Clothes Making Summer School

About this course

Participants develop a basic top from pattern pieces, first working in calico before making the garment in their chosen fabric. The course introduces domestic sewing machines, an industrial overlocker and an industrial presser, alongside core construction techniques including seams, zips, facings and hems. Teaching combines demonstrations, discussion, workshop practice and one-to-one instruction. The work is organised around completing a garment, bringing the separate cutting and sewing techniques together in one project.

What you'll learn

• Practise using a domestic sewing machine and receive an induction to industrial sewing equipment.
• Cut pattern pieces for a basic top.
• Construct basic seams and insert zips.
• Attach a facing and finish hems.
• Complete a basic top as a finished garment.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners and does not require prior knowledge. It suits learners who are prepared to work through a garment project using demonstrations, workshop practice, discussion and individual tutor guidance.

• No previous clothes-making knowledge is needed.
• The course includes both workshop practice and one-to-one instruction.
• The project progresses from calico construction to a completed garment.

Before you go

• Basic materials, including pattern-cutting paper and calico, are provided.
• Learners must provide their own fabric for the final garment; the tutor will advise on this.
• Learners should bring a notebook, pen and pencil.