Frocks and Frolics Sewing Academy
Learn to Sew
The Frocks and Frolics Sewing Academy has lots to offer. From sewing novice to expert in less than a year? It’s possible! Some students said that they learned more in two hours with me than an entire course at premium price, elsewhere. Learning doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag, and I am glad to offer much of the learning experience completely FREE. Then, when you are really hooked on sewing, you can move on to sewing up my gorgeous sewing patterns. Even then the price stays affordable and with every pattern you get an amazing video sewing course, which explains every step in detail.
Where to start? If you are completely new to sewing, why not enroll in my FREE ‘Sewing 101’ Course and learn about sewing machines and all basic sewing techniques. If you are already beyond that and have your wonderful sewing machine at the ready, look at the method videos. Zip insertion, how to sew the perfect sleeve or pockets, whatever you need to learn, you will find it here at the Frocks & Frolics Sewing Academy.
Step by Step Sewing Patterns
We all learn in different ways and if you rather like a project and do it step by step, then my sewing patterns are perfect for you. They explain every step in a video course and you also get an eBook to refer back to. Once you purchased a sewing pattern, or enrolled in a free course in the academy you will have access to the academy sewing course that comes with it. Chapter 1 will have all the patterns ready for download in both DIN A4 (for most of the world) and Letter Size (for US, Canada and Mexico). If you are German, fear not (so am I) so all courses also have a German version.
Glad you found the Academy, hope it has just the right course for you! Also don’t forget to check out the Frocks and Frolics Blog
Learn to Sew
How to install a Zipper
Another sore point for many sewing newbies! Trust me it doesn't have to be. Regardless if you want to install an exposed fashion zipper or a traditional lapped zipper, I have a video which will make this less daunting and maybe even fun.
Halloween | Easter | Basket for Kids
It's free, its cute and so much fun to sew with your kids. An ideal project for Halloween, Easter and when you need a cute little basket.
Cuteness Overload Cross Over Back Hack
Using both the Millie and Georgina patterns, I will teach you how to create an easy wrap over back. Of course it will work with other patterns too. Just grab your favorite and off you go.
Classic Bolero Sewing Course
It's free, fabulous and your friends won't believe this bolero jacket did not come from a high end boutique. I usually teamed these lovelies with my flower girl dresses but they look smashing with a pretty skirt or trousers too.
Christmas Tree Skirt
Fall in love with these cute little snowmen all around your tree skirt! They are so cute and lovely and of course you can use the templates on other projects too. Step by step and free for members, this is a wonderful seansonal project.
Free Fleece Hat Sewing Course
This Free pattern and project is for little ones and grown ups. A variety of sizes to create this aorable hat with fleece tuff. Very simple project for you and your family. Fabric use is minimal too, so this will be fun all round!
Country Apron Sewing Course
This course has got a ton of patterns and video tutorials. Make a chefs full or half apron for you and your kids. It also includes our seasonal 'sew-a-long' for the Christmas apron with the cutest snowmen. The pattern and course content is completely free for memebers.
Handmade Christmas
This course teaches you how to make a stocking, a stuffed reindeer, gift bag and gingerbread men. It includes a ton of templates for the Christmas season including hearts and stars of course.
All about Fabrics and Fibres
Its often the most difficult part to decide which fabric is suitable for which project. Understanding how fabrics are made and the propertis of the fibres involved is going to help you choose correctly. This course is free for members.
How to Apply Bias Binding
This puzzels a lot of newbies but it doesn't need to. Bias binding is not hard if you use the correct one. I introduce you to three must know methods in this free sewing course.
How to insert Sleeves
Sleeves can be a headache! I know, so here we are sewing and inserting a wide variety of sleeves. I hope this will help and also give you some inspiration for your next project, with sleeves.
How to Sew and Insert Pockets
Dive head first into pockets from super simple patch pockets to more advanced welt pockets. I remember really struggeling as an apprentice. I wish I had my videos back then! This course is completely free so nothing can stop your fabulous pocket adventure.
Fabulous Fashion for 18 Inch Dolls
Jutta Skirt – Doll
Jutta Wrap Skirt for Dolls. Perfect quick sewing project for beginners.
Western Blouse Sewing Pattern & Course for Dolls
The western blouse is cute, easy to whip up and looks great on your doll (and of course girl). This is a great introduction to sewing a blouse.
