Clothesmaking- progress your skills-inexperienced & returning learners
If you are an inexperienced or returning learner with good sewing machine skills and have basic garment making knowledge, then this four-week, full day session course is aimed at progressing your skills and sewing confidence. It will introduce you to, and further develop, a range of key processes and techniques. All learners will work on the same garment, chosen collectively in the first session from one of the following options: a Stretch fabric hoodie top, a Kimono/dressing gown, an A-line skirt, or a Tunic/Kaftan. A pattern template suitable for all sizes will be provided by the tutor. Attendance in the first week is essential, as it covers key preparatory work and information. Participants must bring their chosen fabric in week two, when you will begin garment construction. By the end of the course, learners will have created a professionally finished garment and gained a range of skills for future projects.
Course fees
Or call us: Call this number: 020 8314 3300
Monday - Friday 10am-3pm
Clothesmaking workshop – all levels
On this course you will learn key skills & processes in garment construction: cutting out, piecing together, fitting, stitching, pressing, the correct and safe use of tools and equipment, understanding and adapting commercially bought patterns and choosing styles and suitable fabrics. You will sample a variety of techniques throughout the course, in addition to working on a garment of your choice- on a 5-week class, beginners should be able to complete a simple dress, top, skirt or trousers- and at least begin a second garment. Returning learners & improvers should be able to move on to a slightly more complex garment and/or experiment with using different construction methods to develop their skills.
Course fees
Or call us: Call this number: 020 8314 3300
Monday - Friday 10am-3pm
How to enrol
After you’ve chosen which course you want to do, you need to enrol. You should enrol before the course starts to make sure you get a place.
You can enrol up to three weeks after the start date if there are spaces available.
Enrolment
You can enrol online for most courses on the course page.
Phone: 020 8314 3300
Monday to Friday: 10am-3pm
Evening and Saturday mornings:
Phone: 020 8314 3300
Monday to Thursday: 4.30-7.30pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm
For enrolments during term time only.
You can also enrol in person at any one of our adult learning centres.
We can only accept debit or credit card payments.
Requirements
If this is your first enrolment you’ll need to provide proof of identity. We will accept a photo of one of the following:
- passport
- driving licence
- national ID card
- birth or adoption certificate
- National Insurance card
- credit or debit card
- recent utility bills or bank statements
- Freedom Pass
How to enrol if you get reduced fees
Find out whether you’re entitled to reduced fees when paying for your course.
If you’re entitled to reduced fees, you can enrol online, but you’ll need to pay for the course then claim a partial refund – you can do so by sending copies of any benefits you’ve claimed in the last three months to adultlearning@lewisham.gov.uk.
Clothesmaking- progress your skills-inexperienced & returning learners
Course information popup. Press Escape to close. Tab to move through the content.
Learning aims
- To understand & use a beginners or improvers level commercial garment pattern
- To sample and use a range of professional sewing techniques.
