Clothes Making Advanced: Personal Projects

About this course

Participants develop an advanced personal garment project, applying techniques such as lapels, linings, interlinings, specialist fabrics, in-seam pockets, bound seams and repeat matching. The work also covers garment fitting, pattern interpretation, construction and pressing. Teaching combines demonstrations, examples, samples, discussion and technical resources with individual guidance alongside whole-class instruction. Feedback is provided throughout, with health and safety training included before learners use machinery or specialist equipment.

What you'll learn

• Carry out and document complex pattern alterations to accommodate body shape
• Apply advanced fitting methods to adjust a toile and produce a fitted garment
• Choose fabrics appropriate to an advanced garment design
• Interpret and evaluate advanced commercial pattern instructions
• Construct and finish garments to an advanced standard

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners with advanced clothesmaking skills. The provider expects students to have completed two or more intermediate courses or to have equivalent experience, including intermediate pattern adjustments, garment components and clean seam finishes. Sessions combine whole-class teaching, individual guidance and practical work, including periods standing at high tables.

• Fluent English reading, writing and comprehension are required
• Digital, mathematics and numeracy skills are desirable but not essential

Before you go

• Learners must bring a sewing kit including fabric and trimming scissors, a tape measure, dressmaking and tailor's chalk, needles and thread.
• Pattern alteration equipment is required, including paper scissors, a tracing wheel, carbon paper, tape, pencils, coloured pens and a rubber. A notebook and A4 folder are also requested.
• Learners provide their own fabrics, haberdashery, threads and patterns. Paper and card are available in the classroom, while calico for toiles is available at cost price.
• A machine bobbin must be purchased from the tutor and is refundable at the end of the course.
• Class activities can involve standing at high tables. The fashion studios are on the first floor, with lift access.
• Eating and drinking are not permitted in the fashion studios, although bottled water is allowed.