Free Doll Skirt Sewing Course: Scarlett
The Betsy skirt is cute, easy to whip up and looks great on your doll (and of course girl). Try this little skirt, its an amazing beginner project.
Betsy Skirt | Doll | Sewing Course
The Betsy skirt is cute, easy to whip up and looks great on your doll (and of course girl). Try this little skirt, its an amazing beginner project.
Tilly Crop Top – Doll – Sewing Course
The Tilly crop top is just adorable, fits brilliantly and you have plenty of options for variations.
Bonnie Skirt for Dolls
Bonnie Twirl Skirt for Dolls
Connie Crop Top – Doll Version
Isabella dolls dress, perfect for the spring.
Audrey Capri Pants – Doll Version
Isabella dolls dress, perfect for the spring.
Paris Bolero Jacket – Doll Version
Isabella dolls dress, perfect for the spring.
Isabella Doll Dress
Isabella dolls dress, perfect for the spring.
Pattern Hacks
T-Shirt DIY
T-Shirt DIY is great for practicing some new skills and also having a wearable top without actually having to put in sleeves and any of the stuff you, as a beginner, may be intimidated by. So give this ago, you will love it.
Cuteness Overload Cross Over Back Hack
Using both the Millie and Georgina patterns, I will teach you how to create an easy wrap over back. Of course it will work with other patterns too. Just grab your favorite and off you go.
How to Draft and Sew Ruffle Skirts
In this course I show some really neat methods for creating ruffle skirts, which are easy to sew and look absolutely stunning. The team spend some time cooking these methods up and we hope you enjoy them as much as we did.
Making a Pattern for Woven Fabric suitable for Knit Fabrics
This has been such a common request from my lovely customers. So in absence of my Vivienne Dress being offered in knit fabrics too, here is a lesson how you can amend a dress pattern you love to fit in knit fabrics too.
Jersey Dresses and Tops Hacks and Projects
When I created video tutorials for teens, so they could make some awesome stuff, I had help from Vanessa, who designed a collection of products you can make with my free Jersey dress patterns. Today she is working in business management for fashion. Enjoy, and pick up some pattern drafting skills,too.
Free Projects
Halloween | Easter | Basket for Kids
It's free, its cute and so much fun to sew with your kids. An ideal project for Halloween, Easter and when you need a cute little basket.
Christmas Tree Skirt
Fall in love with these cute little snowmen all around your tree skirt! They are so cute and lovely and of course you can use the templates on other projects too. Step by step and free for members, this is a wonderful seansonal project.
Free Fleece Hat Sewing Course
This Free pattern and project is for little ones and grown ups. A variety of sizes to create this aorable hat with fleece tuff. Very simple project for you and your family. Fabric use is minimal too, so this will be fun all round!
Country Apron Sewing Course
This course has got a ton of patterns and video tutorials. Make a chefs full or half apron for you and your kids. It also includes our seasonal 'sew-a-long' for the Christmas apron with the cutest snowmen. The pattern and course content is completely free for memebers.
Handmade Christmas
This course teaches you how to make a stocking, a stuffed reindeer, gift bag and gingerbread men. It includes a ton of templates for the Christmas season including hearts and stars of course.
Beginner Sewing Projects
This is my treasure chest for wonderful projects even a complete beginner can do, with a little help from Marina's video tutorials. In my sewing courses these were the favorite projects for my students and I hope you will enjoy them too.
Scarlett Skirt Sewing Course
Our FREE Scarlett is a vintage skirt just right for twirling. It is a double layer skirt and comes with a pattern and a measurement chart. So if you don’t want to print rectangles, no problem use the chart.
Girls Vintage Collection
Isabella Vintage Dress
Isabella is a fantastic Vintage dress for girls with three size options for every age.
Beatrice Blouse
Fall in love with a blouse for all occasions! With vents on both sides and button down back closure this vintage blouse ticks all the boxes for a fun sewing project.
Scarlett Skirt Sewing Course
Our FREE Scarlett is a vintage skirt just right for twirling. It is a double layer skirt and comes with a pattern and a measurement chart. So if you don’t want to print rectangles, no problem use the chart.