- To understand how to use specialist tools and equipment correctly and safely
- To complete your garment to a good standard
What prior knowledge do I need
This course is aimed at learners who already have some basic Clothesmaking skills & who want to refresh or develop these further - it is not suitable for learners who have no previous sewing experience. Maths using addition, subtraction and multiplication are required on this course in order to make calculations for a variety of projects. English reading skills are essential to be able to interpret patterns and follow technical instructions. Learners are, therefore, expected to have at least Entry Level standard in Maths and English. Before enrolling, please contact the curriculum leader if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the course for you
What teaching methods
The tutor will use a range of methods during the session, and these will include demonstration, discussion, Q&A and one to one guidance, where applicable
What assessment methods
The course tutor will use a range of methods to assess progress on the course. These may include: Observation, completion of an Individual Learning Plan which will be updated regularly, evaluation of work samples, question and answer sessions
Extra work
Extra work is not essential, but if you have access to a sewing machine, it will enable learners to practice techniques and progress their projects at a faster pace
Materials needed
You do not need to purchase a garment pattern- this will be provided. You will need to purchase your garment fabric, 1-2 small reels of good quality polyester sewing thread & any necessary trimmings- these all will depend on the chosen garment, and the tutor will advise on the approximate price and where to purchase them. Ideally, you will need to have a basic sewing kit to include dressmaking pins, sewing needles, a tape measure, a stitch ripper & fabric cutting out scissors. If you are buying these items from scratch, they will cost approximately £25-30, but if you don’t have any or all of these it’s possible to use the classroom equipment at first. IMPORTANTLY, unless you already have these items, please don’t buy anything new until you have had confirmation that the course is definitely running
What to bring
You do not need to have your garment fabric and other sewing items until week two of the course. For week 1 a pen, pencil, and notebook as well as your phone/camera will also be useful to record information & technique demonstrations
After completion
The department offers a wide variety of fashion and textile courses at different levels. Information about progression courses is available through the tutor, the Curriculum Leader or the online Adult Learning Lewisham programme. There are also a range of courses at a higher level offered across London and the South East by Colleges, Community and Adult Education providers and through local craftspeople. For more information about higher level courses currently available, please speak to your tutor or the Curriculum Leader.
Contact details
Sarah Gursoy-Heuser
Curriculum Leader for: Textiles and Floral Design
Phone:
0208 314 7309
Email:
sarah.gursoyheuser@lewisham.gov.uk
Clothesmaking workshop – all levels
Course information popup. Press Escape to close. Tab to move through the content.
Learning aims
- To be able to adapt a commercial pattern to your personal measurements.
- To sample and use a range of professional techniques.
- To understand how to use specialist tools and equipment correctly and safely.
- To be able to progress or complete a garment of your choice to a good standard, as applicable.
What prior knowledge do I need
No prior knowledge is needed- this course is planned for learners with all levels of ability from complete beginners through to those with more advanced skills. Learners with no sewing machine experience may wish to attend a short machine skills course prior to enrolling onto this.
Maths using addition, subtraction and multiplication are required on this course in order to make calculations for a variety of projects. English reading skills are essential to be able to interpret patterns and follow technical instructions. Learners are, therefore, expected to have at least Entry Level standard in Maths and English. Before enrolling, please contact the curriculum leader if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the course for you.
What teaching methods
The tutor will use a range of teaching methods during the course which will include the following: Demonstration - both group and individual, one to one tuition, group work, assessment of progress, observation, discussion / question and answer sessions.
What assessment methods
The course tutor will use a range of methods to assess progress on the course. These may include: Observation, discussion and self-evaluation of your work, 1-2-1 and informal group question and answer sessions.
Extra work
Extra work outside of the session is not essential but, if you have access to a sewing machine, will enable learners to practice techniques and potentially progress their projects at a faster pace.
Materials needed
You will need to bring a Basic Sewing Kit to include dressmaking pins, needles, tape measure, fabric cutting out scissors, 1-2 small reels of good quality polyester sewing thread (if you are buying these items from scratch they will cost approximately £30). You will also need to purchase a commercial garment pattern (costing approx. £7-12), and fabric & trimmings to make the garment of your choice- these will vary in price according to the quantity and type of materials purchased.
What to bring
Please bring along your chosen garment fabric & pattern- in addition to your sewing kit (as above), pen, pencil, notebook and an A4 folder or wallet which would be useful for storing samples and notes. A phone/camera would also be useful to record ideas & technique demonstrations.
After completion
The department offers a wide variety of fashion and textile courses at different levels. Information about progression courses is available through the tutor, the Curriculum Leader or the online Adult Learning Lewisham programme. There are also a range of courses at a higher level offered across London and the South East by Colleges, Community and Adult Education providers and through local craftspeople. For more information about higher level courses currently available, please speak to your tutor or the Curriculum Leader.
Contact details
Sarah Gursoy-Heuser
Curriculum Leader for: Textiles and Floral Design
Phone:
0208 314 7309
Email:
sarah.gursoyheuser@lewisham.gov.uk