Upcycle And Repurpose Clothes

About this course

Participants explore ways to extend the use of unwanted clothes through basic alterations, repairs and redesigned items. Projects may include garments, bags, pillows, patchwork pieces and memory blankets. The course covers measuring, transferring ideas to pattern paper and constructing designs by hand or with a sewing machine. Techniques include taking up trousers or skirts, inserting zips and making buttonholes. Tutor guidance, group feedback and individual evaluation are part of the learning process.

What you'll learn

• Carry out basic alterations to trousers and skirts by hand or machine
• Use a sewing machine or hand-sewing methods to construct an item
• Measure and transfer design ideas onto pattern paper
• Sew a zip and create a buttonhole
• Repurpose fabric from unwanted clothes into garments or other textile items

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Beginner, so it is intended for learners developing fundamental sewing and clothesmaking techniques. Participants work on designs and receive tutor, group and self-evaluation feedback.

• Suitable for projects involving alterations, repairs or repurposed fabric
• Allows construction by hand or with a sewing machine
• Includes feedback from the tutor and other learners

Before you go

• For the first lesson, participants should bring scissors, thread, pins and a tape measure.
• Participants who already have a project in mind can bring unwanted clothes and their ideas.
• The tutor will provide ideas and samples for learners who need inspiration.