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Key details

Course area
Fashion and Textiles
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Part-time Further Education course
Course level
Other
Start date
End date
Monday 7th December 2026
Time
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
Ellis Guilford School Hub
Fees
£125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C060715 Child course code: Q060716
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Course introduction

Community courses are “first steps” for adults to learn new skills, develop confidence, meet others in welcoming classroom. The purpose of courses is to support students into further learning or employment (paid or voluntary).

This course is great if you have some basic knowledge of a sewing machine and want to be able to create small projects using it.

You will learn how to confidently use a sewing machine and develop the essential skills needed to create a variety of practical and decorative projects. Starting with machine setup, threading, and basic stitching techniques, you will progress to measuring, cutting, constructing seams, inserting zips, creating hems, and following simple patterns. By the end of the course, you will have built a portfolio of finished projects and gained the skills, knowledge, and confidence to continue sewing independently.

You can expect a friendly, supportive, and hands-on learning environment where you will develop your sewing skills step by step at a comfortable pace. Each session combines practical demonstrations, guided practice, and project-based learning, allowing you to build confidence while creating useful items to take home. You will receive guidance on using sewing equipment safely, selecting fabrics and materials, troubleshooting common sewing problems, and achieving professional-looking finishes. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others, ensuring that you leave each session with new skills, increased confidence, and a sense of achievement as your projects come to life.

You should attend regularly and arrive on time to make best progress on course.

You will complete a short diary weekly in class time, to record your progress and receive written tutor feedback.

You will use Microsoft Teams whilst on the course. Microsoft Teams is a free, safe online app used by Nottingham College for tutors to contact students.

Using Teams will also enable you to develop and feel confident using digital skills.

For more information on using Microsoft Teams and the induction process, please visit our Induction Information for Community Students page.

Course information

Non-accredited

No formal qualifications or experience is required. 

You should attend regularly, be punctual and have a good standard of written and spoken English. 

All students are required to complete a mandatory course workbook (Unique Learning Programme) each week, with the support of their course tutor.  

Tutors will give regular verbal and written feedback.  You will be required to complete a short workbook and encouraged to set your own personal targets as part of this course.  

The course tutor can discuss appropriate opportunities for if you wish to further your learning in this subject area. Information will be made available to you about other course opportunities at Nottingham College.  You will have the opportunity to access external Careers Guidance to aid your next steps. 

This is a practical course so therefore you will need to bring with you a small sewing kit – scissors, threads, bobbins, cutting mat, rotary cutters, selection of cotton fabrics, notions: buttons, zips, cord.

Some materials may be available at a cost from the tutor.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Fashion)

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