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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
Thursday 24th June 2027
Time
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location
Middle Street Resource Centre 74 Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2AR
Fees
£125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C060510 Child course code: Q060511
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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 designed for learners who are already confident in dressmaking and want to develop their skills further with a focus on sustainability. It is ideal if you are an experienced or “improver” level dressmaker who can already construct garments and use a sewing machine independently and now want to refine your techniques while creating a more environmentally conscious wardrobe. This course can lead to advanced tailoring, sustainable fashion practices, or developing your own handmade clothing range.  

This improvers course will help you build on your existing skills and apply them in more creative and sustainable ways. You will learn how to:  

  • Alter garments to a high standard , adapt and refit existing clothing to improve fit and style
  • Refresh and upcycle well-loved garments to extend their life
  • Clone garments you already own to recreate favourite styles
  • Work more confidently with different fabrics and finishes
  • Make more sustainable choices in your dressmaking practice
  • Develop a personalised, environmentally conscious wardrobe 

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.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Fashion)

Advanced Fashion - Part-time

Appliqué by Hand for Beginners/Improvers - Part-time