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Key details

Course area
Fashion and Textiles
Course type
Part-time Further Education course
Course level
Other

Course introduction

It is no longer possible to apply/enrol for this course as there are no course dates available. Please check back later as we may be offering it again in the future.

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).

Do you want to create a personalised wardrobe of garments that fit your unique body shape and measurements? This course is ideal if you already have some basic sewing or dressmaking experience and are ready to move beyond standard sizing. It will help you gain the confidence to either draft your own patterns or adapt commercial patterns to achieve a better fit. This course can lead to more advanced pattern cutting, tailoring, or creating entirely bespoke garments. 

On this course, you will develop the skills needed to design and create garments that fit you properly. You will learn how to: 

  • Take accurate body measurements
  • Draft a metric bodice block and skirt block
  • Understand how blocks form the foundation of garment design
  • Adapt blocks to create different styles (e.g. dresses, skirts, tops)
  • Use and adapt commercial patterns to suit your body shape
  • Make fit adjustments (e.g. length, width, shaping)
  • Improve your understanding of garment construction and fit
  • Develop confidence in creating personalised designs 

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. 

You can bring your own basic sewing kit to avoid waiting for shared equipment (fabric and paper scissors, tape measure, dressmaker’s pins/ clips, tailor’s chalk and hand sewing needles) as well as a notepad, pencil, ruler, rubber and pen

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Fashion student Maddie Clews turned her passion and studies into an unforgettable experience at one of the world’s most prestigious events — Paris Fashion Week. 

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