Couture Garment Construction and Sewing Techniques

When & Where

18 April 2023 - 4 July 2023 ( 33 hours, 11 weeks )
Morning, Tuesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Vanda Finney
Course Code W22FASF01C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Learn to cut, fit and construct beautiful couture garments in this practical workshop style course. You will be able to build on your existing knowledge and develop more advanced fitting, construction and couture finishing skills as you produce these beautiful garments. This course is suitable for you if you want to produce these garments for yourself, or you want to earn a living producing these garments by running your own business or by working for a company. You will be able to devise your own projects with the tutor dependent on your level of ability and to work through your own plan. This is an advanced level course. During the course, you will work at your own pace together with students of different levels, you will share and benefit from each-others experiences. It is essential that you read the entry requirements carefully. You need to be able to work independently and have a good knowledge of sewing and making garments.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

to make toiles and fit
to adjust/use commercial patterns with advanced construction features
to use advanced fabric and trimmings
to use advanced construction and couture finishing skills
to solve problems and develop independent thinking
to put into practice advanced features and finishing techniques following class tutorials
to make toiles and fit
to use advanced fabric and trimmings
to use advanced construction and couture finishing skills
to solve problems and develop independent thinking
to use advanced construction and couture finishing skills
to solve problems and develop independent thinking
to put into practice advanced features and finishing techniques following class tutorials

Cost

Full fee

£335

Concession fee

£250

Class format and activities

Activities: Teaching is as a whole class, in pairs, small groups and on an individual basis. Demonstrations, discussions, examples, samples, hand-outs and other technical support materials are used where appropriate. Students will be actively encouraged to make notes, photo documentation as the course progresses and to work independently and learn from each other. Assessment methods: Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the learning outcomes above. At the start of the course you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutoring set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment. Attendance and punctuality is crucial.

Entry requirements

This course is Advanced level and a great follow-on from intermediate/advanced level clothes making. It is not suitable for beginners. Basic numeracy and English language speaking, listening and reading skills are essential. You are eligible for advanced level classes if you have completed two or more intermediate level courses at Morley or or have equivalent experience. You should also: have a good knowledge of adjusting commercial patterns, to use a professional level construct and finish on garments, solve intermediate construction problems independently. For students to fully benefit from this course it is important that they have the correct level of existing skills. If after the first session, it becomes apparent that this is not the right course for you, we can arrange a transfer onto an alternative course at the right level for you.

What you need to know before you enrol

This is a mixed level class you need to be willing to work together with others at different levels, returning students will be expected to work more independently. Working on patterns, cutting fabric and fitting can involve standing at high tables. Please let your tutor know if this is difficult for you. The sewing machine has a foot operated speed control. The fashion studios are on the first floor of the Nancy Seear Building there is access a lift access. Please also note: there is no eating allowed in the fashion studios – bottled water is allowed. Attendance and punctuality is crucial. In order to achieve the desired learning outcomes it is important you attend fully. You must inform your tutor for the reasons for any lateness or absence.

What you need

• A sewing kit: fabric scissors, trimming scissors, tape measure, pins, needles thread(s) and tailors chalk.• Pattern Alteration Equipment: Paper scissors, tracing wheel, dressmakers carbon paper, scotch tape, Coloured pens, pencils and rubber.• Stationary: A notebook and A4 ring binder. Also, you must provide your own patterns, fabrics, haberdashery, threads, etc. for use on your projects and will be discussed during the first lesson• Paper and card are available for use in the classroom• Calico for toiling is available from your tutor at cost price £2.30 per metre medium-weight and £2.00 per metre light-weight.• You will need to purchase a sewing machine bobbin from the tutor for £1, refundable at the end of the course.

What you can do next

After your first Term, it is possible to continue with this course to further advance your garment making skills. Or you might want to try one of the following: Creative Pattern Cutting Draping on the Stand, The Tailored Jacket, Advanced Clothes Making, Lingerie, and Millinery. Want to go further? We offer a full BA (Hons) or Access to Fashion Diploma courses which can be the first step to making Fashion your new career. For more details visit: https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk