Sewing and Tailoring Workshop
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£625
- Start Date(s): 15 July 2024
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Short course
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Dive into the dynamic world of tailoring and sewing on this exhilarating short course.
If you're already skilled in using a sewing machine and are used to working with commercial patterns, this is your chance to take your skills to the next level and beyond.
On this practical course you’ll develop your manufacturing skills to produce a tailored jacket (toile) from scratch, using industry-standard methods, techniques and equipment.
The course reflects current industry practices and in-depth garment manufacture that is taught to NTU’s undergraduate students; from mastering industrial sewing machines and utilising fusing beds, to perfecting your techniques with steam presses, you'll learn the tools of the trade used by professionals.
Whether you are already working in the industry, hoping to pursue academic study or are a competent home dressmaker seeking to take your skillset to a more professional level, this course will allow you to transfer tailoring construction methods to your own designs of women's or men’s garments.
With a limited class size of twelve people, you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue making after the course.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops and live demonstrations using industrial sewing machines and professional equipment. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
What you’ll study
Throughout the course you'll delve into the intricacies of garment manufacture, exploring everything from cutting out professional production patterns to executing flawless lay planning, fabric marking, and cutting techniques across various fabric types.
But that's not all – as you progress, you'll have the opportunity to explore the possibilities of tailoring and sewing techniques further.
The course structure blends group demonstrations with personalised one-to-one tutorials, ensuring you receive the attention and support needed to flourish. Whether you aspire to refine your skills for personal projects or pursue a career in the fashion industry, this course will empower you to turn your sewing dreams into reality.
During this course, you will:
- learn how to use industrial sewing machines, fusing beds and steam presses
- cut out professional production patterns (working with industry-standard sizes, either a women's size 12 or a men's size 38 pattern, which you can take away with you)
- practice lay planning, fabric marking, and cutting techniques on various fabric types
- understand the order of manufacture,
- practice making Jett pockets, vents, shoulder pads and roll, facings and linings
- use specialist pressing techniques that elevate the standard of finishing.
Depending on how you progress you might also:
- sample using other fabric types
- adapt the pattern for the perfect fit
- experiment with new collar and lapel shapes
- develop alternative pockets styles.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course.
Get ready to kickstart your journey into the world of tailoring and sewing! In the first session, you'll dive right in working with patterns with precision and finesse.
You’ll block fuse calico using advanced fusing beds, setting the foundation for your tailored jacket toile, ensuring every notch and internal drill hole is meticulously marked for flawless construction.
You'll cut sleeve patterns in luxurious wool fabric and delicate lining, mastering the art of fabric manipulation, and practice using industrial presses as you cut small fusing pieces and attach them to wool and calico areas.
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Today's session is all about stitching with precision and confidence. Feel the rhythm of the industrial sewing machines as you stitch front darts, front seams, Jett pockets, back vents, shoulders, under collars, and sleeve vents with accuracy. With each stitch, you'll feel your confidence soar as you bring your garment one step closer to completion.
This session focuses on perfecting the finer details that elevate your creation to professional standards. Experience the satisfaction of setting in sleeves flawlessly, mastering the art of shoulder pad placement, and sculpting sleeve head rolls with finesse. With expert guidance, you'll craft facings, linings, and top collars that add a touch of sophistication to your garment.
During this session you'll expertly attach facings and linings, ensuring each seam is flawlessly finished. You’ll see your garment come together as you meticulously align every element, bringing the jacket to life with precision and skill.
In the final session, you’ll have dedicated time for catch-up and individual development, have the opportunity to fine-tune your skills, experiment with sampling, and make any necessary pattern amendments to perfect your design.
Further information on what you'll study
By the end of the course, you will leave with a constructed, tailored jacket toile, constructed to a professional standard, and technical notes to continue developing your tailoring skills.
You’ll leave with new professional skills and be able to transfer the methods practised to your own garments, and use them with commercial patterns, and enhanced your portfolio to widen your learning and employment opportunities in the future.
How you’re taught
Throughout the course, you'll be taught through a dynamic blend of hands-on demonstrations, personalised one-on-one guidance, and collaborative group discussions, ensuring an immersive and engaging learning experience tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
This course will not only equip you with the advanced techniques and industry insights needed to thrive in the fashion industry, but it will also provide you with a diverse skill set applicable across various sectors.
Additionally, for home sewists, this course serves as a springboard to elevate your sewing prowess, empowering you to tackle complex projects with confidence and precision, and unleash your creativity to new heights.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the fashion studios, with industry-standard pattern-cutting tables and garment production machinery, professional mannequins, and space to work on your projects.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Intermediate
Entry requirement: No experience of industrial sewing machines is required, although you must have basic sewing skills and be familiar with cutting fabric.
You must be confident using a sewing machine to construct garments from shop-bought patterns.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Level: Intermediate
Entry requirement: No experience of industrial sewing machines is required, although you must have basic sewing skills and be familiar with cutting fabric.
You must be confident using a sewing machine to construct garments from shop-bought patterns.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £625.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Whilst most of the materials, spare equipment and calico are supplied, you’ll need to start building your own tool kit so that you can continue sewing and tailoring after the course.
You will also need to bring with you:
- pencil and fine tipped felt pen
- fabric shears
- coloured tailors chalk or wax
- pins
- tape measure
- weights (optional)
- small pointed sharp scissors
- notebook and camera phone for writing technical notes and capturing the processes covered.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
The fee for this course is £625.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Whilst most of the materials, spare equipment and calico are supplied, you’ll need to start building your own tool kit so that you can continue sewing and tailoring after the course.
You will also need to bring with you:
- pencil and fine tipped felt pen
- fabric shears
- coloured tailors chalk or wax
- pins
- tape measure
- weights (optional)
- small pointed sharp scissors
- notebook and camera phone for writing technical notes and capturing the processes covered.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.