Clothes Making Beginners: Bodices

When & Where

28 April 2025 - 7 July 2025 ( 27 hours, 9 weeks )
Afternoon, Monday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Vanda Finney
Course Code W24FASA04E
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

The course will provide you with a thorough introduction to the general principles and skills of clothes making and sewing, using a purchased commercial pattern. NEW this year, we are introducing a wider variety of garment shapes to help you expand your repertoire in preparation for your next steps. Each garment type involves different pattern adjustments and methods of construction. Attending at least three terms of the course will build your knowledge and skills as you work on these different garment types. Progression to intermediate level is possible but you must have achieved competence at using commercial patterns, using a sewing machine and making simple garments to a good standard.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

To select the correct size pattern in relationship to your own body measurements
To make simple pattern adjustments using basic methods
To select suitable fabrics
To understand and follow pattern terminology and instructions sheets
To use a sewing machine safely and correctly
To construct a garment to a good standard and finish

Cost

Full fee

£300

Concession fee

£225

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

Mode of delivery: In-Centre . Activities: Teaching is both as a whole class and on an individual one to one basis, using lectures, demonstrations, examples, samples, handouts and any other support materials where appropriate. Assessment methods: Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the above learning outcomes. At the start of the course you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals, i.e. progression to an intermediate level course. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment. Attendance and punctuality is crucial. You will not achieve the desired learning outcomes if you cannot attend fully. You must inform your tutor for the reasons of any lateness or absences.

Entry requirements

This is a beginners course. All are welcome, suitable for people with limited or no previous experience. Students must be able to speak, read and write in English and have basic numeracy skills.

What you need to know before you enrol

Working on patterns and cutting out fabric can involve standing at high tables for a period of time. Please let the tutor know if this would be difficult for you. Sewing machines have a foot operated speed control. The fashion studios are on the first floor of the Nancy Seear building and there is a lift access to the first floor. Please note the eating is not allowed in the fashion studios - you are allowed to have bottled water.

What you need

Please bring a pen notebook and folder to your first lesson. The tutor will discuss what tools and equipment you will need to purchase for the course at your first lesson, be prepared to to bring along to your second lesson a basic sewing kit and equipment. Also, at the start of the course you will be required to buy the commercial pattern for the project at no more than £8, you must provide your own fabrics and haberdashery, for use on your project. Paper and card are available for use in the classroom, you will need to purchase a machine bobbin from your tutor for £1, refundable at the end of the course.

What you can do next

Ready for more? So are we! You can continue honing your practice by taking additional Clothes Making Intermediate classes or you can try our Draping on the Stand course next to continue building on your skills or explore some of our other Clothes Making and Pattern Cutting courses. Continue your journey with us in a variety of engaging courses on offer all the way up to a full BA (Hons) in Fashion Design. Visit www.morleycollege.ac.uk today for more inspiration and information!