LEARN TO LOVE YOUR OVERLOCKER - All Day Course: Sunday 28th September

Have you always wanted to learn how to sew on an overlocker but didn't know where to start? This is the perfect course for you!

This all-day beginner-friendly class will teach how to get the most from your machine and variety of techniques for you to be able confidently thread and use your overlocker machine.

Whether you're a complete novice or just need a refresher, your tutor Pat will cover all the essentials—setting up your machine, threading the overlocker, different stitching techniques, troubleshooting, and working with various fabrics.

By the end of this class you will be comfortable threading your machine and creating beautiful seams and decorative stitches, and will leave ready to tackle exciting sewing projects. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to sew beautiful clothes and add professional finishes to their garments and home décor projects.

Your tutor is Pat Dickson - a renowned senior fashion lecturer with three decades of experience teaching sewing and garment construction at degree level, as well as a back ground of industrial experience.

Learn everything you need to know about the overlocker, taught in in an easy- to- understand way. Pat's classes are relaxed and fun, packed with incredible techniques and tips to elevate your sewing success.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

⭐️ Getting to Know Your Overlocker

Let's start with the essentials:

• Understanding how an overlocker works and how it differs from a sewing machine
• Identifying key parts: loopers, needles, cutting blade, and differential feed
• Step-by-step threading guidance (with plenty of hands-on practice)
• Adjusting thread tension for perfect stitches
• Get to know how to change needles and types of needles suitable for different fabrics.

Practical Exercise: Threading and rethreading practice with help when needed, and plenty of industry tips along the way.

⭐️ Essential Stitches & Seam Finishing

Once your machine is set up, it’s time to sew! Pat will cover:

• The difference between 3-thread and 4-thread overlock stitches
• Getting the right tension
• Adjusting stitch width, length, and differential feed for different fabric types
• Master straight seams, curves and more

Practical Exercise: Creating a stitch sample book for future reference

⭐️ Troubleshooting & Advanced Techniques

Gain confidence by learning how to handle common issues and experiment with new techniques:

• Diagnosing and fixing common problems (skipped stitches, uneven tension, thread breakage)
• Exploring decorative stitches such as flat locking, rolled hems and fancy edge finishes
• Exploring decorative thread such irrigated and bulk threads
• Knowing when to use an overlocker vs. a standard sewing machine

Practical Exercise: Testing various stitches on fabric to get you ready for the next stage

⭐️ Mini Project – Put Your Skills to Work!

Apply what you’ve learned by sewing a mini project in class, with all materials supplied.

You’ll pin, sew and finish your project with expert guidance and leave with a newfound confidence in using your overlocker.

✨ CLASS INFORMATION:

Where is the class held?

The course is held in MaryRose McGrath's Fashion Design Studio in Conway Mill, Belfast.

The address is Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast BT13 2DE.

✨ Who is the class suitable for?

This course is perfect for absolute beginner sewers age 18+ who have never used an overlocker before and haven't a clue where to start. It is also ideal for those who have not sewn on an overlocker in years and need a refresher course to get back on track.

✨ What age do you have to be to take part in the class?

Classes are for ages 18+.

Young sewers aged 12+ are also welcome if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also booked on the course.

OVERLOCKER INFO:

✨ Do I bring my overlocker machine to class?

Yes, you bring your own overlocker to class, just add machine gire on checkout.

If you don’t have an overlocker, or if yours does not function properly in class, you can hire one for the day - though availability is limited.

Before attending, please ensure your overlocker is in good working condition and ready for class, please read the overlocker checklist below. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their machine is ready for use. Please note that the tutor does not have time to fix or correct machines which are not working in class.

IMPORTANT!

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR OVERLOCKER IS READY FOR CLASS:

To help the class run smoothly, please check your overlocker before the class, even if you're new to using it.

✅ If your machine is new or unused:

Even if you haven’t used it yet, please take it out of the box, plug it in, and check that:

• It powers on
• The motor runs when you press the pedal
• There are no strange noises or issues

If it's been in the box for 6 months or more, it may need:

• A light oil (refer to your manual)
• A new needle (factory-fitted needles can blunt or rust slightly over time)

✅ If your machine has been used before:

Please run a few test stitches.

If it hasn’t been used in 3-6 months, it may need:

• oiling, cleaning, or a basic service.

If your overlocker is not functioning properly or needs serviced, we recommend having it fixed by Sew 'N' Knit in Belfast or Lisburn.

✨ What do I need to bring with me on the day?

*Your overlocker and four spools of thread in the following colours: yellow, green, red and blue.

*All equipment provided with the overlocker, plus your sewing kit.

*A large notebook and pen for all the fabric swatches and important technical information you will be taught in class.

*Reading glasses if you need them for needle threading and close up work

✨ How much does the all day class cost?

The course cost is £99.

✨ How do I book the class?

You can book this course here through Eventbrite using PayPal. Eventbrite charges a booking fee.

OR

You can book the course through the studio, with no booking fee added.

Please e-mail your mobile number to: info@maryrosemcgrath.com to book through the studio. We will be in touch to book your space in class.

✨Want to contact us?

If you would like to get in touch, email: info@maryrosemcgrath.com and we will get back to you.

WHERE TO MEET BEFORE CLASS STARTS:

The studio is closed before class, and doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Patricia will collect all students from Conway Mill reception on the ground floor at 9.25 a.m. and take you to the studio on the second floor.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING:

1. Late arrivals: There is a huge amount to learn in class and late arrivals disrupt students, the tutor and the teaching schedule. Late arrivals of 15 minutes or more are not accepted into class as it is impossible to recap after this time.

2. Non-attendance: Due to the small number of students in class & the niche nature of this course, a new overlocking course on another date / refunds / class vouchers are not provided if the student has not attended the course for any reason including : covid / covid isolation/ illness / unexpected or personal circumstances / transport / weather / other.

3: Transfer the booking to another person if you can not attend: If you can not make the course for any reason - you can transfer the name so someone else attends the course in your place.

To transfer a name, please email: info@maryrosemcgrath.com at least two days before the course starts to inform us of the name change.

4. Course cancellation: On rare occasions, classes may have to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We will inform students immediately by e-mailing & calling. You will be offered a refund, a transfer to another date, or a credit note. Please note we are not liable for any costs incurred due to class cancellation. This clause applies only to cancellations made by the class organiser MaryRose McGrath Design. For cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control (see Force Majeure), please refer to Section 9.

5. Speed of learning: Progress and speed of learning depends on each student's natural abilities during class.

6. A minimum number of students are required for this course to take place.

7.Bookings made in error are non refundable.

8.Overlocker Responsibility: It is each student’s responsibility to ensure their overlocker is in full working condition prior to attending the course. Machines must be checked in advance, and any required servicing or repairs must be carried out before the class date.

If a student arrives with an overlocker that cannot be used in class for any reason (including but not limited to faults, poor condition, or recent servicing that has not resolved issues or any other reasons), they will not be entitled to a refund or transfer to an alternative overlocker course.

The tutor is engaged to deliver six hours of group tuition and cannot undertake machine repairs during class. Students who arrive with a non-functioning machine may, if available, hire an overlocker for an additional fee. This is not guaranteed.

Refunds are not provided if the student does not have their overlocker available for class.

Hire machines may be available for a fee, but numbers are very limited and hire cannot be guaranteed.

9.Force Majeure

If the class cannot take place due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including but not limited to severe weather, flooding, fire, power failure, transport disruption, venue closure, public health restrictions, or other force majeure events), refunds will not be provided.

In such cases, every effort will be made to reschedule the class to a later date.If rescheduling is not possible, a class voucher will be provided which may be redeemed against a future course.