Lilou Bow Sewing Course
Lilou is is a beautiful vintage bow sewing pattern for beginner. It features a lace trim around the tails of the bow and the center tie. The video tutorials are as always very detailed, so even a complete beginner can use this vintage sewing pattern. If you are a beginner, then Lilou is for you!
Bonnie Skirt Sewing Course
Its a great project for a beginner with a penchant for adding embellishments. The skirt is easy to make and if the diagram instructions still have you befuddled, the video course will make sure, sewing will a breeze.
Audrey Capris Sewing Course
Audrey is a wonderful sewing pattern with plenty of vintage flair. It features a slim line silhuette, fitted waistband, gorgeous pockets and optional zip closure. The Capris pants are part of the Vintage Collection and another fabulous pattern you won’t want to do without.
Frances Skirt Sewing Course
Frances is a lovely pleated skirt with yoke and button closure along the front edge. Part of the Vintage Collection, it its another fabulous edition you won’t want to do without. The pleated skirt is easy to sew, the fit of this sewing pattern flawless and you have plenty of options for variations.
Tilly Crop Top Sewing Course
This crop top is super easy to make, fits brilliantly and you have plenty of options for variations. In fact come up with a new one, I would love to add your makes to the customer gallery.
Betsy Skirt Sewing Course
Beginner skirt with or without the hem trim. The closure is a front placket just right for those decorative touches. To make sure its a comfy skirt we added a little elastic to the back. You can choose from the standard elasticated method or the adjustable elastic.
Connie Crop Top Sewing Course
Connie is the cutest and probably simplest crop top you will make. With elasticated back it fits perfect and you don't have to worry about fit issues.
Babies Favorite
Dungies Sewing Course
They are perfect for every day, super easy to make and take less than 40 minutes (!!!) to sew. The most important thing though – they are practical as well as cute. With no difficult snap fastenings or bindings it is perfect for complete beginners. If you want to sew for your baby, grandchild or as a special gift this is the perfect starting point.
Lollipop Baby Romper Sewing Course
A perfect start to sewing baby clothes with lots of beautiful design elements to make for an interesting sewing course, including skills like raglan sleeves and inserting snaps.
Classic Baby Vest Sewing Course
This truly is a must-have pattern for toddlers and trendy pre-teens. Make it with fleece and brushed cotton for your precious little girl or venture on to shaggy fur for your cool pre-teen! With this easy and fast pattern, your girl will be most comfortable and stylish to boot!
Bubble Gum Joggers Sewing Course
This is a great introduction to sewing baby clothes and I have added lots of beautiful design elements to make for an interesting sewing course, including skills like a super easy side pocket, its a new method not seen anywhere else.
Jelly Bean Sweatshirt Sewing Course
Sewing with stable knits is a skill you need when your kids need comfortable clothes. I wanted a well fitted raglan with placket fastening so kiddos that are sensitive to having jumpers pulled over their heads have a button fastening. Of course you can leave the placket off and have a simple sweater pattern, too.
Blouses
Beatrice Blouse
Fall in love with a blouse for all occasions! With vents on both sides and button down back closure this vintage blouse ticks all the boxes for a fun sewing project.
Virginia Blouse Sewing Course
The course shows you how to make the blouse with a turned up cuff or keep it simple with an everyday knitted cuff and choose to fasten the back yoke with buttons or snaps. It includes the sew-a-long with a wide variety of sleeve options.
Western Blouse Sewing Course
Let me show you how to sew adorable puff sleeves with a very smart turn up and a classic shirt collar. I got a little carried away testing different techniques and finishes. From adding diamante’s to cute ruffles, I just couldn’t stop myself. All video content is free, so see if this one is right for your next project.
Rockabilly Blouse Sewing Course
This blouse also works well as a jacket in combination with a t-shirt. For this blouse I am using French seams throughout, so you get to learn how to make a couture blouse with no serging insight. This is helpful if you don’t have a serger yet and hate your seams looking messy.
Kitty Tunic Sewing Course
This lovely pdf pattern can be used as either a tunic top or a dress, depending on your needs! It’s a great versatile dress and looks lovely with a t-shirt underneath when it starts getting a bit cooler. This tunic also features some fun novelty cat pockets and a lovely fastening at the back.
