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Sewing - Dressmaking for Beginners

Course code: ICWU301P

Subject area: Homecrafts

Study level: Part Time

Course level: U

Course details

6:30pm - 8:45pm

Tuesday

20th Sep 2022 - 7th Feb 2023

Witney Campus

Contact details

enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235 555 585

Apply for this course

This course covers all aspects of dressmaking and garment construction using commercial paper patterns. It will introduce pattern reading, basic sewing skills and fitting techniques that can be developed to enable you to make your own clothes successfully. Your first project will be a Tote bag followed by an A line or straight skirt. You will gain confidence and skills in a relaxed and friendly learning environment.

In order to avoid disappointment, it is advisable to enrol at least 2½ weeks prior to the course starting. We will confirm course information two weeks prior to the start date.

During the course you will learn about fabrics, cutting out, pattern placement and reading. Use established sewing techniques to produce a Tote bag and an A line or straight skirt which can be lined.

1. Take body measurements accurately
2. How to choose paper patterns and buy suitable fabric
3. How to adjust patterns and fit a toile
4. How to follow pattern instructions, cut out & make a garment
5. Cover basic construction methods such as darts, seams, zips & hems etc
6. Cover simple pattern adaptations
7. Use and maintenance of the sewing machine
8. Identify fashion trends

Do not buy any materials until your course is confirmed as running.

Information about skirt patterns, fabric and sewing equipment will be given at the first session. Sewing machines are provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

Items to bring with you:
A4 Ring binder & 12 plastic sleeves
A4 lined & plain paper, pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and calculator.
75 cm of plain or printed cotton fabric (for Tote bag)

Basic sewing equipment:
Fabric for your bag. Fabric scissors, colour-headed pins, hand sewing needles, tape measure, tailors chalk, marking pen.

Please note there will be no teaching sessions on 25/10/2022, 20 & 27/12/2022, 03/01/2023.

There are vending machines available where hot/cold drinks and snacks can be purchased. There are watercoolers on site making it easy to refill your water bottle.
Should the Campus car park be full, please use Marriotts Walk or Woodford Way Car Parks which are a few minutes’ walk away.
Please report to Reception on arrival. A photo-id will be issued, for you to wear when you attend classes.

Abingdon and Witney College is subject to Ofsted regulation and is required to work with all its students to make sure they understand Government initiatives around Safeguarding, Prevent and Fundamental British Values. Information on these ma

You will be able to use the skills, knowledge, and techniques you have learnt to sign up for additional sewing courses including block pattern weekend workshops or a dressmaker’s mixed ability or improver’s course.
This course is suitable for complete beginners or for those who have a little knowledge but want to start from the basics and improve their skills, knowledge and techniques.

Courses can fill fast, so please enrol early to avoid disappointment. Decisions on whether a course is to run are made two weeks prior to the start date - an email will be sent to you should there be changes to your course or if it is cancelled. Please check your inbox leading up to your course, including the junk folders. For anyone without an email account, our Admissions team will phone you instead.

For the first week of the course you will need to bring a valid form of identification; this includes passport, driving licence, debit/credit card, Birth Certificate or National Insurance card.

Please note - you should be 19 years old or over at 31st August 2022 prior to starting the course.
Additional costs include purchase of:
A pattern, calico and fabric for each garment plus sewing thread, buttons, interfacing etc. Fabric for the bag.

Courses offered by the college are fully or partly funded by the Government and the published fee takes account of this funding.

Before starting a course, the College is required to check you meet conditions relating to that funding, e.g. age, residency status within the UK/EEA, prior qualification level and employment status. In some circumstances (such as with online enrolments), these checks can only be completed after you have enrolled and paid.

If you are unable to pay in full for this course at the time of enrolment, and the course tuition fee is £300 or more, an instalment plan is available. If this is your preference, please do not enrol online but rather call the Admissions Team on 01235 216400 to enrol.

Once enrolled, Admissions will take the first instalment payment from you and pass on your details to the Finance team who will email you to set-up your payment plan. Please return a fully completed instalment plan to Finance as failure to do so could result in being withdrawn from your course.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions Team on 01235 216400 to discuss these options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

16 - 18 Fee

19+ Fee

Tuition Fee: £267.75
Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £267.75

19+ Reduced Fee

Tuition Fee: £160.65
Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £160.65

As this is a non-accredited course, there is no formal qualification. However, you will be asked to complete activities that demonstrate how you are progressing on your course.
Tutor demonstrations, observations, self-assessment, question & answer, practical exercises and 1:1s with the tutor.

As this is a non-accredited course, informal methods of assessment will be used. You will be required to complete a RARPA form which represents Recognising and Recording your Progress and Achievement.

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