Millinery Trimmings: Structured Silk Bows

When & Where

24 April 2025 - 8 May 2025 ( 9 hours, 3 weeks )
Evening, Thursday
View course timetable
Chelsea Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Filipa Cardoso
Course Code C24FACI10A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Master the art of crafting elegant fabric couture bows in this creative workshop. Guided by an expert designer, you'll learn to work with various types of fabric interfacing to achieve beautifully structured and professional-looking bows. Explore techniques for shaping, stabilizing, and assembling bows, while experimenting with di?erent fabrics and finishes. Participants are required to bring their own materials and tools, with a comprehensive supply list provided upon registration. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, this workshop o?ers the skills to create stunning bows for accessories, fashion, or décor.

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand the properties of di?erent types of fabrics and interfacing.
Select and apply the appropriate interfacing to achieve structured and durable bows.
Experiment with various bow designs and styles for creative versatility.
Shape, fold, and assemble silk bows with precision and finesse.
Use essential tools and techniques for working with delicate fabrics.
Finish and refine bows to a professional couture standard.

Cost

Full fee

£335

Concession fee

£250

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

This course is in-centre. Teaching time will be divided between practical demonstrations of technique and one-to-one support as students work through a given task. The online platform Microsoft Teams will be used to support learning and sharing of lesson resources. To get the most from this course some study or completion of activities outside of class time may be required. 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 tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals. In order to ensure you make the best possible progress on your course you will have regular constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor. Advanced students can negotiate their project with the tutor depending on previous experience.

Entry requirements

This is a mixed level course. Suitable for people with limited or no previous knowledge. Basic hand sewing skills are essential. Students must be able to speak, read and write in English. Basic numeracy is an advantage though not essential.

What you need to know before you enrol

This course is intensive and excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. Each session will include vital information for mastering each stage of the process. Health & Safety information will be given to you at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. Excellent attendance and punctuality are important, for students to fully achieve the course outcomes. To get the most from this course some study/completion of activities outside of class time may be required. Using a steamer and cutting patterns and fabrics often involves standing at high tables. Please let your tutor know if this is difficult for you. Some chemicals used may be harmful to certain health conditions or in pregnancy. Please make sure to let your tutor know if this is the case and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. You will be using tools under the direction of the tutor.

What you need

A basic sewing kit to include: Hand sewing needles. Pins. Thimble. Sewing thread. Tape measure. Small jewellery type pliers/wire cutters. A small tube of all-purpose Uhu adhesive. Sharp fabric scissors. Paper cutting scissors. Pencil and notebook/sketch pad. An apron to protect your clothes. Information on where to purchase millinery materials will be given at the first lesson. You must provide your own fabrics, trimmings, haberdashery, etc. Pattern paper and card is available for use in the studio.

What you can do next

We run a variety of other millinery short courses and accredited qualification with BTEC. These are at Level 1, Level 2 and HE Millinery.