Rosalie Peasant Top Sewing Course
Learn how to combine woven fabric and knit fabric. This is the ideal entry-level project for sewing with knits. You can whip up a top in no time. Simple instructions and a video tutorial will guide you along the process.
Pants
Devon Pants Sewing Course
Wonderful beginner project for a simple well fitting pair of pants. We are inserting a facing with a concealed zip, which is so much easier then you think. The sizing runs from teen to ladies . I wear mine all the time, its such a comfortable and quick to sew sewing pattern.
Maisy Bermuda Shorts Sewing Course
You can make these as simple or as complex as you like, and the video tutorials show you lots of techniques such as belt loops, piped pockets, welt pockets and more. The smaller sizes on these shorts accommodate a nappy whilst the older sizes do not.
The simpler pattern is perfect for beginners, with extra details being added for more for advanced sewers.
Audrey Capris Sewing Course
Audrey is a wonderful sewing pattern with plenty of vintage flair. It features a slim line silhuette, fitted waistband, gorgeous pockets and optional zip closure. The Capris pants are part of the Vintage Collection and another fabulous pattern you won’t want to do without.
Dresses
Isabella Vintage Dress
Isabella is a fantastic Vintage dress for girls with three size options for every age.
Mimi Pinafore Dress
This gorgeous little dress fits like a glove and can be worn all year round. You can choose to add the applique pockets or leave them off depending on your skill level.
Georgina Sun Dress Sewing Course
This woven dress has a loose fit with a pretty bodice perfect for embellishment. The dress has no fastening, which makes it perfect for beginners. There is also a brilliant hack for this included, you won’t want to miss out on that one.
Flower Girl Dress Sewing Course
If you have been selected to make all the flower girl dresses for the wedding and worried about all of it, this is the course for you! It provides you with a wonderful selection of videos covering everything from the pattern, cutting out to making an amazing petticoat.
Lily Tunic Sewing Course
Learn how to sew a blouse with front box pleats and a dainty rouleaux loop fastening, You’ll be making this tunic all the time I promise. It is a fast sew and looks like it walked straight out of a fancy boutique.
Daisy Knit Tunic Sewing Course
Learn how to insert raglan sleeves and a super cute back closure. It is perfect for beginners, looks great and is comfortable to wear. I used the same fabric throughout but you can emulate the college shirt look by mixing and matching fabrics for sleeves and the body.
Millie Dress Sewing Course
This lovely dress has a front yoke and oversized puff sleeves. Get ready for cuteness overload pockets and of course the super sew-a-long hack tutorial where we are adding a cross over back.
Natalie Sun Dress Sewing Course
A sun dress is a must have every summer and this one has lots of options, so you can choose to keep it simple or add little flourishes as you go. Create the illusion of a full petticoat skirt or add two different sashes – its all in the course.
Vivienne Sewing Course
From bodice to flattering circle or box pleated slimmer cut skirt this has been our best seller for years! Its an evergreen pattern, classic in style and never out of fashion. All the videos are free so have a good look if this could be your next project.
Princess Dress Sewing Course
Don’t be intimidated if you don’t have much experience – although it looks professional, it is easier to do than you might expect. You can make it with a knit back or a zip. This dress can be used for a wide variety of princess costumes. Just check out our customer gallery below.
Skirts
Melinda Sewing Course
When you need an easy project, which looks like real 'pro-sewing' this is your go to. Very easy to sew with stunning results. Just wait till you see the little kitty cat pockets. Adorable!
Jutta Wrap Skirt Sewing Course
This is a fantastic beginner’s easy sewing pattern! If you’re new to sewing or fancy a quick project then this is the pattern for you. It has an elasticated back which makes for a snug and comfortable fit and is perfect for school and playtime.
Caitlin Circle Skirt Sewing Course
The course will show you how to sew a lined skirt with three different waistband options from yoga waistband to woven waistband with elastic inserted. This skirt works perfectly with the Joanna cardigan sweater from our Winter Wonderland Collection.
Bonnie Skirt Sewing Course
Its a great project for a beginner with a penchant for adding embellishments. The skirt is easy to make and if the diagram instructions still have you befuddled, the video course will make sure, sewing will a breeze.
Frances Skirt Sewing Course
Frances is a lovely pleated skirt with yoke and button closure along the front edge. Part of the Vintage Collection, it its another fabulous edition you won’t want to do without. The pleated skirt is easy to sew, the fit of this sewing pattern flawless and you have plenty of options for variations.
