Sewing - Making Clothes - All Abilities

Course intent

Do you long to have clothes that fit or have your own individual style? Discover the joy of making your own clothes through learning the basics steps of making a garment, or enhancing your existing skills. You will choose your own project to create something to be proud of.

Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment.

What will we cover?

Each person will be working on their chosen project at their own pace. The course will cover any of the following areas as required to complete the project chosen:

• Pattern and fabric selection
• Sewing equipment
• Reading commercial patterns
• Sewing machine skills
• Hand sewing and finishing skills
• Correct fitting and pattern sizing
• Pattern alterations for fit or redesign
• Seam and raw edge finishes
• Necklines and collars
• Sleeves and cuffs
• Openings and fastenings including zips
• Hems and edge finishes
• Safeguarding & British Values

Learners will be inspired by the contemporary and historical context and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback they receive from the tutor.

There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner to complete the required Individual Learning Plan.

For courses of more than one session, you will find you make the most progress if you attend every taught lesson and complete any self-directed study opportunities provided

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

All abilities including beginners – if you have questions please email adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

Once enrolled, please discuss your requirements with the tutor as each person will have a different project. As dress patterns vary so much in size and do not conform to dress sizes found in shops it is essential that you discuss which pattern you are thinking of buying beforehand with your tutor.

Please email the tutor at alexandrina.pocknell@surreycc.gov.uk before the session with details of your intended project.

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto further sewing and dressmaking courses. We also offer Patchwork & Quilting courses and Embroidery of many types.

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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