as tracksuit bottoms, a dress, a shirt or shorts — and construct it with guidance every step of the way.

Week Five — Techniques, Finishing and Machine Care More garment making, advanced techniques, and a thorough look at maintenance: cleaning, oiling, and knife and needle care. You'll leave with finished garments, a full stitch reference book, and complete command of your machine.

What to bring

Your machine, your fabric — or use ours.

You're welcome to bring your own overlocker so you leave knowing your machine inside out, or use one of the studio machines.

We recommend bringing your own fabric for the garment projects — you'll be making things you actually want to wear. We'll be working with stretch fabrics including Lycra and spandex. Test fabric is provided for all technique work, and fabric is available in the studio if you'd prefer not to bring your own.

A full materials list is provided before your start date.

This course is for you if:

  • You own an overlocker that's sitting unused — or underused

  • You've done an introductory overlocker class and want to go far beyond the basics

  • You're a confident machine sewer ready to add a serious skill

  • You want to sew activewear, lingerie, swimwear and stretch garments with a professional finish

This course is suitable for anyone completely new to using an overlocker

What’s included

  • Five weekly sessions of 2.5 hours in our waterfront studio

  • Expert tuition at England's largest independent sewing academy

  • All threads, test fabrics, elastics and patterns for the set projects

  • Your own stitch reference book to keep

  • Use of studio overlockers and the coverstitch machine

  • Small class sizes for genuinely hands-on teaching

There is no other course like this in the UK.

If you've been waiting for someone to teach you what your overlocker can really do — this is it.

£345

view dates
White table with a mannequin dressed in a blue skirt, a pink magazine holder with magazines, a white serger sewing machine, and two potted plants against a plain white wall.