Clothes Making Skills

About this course

The course develops garment-making skills through tutor demonstrations, guided practice and individual project work. Participants explore pattern reading, fabric handling and garment construction, with projects covering items such as tops, skirts, trousers, jackets and dresses. Content includes adapting patterns and fabrics for different designs, as well as techniques including bias binding, French seams, jet and welt pockets, pleats and pin-tucks. Specialist hand-finishing is also covered, including handmade buttonholes and fine detail work. The description additionally refers to planning and creating soft furnishing projects. Learning is supported by discussion, feedback, self-assessment and individual learning plans.

What you'll learn

• Construct a range of garments using varied construction techniques.
• Select and adapt patterns and fabrics for different garment designs.
• Apply techniques including bias binding, French seams, jet and welt pockets, pleats and pin-tucks.
• Create handmade buttonholes and use other hand-finishing methods for detailed results.

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Beginner, although its stated content includes intermediate to advanced garment-construction techniques. Learning combines demonstrations, guided practice and individual project work, with ongoing feedback and self-assessment.

• Includes individual project work as well as tutor-led demonstrations and guided practice.
• Assessment includes teacher feedback, self-assessment and individual learning plans.

Before you go

• Learners are asked to bring a tape measure, sharp 2H pencil, rubber, sharpener, glue, Sellotape, paper scissors, an A4 ring binder, ten 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 listed as optional items.