Clothes Making Skills - Beginner to Improver

About this course

Learners develop foundational garment construction and sewing skills while making a garment such as a top, skirt or dress. The course uses commercial sewing patterns rather than pattern drafting, with participants choosing and planning their own project. Teaching combines demonstrations, guided practice, individual and group tuition, discussions, feedback and teacher-led assessment. Techniques include shaping garments with darts, gathers and pleats, attaching facings, inserting zippers and creating hems.

What you'll learn

• Apply basic garment construction principles when interpreting commercial sewing patterns
• Sew darts, gathers and pleats to shape garments
• Attach facings to create clean garment edges
• Insert zippers as functional garment closures
• Create hems on skirts and dresses

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for learners with no sewing experience as well as those who have some existing experience. The Beginner to Improver level indicates an introduction to core techniques alongside opportunities to develop them through individual project work, group tuition and guided practice.

• No entry requirements are stated
• Learners choose and develop an individual garment project
• Teaching includes both individual and group tuition

Before you go

• Participants are responsible for purchasing the commercial sewing pattern, materials and trims for their chosen project.
• Bring a tape measure, sharp 2H pencil, rubber, sharpener, glue, Sellotape, paper scissors, an A4 ring binder with 10 A4 plastic wallets, an A5 notebook and a black or blue biro.
• Pattern notchers, a tracing wheel and a French curve or set square are optional.