List of All of Lynda's Classes

The student will learn how to superimpose the sloper/basic block onto the commercial pattern and assess needed adjustments before moving to the muslin test garment. The pattern will be altered and a muslin test garment will be made to check the fit. The pattern will be updated to reflect the fitting adjustments. Students must already have a well-fitting bodice sloper before taking this class.

The student will learn how to draft a basic pant pattern from measurements that fits the figure exactly. Upon completion of the draft, the student will make a muslin test garment to check and adjust the fit. Design details and style variations will be discussed.

Master the basics of sewing at your own pace. This video-only series walks you through hand stitches, seam finishes, and zipper application while you build two wearable garments — a flared skirt and a Hawaiian shirt. No live instruction or instructor feedback is included.

Garments cut on true bias drape beautifully; they are body conscious, comfortable, and flattering. In this class we will learn how to prepare a pattern for bias, including the layout, cutting and marking of the fabric. You will also learn stabilizing techniques, pressing and constructions techniques and finish techniques for sewing garments cut on the bias.

The student will learn how to draft a pattern from measurements that fits the figure exactly. This is the moulage - no wearing ease added. Upon completion of the draft, the student will make a muslin test garment to check and adjust the fit. The student then creates a pattern, based upon that moulage, that includes wearing ease. This is the bodice sloper or bodice block and can be used as a starting point to create blouses, dresses, jackets, and coats. Once you have the bodice sloper, you will create an accompanying sleeve sloper. The sloper with sleeve will be sewn up in muslin and fitted as well.

Learn to draft and sew two beautifully structured garments in one comprehensive course. Starting from your existing moulage or bodice sloper, you'll draft a pattern adaptable for both a corselet — a supportive interior undergarment — and a bustier, a versatile outer garment that flatters all figures and can be dressed up in luxurious silks and satins or dressed down in denim and tweed. Over six weeks, you'll build a muslin to perfect your fit, then work through all the professional construction techniques needed to complete your chosen garment: coutil underlayers, boning channels, waist stays, closures, and more. The course wraps up with a virtual showcase of completed student projects, giving you both the skills and the confidence to tackle structured garment construction from start to finish.

Once tucked away under heavy dresses, cage skirts are now strutting as standalone showstoppers. This video series teaches you to build a cage skirt, a flirty party petticoat, and bloomers to round out the set. Self-paced, video-only — no live instructor support.

The sheath dress is a flattering silhouette for many body types. In this class you'll learn to draft a classic timeless sheath dress, with its figure-flattering vertical panels and narrow silhouette. The first of two will be drafted with princess seams and then we'll draft a 4-panel dress, perfect for color blocking. We will create a sleeveless, as well a sleeved version, and teach design options for necklines and sleeves. For those of you who want to take your dress out for a spin, we’ll teach you how to create a fit and flare silhouette.

Learn how to make a pattern from an existing garment without actually taking the garment apart. Once the pattern is generated, the student will make a muslin test garment to check for accuracy.

Ever wondered what separates a handmade dress from a truly extraordinary one? Drawing from her book, The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques, Lynda Maynard will guide you through the insider techniques that make all the difference, from "Baby French" facings and flat-lying V-necks to scalloped welt edgings, flange closures, and a multitude of beautiful hemming methods. Whether you sew a complete garment or simply build your technique vocabulary, you'll walk away with skills you'll use for a lifetime.

Learn to draft a top, blouse, shirt, or tunic entirely from scratch, tailored to your vision. Before the first session, submit a photo or sketch of your inspiration garment along with a written list of the details you want — think pleats, tucks, hidden plackets, and custom necklines. Lynda will guide you through drafting both the garment base and every detail. Any crotch-free garment is welcome. Upper-body garments only.

Learn to draft a wide range of pants—from pleated trousers and palazzos to shorts and casual styles. Master waistbands, pockets, closures, and professional details in this 8-week live Zoom class, finishing with a virtual showcase of your creations!

