Cushion making - designs & skills for confident beginners/ improvers

What prior knowledge, experience and qualifications will I need?
This course is not suitable for those who have no previous, or very minimal, machine sewing skills- it is essential to be able to use a sewing machine confidently, as basic sewing skills won’t be covered. Maths using addition, subtraction and multiplication are required on this course in order to make calculations for your projects & 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

Learning Goals:
To correctly calculate the cushion panel measurements, and fabric requirements, as appropriate to your project Sample and use a range of techniques, including piping and zip insertion Use specialist materials & equipment correctly and safely. Complete your cushion/s to a professional standard

What teaching methods will the tutor use?
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 will the tutor use?
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

Will extra work be required outside the class times?
Extra work is not essential but will enable learners to practice techniques and progress their projects at a faster pace.

What materials will I need for the course and how much will they cost?
Depending on your chosen project, you will need the following to make each cushion: approximately 50cm- 1m of (at least 120cm wide) soft furnishing/medium weight fabric of your choice, 1-2 reels of good quality polyester machine thread & zips to match your fabric, and a cushion insert pad or piece of pre-cut firm seating quality foam. Your fabric should ideally be either 100% cotton or predominantly cotton based, and if you choose to make self or contrasting piped edges, you will need an additional (20cm) of full width cotton fabric. You may wish to mix patterns and plains, and have the front and back made from different fabrics, in which case you would be able to work with smaller quantities. Very importantly- do NOT bring velvet or other fabrics with directional surfaces unless you are an experienced sewer, as these are particularly difficult to work with! Please also bring any of the following if you have your own: dressmakers’ pins, a tape measure, fabric cutting scissors and a stitch ripper

What do I need to bring to the first class?
You will need to bring all of the listed items as applicable to your chosen project & any of your basic sewing kit essentials- as well as a pen, pencil & notebook, and your phone/camera will also be useful for photographing ideas & techniques

Options when finished
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.

Additional information
Where applicable, current Upholstery learners who want to make a box cushion should discuss the foam selection with their tutor, but if this doesn’t apply and you are unsure about what type and size of foam you should purchase, please contact the Curriculum Leader. The course fee includes a small charge for the additional construction materials & sundries that you will use, and a contribution towards the maintenance of tools and equipment. There will be a scheduled 45-minute break during the class

For general enquiries and course availability information call 0208 314 3300. For more detailed information and guidance about the course: