Explore: fashion sewing and garment pattern cutting

About this course

Participants develop garment construction skills using commercial patterns and self-drafted pattern cutting, working both on and off the stand. The course covers body measurement, basic fit adjustments and testing methods to refine garment shape and comfort. Practical work explores fabric handling and construction techniques including interfacing, tacking, gathers, pleats, frills, puffs and basic quilting. Participants also create a reference library of stitch, seam and fabric samples to compare techniques and results.

What you'll learn

• Use commercial patterns and pattern-cutting methods to plan and construct garment sections.
• Take body measurements and apply basic adjustments to improve fit.
• Construct garment components using varied stitches, seams and finishing techniques.
• Apply gathers, pleats, frills, puffs and basic quilting within garment construction.
• Create a reference library of stitched and constructed samples.

Is this course right for you?

Although labelled Beginner, the course is designed for learners developing existing sewing and clothesmaking skills. It involves practical experimentation, testing and refinement across garment construction, pattern cutting, fitting and fabric techniques.

• Builds on existing sewing and clothesmaking skills.
• Suitable for learners who want to test and refine garment ideas.
• The course can be re-joined through the Explore Repeat Pathway for continued development.

Before you go

• The course can be repeated