Sewing skills workshop for beginners - complete your first sewing project!

What prior knowledge, experience and qualifications will I need?
This course is aimed at complete beginners to sewing & no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Learners with very rusty or long forgotten skills may also wish to join it as a refresher course! 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. Leaners 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 be able to use a sewing machine confidently. To complete a basic range of technical samples. To use a range of equipment & materials correctly and safely. To make a simple craft item of your choice using techniques you have learned

What teaching methods will the tutor use?
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 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 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.

What materials will I need for the course and how much will they cost?
You will need to bring a Basic Sewing Kit to include dressmaking pins, needles, tape measure, fabric cutting out scissors, threads ( if you are buying these items from scratch they will cost approximately £20-25). You will also need a small quantity of soft furnishing weight fabric and trimmings to make the craft item of your choice- and your tutor will advise you on this once the class is underway. Please do not purchase anything new until you know that the course will definitely run.

What do I need to bring to the first class?
Please bring along your sewing kit (as above), pen, pencil, notebook and an A4 folder or wallet would be useful for storing samples and notes. A phone/camera would also be useful to record ideas & technique demonstrations.

Options when finished
The department offers a wide variety of fashion and textile courses at different levels, and a small number of which are delivered online . Information about additional or progression courses is available through the tutor, the Curriculum Leader or the current ALL programme on our website. There are also a range of courses at a higher level offered across London and the South East by Colleges, Community & Adult Education providers and through local craftspeople.

Additional information
The course fee includes a small charge for the basic sampling materials & sundries you will use- but you will need to supply your own materials for your personal project

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