Sew Better, Sew Faster: Smart Construction
Janet Pray
Class Preview
0:43
- In-depth Instruction; over 195 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Overview & Preparing the Jacket
32:18
Meet sewing industry veteran Janet Pray and learn more about the MotorCity Express jacket she designed just for you! Janet discusses the fashion fabrics, linings, interlinings and interfacing you might use, from a sophisticated felted wool lined with Bemberg rayon to a fun and funky silk tweed with charmeuse lining. Then, get started with interfacing and marking your pattern pieces.
Professional Preparations
30:17
Janet shows how to customize your jacket's zippers for the asymmetrical front opening, pockets and cuffs. Then learn to sew efficiently without pins as you assemble the jacket's back panels. You'll also sew the lining pieces, leaving an opening for bagging the lining later.
Beginning Jacket Construction
33:56
Use Janet's technique for letting your sewing machine's feed dogs ease the lining to the facing along the princess seam for a flattering fit. Then, employ crimping to accomplish the more drastic easing in the sleeve lining at the elbow. You'll learn Janet's professional pressing tips before sewing the lining to the facing at the neckline and shoulder seams with perfect corners.
Facings & Pockets
16:31
Apply the facings to your sleeves to support the zippers at the cuffs and add the facings for your zippered pockets. When you press your work with Janet's guidance, you'll be impressed with your results!
Inserting Zippers
20:02
Zip through your zipper installations with ease! Janet shows how to get professional results with the front separating zipper and the sleeve zippers, complete with gussets. You'll also see how to install the window zippers without puckers or dimples.
Completing the Jacket Shell
29:06
Complete the construction of your jacket, finishing the fronts and sewing them to the backs, sewing the pockets and setting in the sleeves. Janet walks you through step by step. You'll never fear sleeves again!
Bagging the Lining & Final Touches
32:14
It's time to finish your jacket by attaching and bagging the lining. Janet shows how to attach the lining to your sleeve cuffs and stitch in the ditch around the collar to keep the layers flat. Finally, sew up the last gap in your lining by machine -- no hand-stitching needed -- and topstitch as desired. Your trendy jacket is ready to wear!
Create a trendy motorcycle-style jacket using the most efficient, effective outerwear tailoring techniques. Alongside industry insider Janet Pray, you’ll start by choosing the perfect fashion fabrics and supporting materials. Then, interface and mark your Janet’s MotorCity Express Jacket pattern pieces for swift, successful construction. Customize your jacket’s zippers, pockets and cuffs, and sew them beautifully without pins. Simplify the steps for easing your lining into your other pattern pieces. Apply facings to your sleeves and zippered pockets flawlessly. Breeze through ready-to-wear zipper installations. Add pockets and set-in sleeves stress-free, before learning how to line a jacket entirely by machine! Construct ready-to-wear jackets faster than you thought possible.
Important Pattern Information
The sewing pattern on which this class is based — Islander Sewing 222 — is not included with your purchase. You’ll find a coupon in the downloadable materials to purchase it from
Islander Sewing.
Janet Pray
Janet Pray is the owner of Islander Sewing Systems, which offers patterns and instruction for industrial sewing techniques. She's also the founder and president of The American Sewing Expo, the largest independent sewing expo in the United States. Janet served as the executive director of the National Sewing Council for three years, and she is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals.
Bonus materials available after purchase