Customised Pattern Cutting and Fitting (Stage 2)

Ages: 18+
Term: Spring
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This next-level clothes making course is designed to build on existing skills and guide you towards a deeper understanding of garment construction and pattern making.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates. 

Course information

Ideal for those ready to move beyond the basics, the course focuses on developing accuracy, confidence and creative control in making well-fitting, professionally finished garments.

You’ll learn how to take body measurements efficiently and accurately, and how to apply them correctly to develop customised patterns using personal, direct body measurements. This course places strong emphasis on fit, technique and process, helping you understand how patterns are developed and adapted for individual bodies.

Led by highly experienced fashion tutors Gillian Kelly and Alice Kiernander, you’ll be taken through different demonstrations on how to turn your fitted hip block into a shirt pattern.

Throughout the course, you’ll become confident using specialist equipment, familiar with professional pattern terminology, and learn the correct written and drawn information required for producing accurate, usable patterns. You’ll progress into more advanced construction elements, including pockets and garment openings, while gaining a clear understanding of grain lines, notches and selvedge when laying out pattern pieces.

Using block pattern manipulation techniques, including dart pivoting and draft development, you’ll apply your learning through practical sewing exercises. You’ll explore a variety of seams and fabrics, strengthening your technical skills while developing your own creative approach to garment making.

Develop more advanced garment-making skills, including measuring, pattern making, cutting and construction
Use body forms to confidently drape and develop necklines
Work with specialist equipment used in professional garment production
Tackle more complex construction elements such as pockets and garment openings
Apply pattern manipulation techniques to tailor fit, including darts and a range of seam finishes

At the end of the course you'll:

Have improved sewing and garment construction skills
Understand the core principles of measuring, pattern making, manipulation, cutting and construction
Be able to create your own custom patterns, including technical elements such as pockets and openings
Feel more confident in your technical and creative abilities
Experience increased creativity and imagination through practical exploration
Be encouraged to experiment and develop your ideas, embracing a process-led approach to making
Possess the skills to continue creating custom patterns and garments beyond the course
Possess improved artistic skills
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses, your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Spring term 2027

Thursday 14 January – 18 March 2027 (10 Thursday evenings, 18.00–21.00) 

Age 

Suitable for adults aged 18+.   

Level  

Intermediate or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.   

You should possess some tailoring knowledge or experience in order to benefit the most from this course. Ideally, you will have completed Clothes Making – An Introduction (Stage 1) or have previous experience in garment construction and using sewing machines

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you’d like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£389

Any additional costs 

You'll need to provide some basic study equipment. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details. You'll need to purchase additional fabric/material for this course.

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

Notebook
Pens
Pencils – preferably 2B
Tape measure
Dressmakers' pins
Paper
Fabric scissors

A basic amount of calico and pattern paper for making a practice garment, known as a toile, will be supplied during the course. Further calico can be purchased from the tutor.

You'll be expected to purchase your own material for your final pieces.

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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AUB Academy booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

Meet your tutors

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Gillian Kelly

Technician Demonstrator Gill Kelly has had a varied career in fashion over many years working for different companies in pattern cutting...

Book your place today

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Pattern cutting and fitting gallery

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Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your clothes making skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.