When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Linda Powell
  • Course Code W24FASB04B
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

If you have some pattern cutting experience and are interested in creating garments to your own unique shape, this course allows you to create a pattern block in your own individual size. You will learn the basic principles of drafting a block and how to apply your personal measurements. Then you will test your block in fabric and make alterations to ensure an accurate fit. A different block is taught each term . Autumn Term - skirt, Spring Term - Bodice, Summer Term - Trousers. Please note, all beginners on the course start with a skirt block.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • take accurate body measurements
  • to draft a skirt block (if new to class) progressing each term to a bodice and sleeve block and trousers block to personal measurements
  • cut and construct your block in calico for fitting
  • make adjustments to initial draft from calico fitting

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 a beginners course. Some previous pattern cutting skill is very helpful. 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. Also: Metric Pattern cutting for Womenswear 6th edition by Winifred Aldrich is the reference book used on the course. It is useful to have your own copy. You must provide your own materials, 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 Pattern Cutting course next to continue building on your skills or explore some of our Draping on the Stand and Clothes Making 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!