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No course dates available

Key details

Course area
Fashion and Textiles
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
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).

This course is ideal for complete beginners who want to learn basic sewing skills while exploring sustainable ways to reuse, repair and repurpose textiles. Learners will be introduced to simple techniques that help reduce waste, save money and extend the life of clothing and fabric items. Projects may include small repairs, upcycling simple garments, making tote bags from old fabric, or creating household items using reclaimed materials. The focus is on building confidence and learning how sewing can support a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. 

By the end of the course, learners will be able to: 

  • Use a sewing machine safely for simple repairs and basic projects. 
  • Identify different fabrics and understand which can be reused, repaired or repurposed. 
  • Carry out simple repairs, such as fixing seams, sewing on buttons, mending small holes or patching. 
  • Use essential tools such as pins, scissors, unpickers and measuring tools safely and effectively. 
  • Cut simple shapes using templates or recycled fabric pieces. 
  • Create small sustainable projects, such as tote bags, simple cushions, cleaning cloths, or upcycled accessories. 
  • Understand the basics of textile waste, including why reusing and repairing materials is environmentally beneficial. 
  • Develop confidence in sewing step-by-step with tutor guidance. 

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. 

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Fashion)

Advanced Fashion - Part-time

Alteration Skills for Beginners - Part-time