Professional Sewing Techniques

Many elements contribute to the look of a garment, not least the quality of the ‘make’ and the finish. This course is vital if you wish to develop your understanding of construction and gain the skills to produce garments to a professional finish.

The course will focus, week by week, on the difficult and challenging features of a garment taking into account the use of a range of stitches and construction techniques. A different set of techniques is taught each term, beginning with relatively simple ones and building towards the more complex over each term. Using different methods of construction, you will gain a wide range of experience and understanding to improve the quality of your garments. You will also produce your own reference work of samples, notes and handouts.

Each term exists as a separate course and can be taken as such or you may wish to enrol on more than one to develop your skills to a high level.

The course is not suitable for beginners.

This term will focus on a variety of collar types.

What will I learn on the course?

• To produce a flat (Peter Pan) collar
• To produce a Mandarin collar
• To produce a piped Nehru collar
• To produce a rolled collar
• To produce a two-piece man’s shirt collar
• To produce a rever collar
• To produce a shawl collar
• Also: You will improve your cutting abilities and your use of an electric sewing machine and an overlocking machine.

What will I be doing in class?

The tutor will present examples and samples and discuss their construction. There will be demonstrations of techniques and handouts and other printed resources will be used to support this work. Teaching will be in groups and on an individual, one-to-one basis according to students’ needs and you will practice methods taught by tutor’s demonstrations and through class discussions.

What kind of feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. If you are not pursuing a qualification, you and your tutor will be asked to assess the progress you have made at the end of the course.

Are there any entry requirements?

This course is not suitable for beginners in the subject. You must have experience of using patterns, constructing garments and using a sewing machine competently. You must also be able to read, write and speak English.

Does the course have features I should be aware of (workload, level of fitness, stamina etc)?

This course is very intensive; punctuality and good attendance are necessary.

Cutting fabrics requires standing at high tables. Please let your tutor know if this is a problem for you.

Sewing machines have a foot operated speed control.

The fashion studios are on the first floor of the Nancy Seear Building. There is wheelchair access via a stair-lift.

Please also note: there is no eating or drinking allowed in the fashion studios - this means no liquids at all.

What do I need to bring with me to class?

A basic sewing kit: sharp fabric scissors, trimming scissors, tape measure, dressmaker’s pins, dressmaker’s carbon paper

Sewing thread

Paper scissors

Pens, pencils, notebook, A4 ring binder

Also:

You will need to purchase a sewing machine bobbin from your tutor for 90p, refundable at the end of the course

What next, after the course ends?

If you have not completed three terms of the Professional Sewing Techniques course, you can continue to attend further terms next year to take your skills and finish further. We also have a wide range of courses where you can utilise the skills you gain on this course, including specialised weekend courses which include tailoring, stretch fabrics, lingerie, dancewear, corsetry, etc. Please consult the course guide for further details.

Where will my course take place?

Morley College