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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
Thursday 16th April 2026
End date
Thursday 25th June 2026
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:C057293 Child course code: Q057294
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This course is popular and has limited places left!

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).

Course knowledge and skills:

  • Fabric handling
  • Sewing techniques
  • Reading commercial patterns
  • Creating a mood board
  • Subject specific terminology
  • Completing a personal project during the course
  • Basic tailoring techniques
  • Upcycling/ recycling inspiration

On this course, you will learn to

  • Handle fabric correctly to help you achieve good standard construction of your garment.
  • You will learn foundations of sizing and how to use standard sizing to make garments that fit your body shape.
  • Make a toile in preloved fabric for fit and have the choice to change fabric or recycle.
  • Read commercial patterns and make a garment to fit.
  • Write and follow an order of make for garment construction
  • Work with others and share resources and ideas.
  • Have discussions about sewing and learn more about how seams and other techniques are done.
  • Share what you have learnt with your peers

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.

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.

Most of the tools you need are provided but they are shared with the whole class. You can bring your own basic sewing kit ( fabric & paper scissors, hand sewing needles, pins/clips, seam ripper, extra plastic bobbins, ruler, tape measure ) if you can for your personal use.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Sewing Machinists

Potential Earnings

£32,362.09

Average Earnings

£21,126.05

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Processing and Machine Operation

People in these occupations set up, process, refine, and transform materials and operate industrial machinery.

Skills

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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