Step into fashion history with this 8-week live Zoom course taught by Lynda Maynard. Learn to draft your own pattern for the classic government-issued pea coat—a timeless, double-breasted style that works as both casual and formal wear. Traditionally made from heavy navy Melton wool, this coat can also be modernized in lighter fabrics, bold colors, or even plaid. With weekly live sessions, personalized feedback, and supportive video tutorials, you’ll gain the skills to bring this iconic coat to life.

Ready to create jackets and coats that fit like they were made for you — because they were? Starting from your personal sloper, you'll draft a complete jacket and coat pattern from scratch, fit a muslin to your body, and progress through advanced techniques including a three-panel jacket, two-piece fitted sleeve, notched and tailored collars, and all the internal structure that gives a garment its shape and longevity. Whether your goal is a classic blazer or a sweeping coat, you'll finish this class with a personalized pattern system that will serve as your foundation for years of beautiful outerwear.

Using your bodice sloper as a starting point, this course teaches you how to the classic shirt with variations on the silhouette, from fitted and classic to casual and oversized. You’ll learn to draft sleeves, yokes, plackets, collars, and cuffs, and explore professional construction details such as hidden and fold-over plackets. Throughout the class, you’ll mix and match design elements to create your ideal blouse or shirt while receiving individualized guidance from Lynda on fit and pattern adjustments for different body types.

Got a garment that's been sitting unfinished? Finish It! is your dedicated time and space to finally get it done. Each week, bring whatever you're working on and get personalized guidance from Lynda, access to curated video resources, and the energy of a small, focused group. Whether you need a specific technique answered, a structured block of time, or just the motivation that comes from working alongside other sewists — this is the class for you. No syllabus, no pressure. Just progress.

The focus of this workshop is to create well-fitting clothes that are beautiful and comfortable to wear. We will work with properly prepared and well marked muslin test garments. Each student will learn the required pattern adjustments for his/her specific figure. The fitting is done on the body and the changes are transferred to the paper pattern. We will learn about fitting the waist, abdomen, hips, crotch, and general hang of a pant or skirt. We will also discuss flattering lines and silhouettes.

The focus of this workshop is to create well-fitting clothes that are beautiful and comfortable to wear. We will work with properly prepared and well marked muslin test garments. Each student will learn the required pattern adjustments for his/her specific figure. The fitting is done on the body and the changes are transferred to the paper pattern. We will learn about fitting the shoulders, bust, upper back and chest, ribcage, abdomen, waistline and hips. We will also discuss flattering lines and silhouettes.

Create couture-quality strapless gowns from start to finish in this 8-week live Zoom class. Learn muslin fitting, corselet construction, hand-finished details, and professional hemming. Finish the course with a stunning gown you can be proud to showcase!

This hands-on course guides students through the process of drafting a custom knit bodice sloper with sleeve from personal measurements. Beginning with an introduction to knit fabrics and proper measurement techniques, students will construct a fitted bodice sloper and sleeve, make test garments, evaluate fit, and transfer any adjustments back to their patterns. Students will then grade their finished slopers across all four stretch categories — minimal, moderate, very stretchy, super stretchy (four-way stretch) — creating a comprehensive personal pattern library that serves as the foundation for designing tops, dresses, jackets, and sweaters.

NOT JUST FOR KNITS! In this class, you will use your knit or woven bodice block as a starting point and will draft several necklines including scoop, square, vee-neck, and for knits only, the tee, tee vee-neck and turtleneck. You'll also learn how to draft cowl variations. For the purposes of teaching, Lynda has focused on and will discuss the knit bodice block. We will draft a variety of sleeve styles including the short sleeve, ¾ sleeve and the cap sleeve. We will move on to the dropped shoulder, extended shoulder, raglan and dolman sleeves. Our final drafts are the bell, flare, puff, and petal sleeves.

The student will learn how to draft a basic hip foundation from measurements. We will then draft knit pant slopers in all stretch categories; minimal, moderate, very stretchy, super stretchy, and four-way stretch. Our final draft for this class will be leggings. Students will make test garments for the hip foundation, basic sloper and leggings. These will be fitted and any changes will be transferred to the patterns.

