Learn to Sew- Dressmaking Using Commercial Patterns

Level X

Cheltenham

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

Participation in our evening classes provides far more than the opportunity to learn new skills but also numerous benefits to our mental health and wellbeing. Leisure classes are known to lower stress levels, improve confidence, increase social integration, contribute to personal growth and lifelong learning to name just a few advantages.

Have you ever wanted to create your own clothes but didn’t know where to begin? Perhaps you’ve felt overwhelmed by complex commercial patterns. This course is designed to guide you through the fundamentals of commercial sewing patterns and make adaptions using your own measurements, alongside essential fitting techniques.

Throughout the course, you will build confidence in creating and adapting patterns while developing practical sewing skills.

What to Bring Each Week: Please bring a basic sewing kit to every session, including:

Fabric scissors (sharp)
Small scissors for paper
Pins and a pin cushion
Hand sewing needles
Sewing thread
Tape measure

You will be informed weekly of any additional materials required for upcoming sessions.

Term Projects: Each term focuses on creating a different garment, with patterns provided by your tutor:

Autumn Term: Dress
Spring Term: Trousers
Summer Term: Bodice

What You Will Learn:

Accurate body measurement techniques
Sewing machine setup
How to read and understand paper patterns
Pattern adaptation and adjustment
Fabric cutting methods
Specialised sewing techniques

Important Information: This course is designed for learners who already have basic sewing machine skills. It does not cover introductory sewing techniques. If you are not already familiar with using a sewing machine please consider our Learn to Sew - An Introduction to Sewing Machine Skills course.

This course is aimed at those aged 19 and over (as at 31st August of the academic year) who are confident beginners and those who want to get to grips with sewing with commercial patterns. You will need to have some prior knowledge of how to use a sewing machine.
Your tutor will be able to advise of any further training opportunities.

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What You Will Pay

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The UK fashion industry is one of the most vibrant and creative business sectors in the country. Fashion has visually defined the various periods in our history across centuries.

Whether you want to design and construct garments, learn how to style and promote fashion or create a range of accessories, Fashion and Textiles can help you develop your skills.

Launched in 2012, Fashion and Textiles at Gloucestershire College has gone from strength to strength, with light and spacious, dedicated workshops; a full enrichment programme and industry-experienced lecturers and guest speakers – it’s an exciting place to study!

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Student Stories

I have always wanted to work in fashion and GC was a great place to learn because we got to work in a real studio environment and get work experience as dressers at events in London. Apart from the course itself, the studio space, photography studios and various software available helped me further my education in fashion. Having all of these components at my disposal meant I was always learning new skills, which were beneficial for my higher education."

Alex Tuffley

Diploma Level 3 – Fashion Design Extended – Cheltenham Campus

I tried university and it simply wasn’t for me. I much prefer the atmosphere at College, because the classes are smaller I have a much closer relationship with the lecturers. They know where my skillset lies and what exactly I need to work on. They can offer me support where I need it. The facilities within the fashion department were second to none. I feel prepared for the real world of work and hope that I can be a stylist/designer one day.”

Olivia Simpson

HNC/HND - Fashion and Textiles – Cheltenham

I started studying my A Levels but didn’t enjoy it, so decided to study fashion at GC instead. I feel much more motivated on this course as it’s something I really enjoy and I get a lot of direction from lecturers. On the course we are given a brief but have lots of freedom to do our own thing, and I really enjoy elements such as trend forecasting and marketing. I would say as long as you’re applying to something you really want to do; you’ll get what you need from studying at GC."

Crystal Francis

Extended Diploma Level 3 – Fashion

Cheltenham Campus

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