Costume Design and Make: Tudor and Elizabethan Gowns

When & Where

21 February 2025 - 4 July 2025 ( 48 hours, 16 weeks )
Afternoon, Friday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Sharon Steed
Course Code W24FASE02B
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

There is nothing more exciting than the sheer starkness and stature of Tudor and Elizabethan Gowns. To many their construction is a mystery, so here is your chance to crack the code and get making. Enjoy a comprehensive introduction to the many variations which were present throughout the ages and explore the hidden meanings and ways of making and wearing them. Depending on your level of skill you will then negotiate your very own outcome with your tutor. You will be introduced to research from the period and have the opportunity to then be able to create your own period inspired design. This is an intensive practical course covering pattern cutting and costume making for Tudor and Elizabethan Womenswear. Gain skills, experience and an impressive portfolio to work in film, theatre and television as well as deeper knowledge and insight into European History, societal evolution and the connotations of historic dress.

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand how the silhouette evolves throughout the Tudor and Elizabethan eras
Create appropriate pattern period shapes through flat pattern cutting and/or draping on the stand
Use appropriate method of construction suitable to the era
Identify and use a wide range of suitable fabrics, trimmings and haberdashery

Cost

Full fee

£530

Concession fee

£400

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, 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 and to not monopolise the tutor.

Entry requirements

This is an intermediate course. Make sure that you have the skills required to join by successfully completing some of our beginner’s courses in a related field or be able to show an equivalent competence in the subject area.

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 the eating and drinking is not allowed in the fashion studios - you are allowed to have bottled water. Students must be able to read, write and understand fluent English. Digital, mathematics and numeracy skills are desirable but not essential.

What you need

A basic sewing kit: sharp fabric scissors, trimming scissors, dressmaker’s pins, tape measure a variety of hand sewing needles and sewing threads A basic pattern drafting kit: pattern curves, pencils, sharpener, rubber, paper scissors, masking tape A basic note taking kit: notepad, pens, pencils, sharpener, rubber, calculator, A4 ring binder for hand outs -You must provide your own fabrics, haberdashery, threads, etc. for your projects and this will be discussed towards the beginning of your course -Some specialised materials, including calico for toiling, are available for purchase from your tutor at cost price -Some pattern cutting and garment construction tools are provided for use in the studio -Paper and card are available for use in the studio -Depending on your class you may need to purchase a sewing 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 corsetry course next to continue building on your skills or explore some of our other costume courses, particularly our Tudor Corsetry course, Tudor Hoods, Bonnets and Caps and Fashion Foundations: Farthingales. 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 additional information!