What will I study?

This course is designed to provide students with comprehensive skills in sewing and garment construction over three terms, each lasting 10 weeks. Students will progress from basic sewing techniques to advanced garment construction methods.

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

- Operate a sewing machine proficiently

- Understand fabric types and their properties

- Read and interpret sewing patterns

- Construct various garments from start to finish

- Apply advanced sewing techniques and finishes

How will this course be delivered?

Term 1 - September to December

Foundations of Sewing

Week 1: Introduction to Sewing

Course overview and safety instructions, parts of a sewing machine and basic machine operation

Week 2: Fabric Fundamentals

Types of fabrics and their properties, fabric preparation and care and cutting techniques

Week 3: Hand Sewing Techniques

Basic hand stitches, buttons and buttonholes and simple repairs

Week 4: Machine Sewing Basics

Straight stitching and seam allowances, zigzag and overlock stitches and hems and edges

Week 5: Reading Patterns

Understanding pattern symbols and instructions, taking measurements and pattern layout and cutting

Week 6: Simple Project - simple top or a Tote Bag

Applying learned techniques to create a tote bag or a top.

Week 7: Zippers and Closures

Installing different types of zippers, hook and eye, snaps, and Velcro

Week 8: Pockets

Patch pockets, inseam pockets and welt pockets

Week 9: Simple Skirt Project

Drafting a simple skirt pattern and constructing a basic skirt

Week 10: Term 1 Final Project

Design and create a simple garment incorporating learned techniques

Term 2 - Jan to March

Intermediate Garment Construction

Week 1: Advanced Pattern Reading

Altering patterns for fit

Week 2: Darts and Pleats

Types of darts and their purposes and applying facings to necklines and armholes

Week 3: Waist band

Constructing a basic waist band

Week 4: Sleeves

Types of sleeves and setting in sleeves

Week 5: Waistbands and Cuffs

Constructing and attaching waistbands and creating cuffs for sleeves and trousers

Week 6: Lining and Interfacing

Choosing appropriate linings and interfacings and application techniques

Week 7: Buttonholes and Plackets

Machine and bound buttonholes and constructing shirt plackets

Week 8: Trousers Project - Part 1

Trouser fitting and pattern adjustments and cutting and initial construction

Week 9: Trousers Project - Part 2

Pockets, zip, and waistband and hems and finishing

Week 10: End of Term 2 Project

Design and create a more complex garment using intermediate techniques

Term 3: April to June

Advanced Techniques and Specialised Skills

Week 1: Working with Challenging Fabrics

Sewing knits, silks, and other difficult fabrics and special techniques and tools

Week 2: Overlocking knit fabrics

Week 3: Advanced Fitting Techniques

Addressing common fitting issues and making a muslin and adjustments

Week 4: Couture Techniques

Hand-sewn finishes and decorative seam finishes

Week 5: Continue with week 3 and 4

Week 6: Advanced Closures

Invisible zippers and fly fronts

Week 7: Embellishments and Decorative Techniques

Appliqué, embroidery, and beading and pin tucks

Week 8: Formal Wear Techniques

Working with special occasion fabrics

Week 9: Alterations and Upcycling

Basic garment alterations, repurposing and upcycling techniques

Week 10: Term 3 Final Project

Complete a final garment showcasing advanced techniques

What qualifications will I get?

No formal qualifications 

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed based on their weekly projects, term-end projects, Emphasis will be placed on technique, creativity, and progress throughout the course.

How do I get a place on the course?

Enrolment opportunities are available throughout the year. Please contact us for more details on 0121 678 7000 - option 2 or e-mail Community@Solihull.ac.uk

What are the entry requirements?

You must be 19+ to attend this course 

What else do I need to know?

Required Materials

- Sewing machine (can be provided by college)

- Basic sewing kit (scissors, pins, measuring tape, chalk, pins etc.) 1m of cotton fabric for samples.

- Fabrics and notions as specified for each project