Clothes Making – an Introduction

This course is the ideal starting point for those wishing to make clothes for themselves, apply for a fashion degree or to gain industry level skills to eventually work within the fashion industry.

Based in our specialist Fashion studios, fully equipped with various types of industrial sewing machinery and presses, you'll be introduced to a wide range of skills necessary to make garments with a professional finish.

Through a series of tutor-led demonstrations, discussions, and practical workshops you'll learn the processes of pattern cutting and constructing a ladies fitted top with sleeves and a skirt to match.

As part of the course, you'll have the chance to use our industry-standard Size Stream body scanner to receive precise measurements of yourself which you can use to produce a bespoke block for yourself.

You'll then progress to making a top from the bespoke block created and with support from the tutors you'll be able to pattern cut and manufacture your chosen design. The course will give you the skills to competently apply the techniques you have learnt to the garment of your choice and will give you the freedom to make new pieces for your wardrobe.

• Pattern manipulation of Bodice darts, sleeve, and fastenings
• Seam and hem exercises
• Skirt manufacture with button fastening and concealed zip
• Attaching sleeves and facings to your bespoke bodice
• Producing an upper body garment based on your design with bespoke blocks

The course aims to:

• Develop your understanding of the fundamental principles of garment construction covering topics such as understanding and reading paper patterns, adjusting and fitting of garments
• Develop your confidence working in a professional, relaxed and friendly environment with garment processes and equipment
• Enable you to develop an overall awareness of the general processes involved in producing various types of garments

• Assessment and feedback will be continuous throughout the course
• You'll leave the course able to demonstrate basic clothes making skills, such as cutting fabrics and basic garment construction techniques for personal sewing projects in the future
• All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate get in touch with the course team at shortcourses@aub.ac.uk

This introductory course assumes students possess no previous knowledge and is suitable for beginners. Suitable for budding makers aged 18+.

Please note, it's a mandatory requirement that you attend the sewing workroom machinery induction in order to fulfil the university Health and Safety policy.

• Dressmaker's pins
• Tape measure
• Paper scissors, fabric scissors, small scissors, snips and quick unpick
• Pencils: 2H, HB or B
• Fabric/cloth marking pencil
• Pen, rubber, pencil sharpener
• A4 folder and plastic sleeves

Please note, requirements for your skirt fabric and zip shall be discussed once the course has started.

All additional course materials are included in the course fee, including pattern paper and calico for toiles.