Clothes Making - all levels

About this course

Participants make a garment of their choice while learning to take body measurements, use commercial paper patterns and construct clothing for a personal fit. Teaching combines individual guidance with demonstrations, formal instruction, samples and question-and-answer sessions. Beginners receive tuition in sewing-machine use and foundational garment-making processes, while experienced dressmakers can work on more advanced techniques. Construction and finishing are covered, including adjustments and details such as darts, buttonholes and fastenings.

What you'll learn

• Use a domestic sewing machine safely and accurately
• Take body measurements and adapt garments for personal fit
• Prepare a fabric lay and cut garment pieces precisely
• Interpret and follow a commercial paper pattern
• Construct garment details including darts, zip openings and button attachments
• Apply appropriate interfacing and finish garments neatly

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners as well as learners with dressmaking experience. Beginners can develop foundational sewing and garment-making skills, while more experienced participants may work on garments with greater difficulty and explore new techniques. Teaching is organised around individual tuition and each learner’s chosen garment.

• No previous experience is required
• Learners with existing dressmaking experience can work on advanced techniques
• Each participant works on an individual garment project

Before you go

• Participants are asked to bring a basic sewing kit, an A4 ringbinder, paper and a pen to the first class.
• Learners are expected to buy their own patterns and fabric.
• Additional support is available for literacy, numeracy, English for speakers of other languages, and learning difficulties or disabilities.