Clothes Making Advanced: Sewing Techniques

When & Where

20 January 2025 - 31 March 2025 ( 30 hours, 10 weeks )
Morning, Monday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Kerri Fairweather
Course Code W24FASF01B
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Many elements contribute to the look of a garment, not the least of which is the quality of the finish. This course is vital if you wish to develop your construction skills to produce garments to a high standard. Each term will focus on a set of challenging features for garment finishes. You will produce your own reference work of samples, notes and hand-outs. A different set of techniques is taught each term such as sleeves, pockets, zips, plackets, closures, collars, or cuffs. The Spring term will focus on zips and closures. Each term exists as a separate course and can be taken as such or you may wish to enrol on more than one to develop your skills to a higher level.

Learning Outcomes

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

To produce a variety of A4 sewing samples to an advanced level with accuracy and confidence
To use advanced machine sewing techniques for seams and garment components
To use advanced hand sewing techniques for seams and garment components
To use advanced and specialist fabrics for seams and garment components

Cost

Full fee

£335

Concession fee

£250

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

Class format and activities

Teaching is both to the whole class and on an individual, one-to-one basis using demonstrations, discussion, examples, samples, digital tools, hand-outs and other technical support material where appropriate. You will receive feedback throughout your course to help you develop your skills. For you to be able to achieve on this practical class punctuality and attendance are key. Please inform your tutor of any absences. Microsoft Teams will be used for general class specific communication and for posting additional information. Health and safety inductions are planned into your course delivery, and you are asked not to use any machinery or specialist equipment until you have received specific training. Morley provides a positive and friendly atmosphere and to support this all students should be considerate and kind and work in a collegiate and collaborative way, adhering to Morley’s student policies.

Entry requirements

This course is an advanced class. You are ready for advanced level if you have completed two or more intermediate level courses at Morley College or have equivalent experience. You should also be able to: thread and use a sewing machine with accuracy on a variety of fabrics; have completed garments in stable fabrics such as cotton or wool; have completed intermediate garments including setting on collars and sleeves; are able to clean finish garments such as through overlocking, French seams or flat felled seams. If after the first session, it becomes apparent that this is not the right course for your skill level, we can arrange a transfer to an alternative course at the right level for you, subject to availability. Students must be able to read, write and understand fluent English. Digital, mathematics and numeracy skills are desirable but not essential.

What you need to know before you enrol

Activities in class 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 lift access to the first floor. Please note eating and drinking is not allowed in the fashion studios - you are allowed to have bottled water.

What you need

A sewing kit: fabric scissors, trimming scissors, tape measure, pins, unpicker, hand sewing needle and threads. Pattern cutting equipment: paper scissors, tracing wheel, carbon paper, sello or masking tape, pencils and coloured pens, sharpener, and rubber. Stationery: notebook and A4 folder for research and notes for your samples. Pincushion, thimble and tailor’s chalk are optional. Calico for practice is available at cost price but you will need to provide your own specialty fabrics or purchase a pack from the tutor. 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! Try our Couture Garment Construction and Sewing Techniques course next to continue building on your skills through Costume Design and Make or the Tailored Jacket. 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!