Betsy Skirt Sewing Course
Beginner skirt with or without the hem trim. The closure is a front placket just right for those decorative touches. To make sure its a comfy skirt we added a little elastic to the back. You can choose from the standard elasticated method or the adjustable elastic.
Bags
Mary Lou Girls Handbag
When girls go to town! Just like mummy they will need a suitably fashionable bag to put their essentials into. This course shows you different methods of bag constructions which is an excellent way to get to grips with all the important details of bag making.
Out and About Bag Sewing Course
Try your hand at working with oil cloth and laminated materials. This course will teach you bag making skills, from inserting purse fee to installing a recessed zipper. When we sold these bags on the market, they were sold out within the first couple of hours. Time to make yours!
Box Bag Sewing Course
The box bag is one of my favorite bags still! But because of its cute small size its also a winner for girls. In fact start a mummy and me bag project with your girls and enjoy an afternoon of fun sewing.
Boys
Oscar Shorts Sewing Course
The best-fitting boy’s shorts sewing pattern you will ever buy? We think so. They have a comfortable waistband and a pull string to make them tighter if needed and an elasticated waist for a quick afternoon sewing project. Trust us, you’ll be making these shorts again and again, especially as they only use half a yard of fabric!
Cool Shirt Sewing Course
This super cool button down options for collar and collar stand, an integrated front button placket, buttoned cuffs and traditional gentleman’s closure. The tutorials also include the option for a short sleeve, granddad collar and alternative front placket method.
Brooklyn Waistcoat Sewing Course
This boy’s waistcoat sewing pattern is so well-drafted, you will absolutely love it. With Marina, you have professional techniques, as practised by couture tailors, at your fingertips. Most importantly the waistcoat will fit your boy like a glove.
Jackets
Charlie Brown Coat
Classic double breasted, lined coat. This course is free and does not include a pattern by Frocks & Frolics. You can order this pattern from OTTOBRE magazine.
Paris Bolero Jacket with Shawl Collar
Our FREE Scarlett is a vintage skirt just right for twirling. It is a double layer skirt and comes with a pattern and a measurement chart. So if you don’t want to print rectangles, no problem use the chart.
Classic Bolero Sewing Course
It's free, fabulous and your friends won't believe this bolero jacket did not come from a high end boutique. I usually teamed these lovelies with my flower girl dresses but they look smashing with a pretty skirt or trousers too.
Dakota Coat Sewing Course
Learn how to sew a coat with side pockets and either a hood or collar and the classic buttonhole or bound buttons. This course includes separate video instructions for both the lined and unlined version of the coat.
Joanna Cardigan Sewing Course
This cardigan is as beautiful as it is versatile and can be worn through all seasons to keep her warm and fashionable! Designed to finish at the waist, this cardigan has been a big hit with our sewing friends and can be made with a fur hood or adorned with soft roses.
Teen
Devon Pants Sewing Course
Wonderful beginner project for a simple well fitting pair of pants. We are inserting a facing with a concealed zip, which is so much easier then you think. The sizing runs from teen to ladies . I wear mine all the time, its such a comfortable and quick to sew sewing pattern.
Vivienne Teen Dress Sewing Course
Our most popular dress pattern includes four different ways to create this dress in different looks. I always think its best to show all of the steps when you switch up the look because it can affect your sequence of sewing like a set of Dominos falling. The course has teen sizes (ladies XS-L)
Sophia Faux Wrap Dress Sewing Course
When you are looking for a quick sew and dress that looks a million dollars, Sophia is for you. It is designed for ladies with a larger bust to waist ratio and ensures you can dance without embarrassing accidents! I wear mine all the time and I am sure you will too.
Manhatten Top I Slip Dress Sewing Course
This is a dream pattern and my ‘go-to’ all year round. Because it’s cut on the bias, it sits smoothly without the need for a complicated closure. Make the lined version for a fancy night out, or as a casual little top with bound edges.
Rosalie Peasant Top Sewing Course
Learn how to combine woven fabric and knit fabric. This is the ideal entry-level project for sewing with knits. You can whip up a top in no time. Simple instructions and a video tutorial will guide you along the process.