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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 22nd March 2027
Time
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
Ellis Guilford School Hub
Fees
£125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C060719 Child course code: Q060720
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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 perfect if you already have basic sewing machine skills and are ready to build your confidence by making a variety of practical and creative projects. Whether you have completed a beginners' sewing course or have some previous experience using a sewing machine, this course will help you develop your skills through enjoyable, hands-on activities.  You will learn how to improve the accuracy of your sewing, work with different fabrics and techniques, and create professionally finished items such as bags, storage solutions, home accessories and gifts. Working in a friendly and supportive environment, you'll gain the confidence to tackle more challenging projects, develop your own creative ideas and produce handmade items to be proud of.

Throughout this course, you will build on your existing sewing machine skills while creating a range of practical and creative small projects. You will develop greater confidence in measuring, cutting and assembling fabrics accurately, as well as improving the quality of your stitching and finishing techniques. You will learn how to insert zips, use interfacing to add structure, create lined projects, make boxed corners, attach pockets and handles, and achieve neat, professional-looking results. As the course progresses, you will also gain experience in following and adapting simple patterns, selecting suitable fabrics for different projects, solving common sewing challenges and working more independently. By the end of the course, you will have completed a collection of handmade items and developed the skills and confidence to continue sewing at home or progress to more advanced sewing and textile courses.

You are expected to bring your own materials on a weekly basis, each session includes clear tutor demonstrations, step-by-step guidance and plenty of hands-on practical sewing, giving you time to practise new techniques and ask questions as you build your confidence. to the sessions where you will get expert tuition through demonstrations to complete each project.  All essential techniques are introduced gradually, allowing you to progress from simple stitching to more detailed construction methods. By the end of the course, you will have a collection of handmade projects, increased confidence in using a sewing machine and the skills needed to continue sewing at home or progress to more advanced sewing and textile courses.

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, however, the college does not provide materials, so therefore you will need to bring with you a selection of fabrics, threads, needles, bobbins and a sewing kit.

Some materials may be purchased from the tutor at a weekly cost. Some tools will be available to use.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Fashion)

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