Knits are closet staples that come together quickly with the right tools and techniques. This self-paced video series covers proper needles, stitches, stabilizing fabrics, seams, hems, edge finishes, bindings, and closures — all practiced while making a tee, a hoodie, and a tank dress on a home sewing machine. Video-only; no instructor support.

This class is pure fun, with a bit of whimsy along the way. Explore the wonderful world of lingerie — its fabrics and signature sewing techniques — including panty construction, lace application, elastic application, and edge finishes. You'll put these skills into practice making a panty, tulip tap pants, and a camisole or slip, all on a home sewing machine. Videos only; no live instruction or instructor support included.

Drafting & Sewing a Motorcycle Jacket is an 8-week online class where you’ll learn to create a custom-fit, iconic motorcycle jacket from start to finish. This classic design features an asymmetrical zippered closure, zippered sleeves and pockets, a convertible collar, and a fully lined interior. You’ll begin by drafting a jacket sloper (optional if you already have one), create a personalized pattern, and sew a test garment to ensure proper fit. As the course progresses, you’ll learn professional techniques for drafting and construction, including sleeve zippers with a godet, separating front zippers, zippered pockets, lining insertion, and collar construction. By the end of the class, you’ll complete a finished jacket and participate in a virtual showcase to celebrate your work.

Join Lynda for a focused workshop on creating a polished, ready-to-wear jacket using the Sienna Jacket by Closet Core Patterns. Inspired by vintage French workwear, the Sienna offers three stylish views and timeless utility details. Lynda will elevate your skills with techniques such as machine-tailored collars and lapels, an improved order of construction, and drafting/installing a full lining by machine. These methods apply to many popular workwear patterns, giving you tools you’ll use again and again.

Learn to sew pants like a pro! In this hands-on class, you’ll tackle everything from shaping and pockets to fly zippers, waistbands, and cuffs. Each week builds your skills with new techniques; slant and welt pockets, invisible zippers, contour waistbands, and more. By the end, you’ll finish a custom pair of pants and gain the know-how to create endless variations with confidence. NOTE: Purchase your own pattern or use one you've drafted.

Silk charmeuse is a luxurious fabric known for its luminous surface and fluid drape — but it's notoriously tricky to sew well. In this six-week online course, Lynda teaches the professional techniques she uses to handle silk charmeuse with confidence, covering proper layout, cutting, and marking through precise stitching and refined finishes, including darts, seams, baby hems, plackets, collars, sleeves, cuffs, and edge finishes. While you won't complete a full garment, you'll come away with a deep understanding of how silk charmeuse behaves and the skills to apply these techniques to your own projects.

This class complements others Lynda offers — Drafting a Classic Shirt, Drafting a Jacket/Coat, and Drafting Dresses — adding more tools to your drafting toolbox so you can create the sleeves of your dreams: raglan, lantern, pleated, petal sleeves with gathers, kimono, and more. Lynda also demonstrates the sewing techniques specific to each sleeve type. You'll need either a closely-fitted blouse pattern that fits well or a bodice sloper with sleeve, since some sleeve styles require adjusting the bodice and sleeve. Videos only; no live instruction or instructor support included.

Create a summer capsule wardrobe. At the end of this class, you'll have a stylish pair of shorts (or pants), a cap-sleeved top, a lovely summer dress with sleeves and a cardigan for those cool summer evenings. The patterns used are the Closet Core Pietra Shorts, the Fibre Mood Gabby Dress, the Maison Fauve Patron couture top MarisaPaper Theory Olya Shirt, and the Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan

This is a three-part series on bespoke tailored jacket construction Each six-week course focuses on professional finishing techniques that complete a custom jacket. The three courses are taught in successive sessions at the same day/time each session.

The Thea boho Shirt by Liberty Of London has a loose fitting body with a hidden placket button-front closure. The neckline is finished with a band or a collar with a stand. The fun begins with the sleeves! The variations include a traditional short sleeve, a full sleeve gathered into a cuff, and a mid-length sleeve finished with a double flounce. We will cover basic construction and explore design details and techniques.