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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
Entry Level

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).

This course is perfect if you’re a beginner or just want build on your existing sewing skills, or have skills you want to improve on It’s a great starting point and you will cover the fundamentals of sewing. By mastering these essential sewing techniques you’ll be well on your way to creating a wide range of garments and projects.

You will learn:

  • Basic sewing techniques
  • Straight stitching
  • Backstitching
  • Turning corners
  • Pressing techniques
  • Seam techniques
  • Seam allowance
  • Pinning
  • Sewing curves
  • Garment construction
  • Hemming techniques
  • Sewing zipper
  • Buttonholes

During the course you can expect to master the basic straight stitching which are essential for most sewing projects. You will learn to backstitch at the beginning and ending of seams secure them, understand how to turn corners neatly, learn the importance of pressing seams and garments, understand how to work with seam allowances, learn how to pin fabric pieces accurately, master sewing curved seams, such as armholes and necklines. Learn to create a basic hem and finish raw edges, understand how to install zippers and other fasteners, learn to create buttonholes using a sewing machine or by hand.

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

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

College certificate

There are no formal entry requirements but you must be aged 19+.

You will complete a weekly “Student Diary” and so ESOL students should be studying at entry 3 or higher to enrol on a Community course taught by non-ESOL tutor.

Tutors will give weekly verbal and written feedback. You will complete a short workbook and set your own personal targets, as well be progressing though the general course learning outcomes. This will help you and your tutors record progression on the course.

The course tutor and development workers can advise of other learning opportunities within Community faculty or signpost you to courses in other vocational areas of Nottingham College.

You will have the opportunity to receive progression guidance from an external locally based agency “Futures for You” whilst on the course.

If you are interested in progressing onto leisure courses in your chosen subject, you may have opportunities to do so at Nottingham College or be signposted to other leisure courses in the Nottingham area.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Fashion)

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