Explore: reimagining garments

About this course

Participants use an existing garment as the basis for investigating how changes to pattern, fabric and construction can alter its fit, proportion and style. The course emphasises sampling, comparison and refinement rather than completing one prescribed garment. Activities include adapting or recreating patterns and practising techniques such as interfacing, hand stitching, frills, puffs, gathers, pleats and quilting. Learners make informed design choices while testing how different fabrics and structural details affect the result.

What you'll learn

• Analyse an existing garment and use pattern-cutting techniques to adapt or recreate it.
• Work with a wider range of fabrics and structural materials, including interfacing.
• Apply construction techniques such as gathering, pleating, quilting and decorative detailing.
• Modify patterns and garment details to change fit, style and proportion.
• Produce garments with considered finishing and individual design choices.

Is this course right for you?

The course is listed as suitable for all levels and is organised around an individual garment project. Learners work through testing, comparison and repeated making, using an existing piece of clothing as a starting point. The source does not specify a previous-experience requirement.

• The project begins with an existing garment that can be adapted or reinterpreted.

Before you go

• Participants should bring an existing garment from their wardrobe to use as the starting point for the project.