On this practical course, you’ll learn the three most important skills in making womenswear: how to cut a pattern, how to use a sewing machine and how to make adjustments to a pattern.

It’s ideal if you are new to making clothes and want to learn either for personal projects or to add work to a portfolio.

On this course, you will learn how to:

• read a pattern and understand the terminology

• take measurements correctly

• mark fabric, pin and cut with accuracy

• thread a sewing machine and over-locker, and use the correct stitches

• choose the right fabric for a garment (a trip to a fabric store will be included)

• complete a dress fitting

• make pattern-adjustments, such as adding and adjusting darts and the different types of seams and finishes.
Having hand-sewing or machine-sewing experience before the course is useful, but not essential.

What will you gain?

By the end of the course, you will have marked, cut and assembled a dress in your chosen fabric.

If you are feeling particularly brave, you may have made a start on a second project.

You will also have technical notes to help you continue making fashion in the future, and photographs of your work in progress for your portfolio.

You’ll have real hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a fashion student at university.

Level: Open to all

Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for fashion and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.

Where you’ll learn: You will be based in the Bonington building at the City Campus, our dedicated art and design hub.

You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the fashion studios, with industry-standard pattern cutting tables, professional mannequins and domestic sewing machines.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Here’s what our previous attendees said:

‘This course has allowed me to improve my sewing skills as well as learning new techniques to make my own garments. Thank you Leann!’ GH

‘I now have an understanding of the importance of accuracy and the process of using pattern’

‘This course has given me the confidence to sew accuratley and to use sewing machines’ A

Tutor Profile: Leann Marshall has had a varied career as a costumer for film and theatre, a couture retailer and now runs a bespoke bridal wear design service, alongside prom wear and alterations.

Additional to working in the garment industry, Leann has had much experience in teaching others in the skills of sewing and garment construction.

Need accommodation?

If you’re aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian.

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.