Key Facts
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Starting
16 Jan 2026- Location
- Tooting
- Start Time
- 13:00
- End Time
- 15:30
- Duration
- 9 Weeks
- Study Mode
- Part Time Day
- Days
- Friday
- Start Date
- 16 Jan 2026
- Level
- Short Course
- Code
- TABX255TL
Fees
- 19+ Fee
- £ 112.50
-
Starting
17 Apr 2026- Location
- Tooting
- Start Time
- 13:00
- End Time
- 15:30
- Duration
- 9 Weeks
- Study Mode
- Part Time Day
- Days
- Friday
- Start Date
- 17 Apr 2026
- Level
- Short Course
- Code
- TABX256TL
Fees
- 19+ Fee
- £ 112.50
Clothes Making Advanced Skills
Broaden your sewing skills and let your creativity flow. Basic sewing machine skills and prior completion of 1 garment are a pre requisite for this advanced Course. In this course you'll learn how to make clothes to a high standard, including couture techniques to make your projects unique and exciting. Learners will be required to buy essential sewing equipment, fabric and a sewing pattern after discussion with your tutor.
You will be required to buy Bernina bobbins, pins, thread, hand needles and a sewing pattern on this course. If you are on low income this course has concessions (50% off).
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Entry Requirements
Basic sewing machine skills and prior completion of at least one garment are a required pre requisite for this advanced course. -
Course Content
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:-
Make clothes including tops, skirts, trousers, jackets and dresses, using advanced techniques
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Complete an induction on the electronic sewing machine
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Choose appropriate patterns and fabrics for your projects
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Know when to use advanced techniques, such as bias binding, French seams, pleats and pin-tucks
- Have the opportunity to use specialist hand finishing techniques, including hand-made button holes
There will be individual and group tuition, with teacher led discussions and demonstrations. This course does not cover drafting patterns and learners will use commercial sewing patterns
There is an optional waistcoat mini project or a zipped mini bag (patterns are provided). The mini project runs alongside the making of an advanced level garment; selected by individual learners and agreed with the tutor.
Learners will be encouraged to create a photographic portfolio of work and collate a notebook of test pieces.
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Progression Next Steps
You might explore other clothes-making, textile or craft courses at South Thames College.You might go onto employment in a business that makes or alters garments; or build your own self employed clothes making business.
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Additional Information
The course is held on the 2nd floor: sewing room 223. 9 sessions at the Tooting Centre. What is needed for the course:- Tape measure
- Sharp 2H pencil (preferably mechanical pencils with a 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead)
- Rubber
- Sharpener
- Glue
- Sellotape
- Paper scissor
- Pattern notchers (optional)
- Tracing wheel (optional)
- French curve or a set square (optional)
- A4 ring binder
- X 10 A4 plastic wallets
- A5 notebook
- Black or blue biro
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Course Structure
This course runs over 9 weekly sessions, with each session providing a combination of individual and group tuition, supported by teacher-led discussions and demonstrations. Learners will focus on garment construction using commercial sewing patterns, and pattern drafting is not included in this course. The structure allows learners to develop practical skills progressively while receiving guidance tailored to their own projects. -
Assessment Details
Initial assessment when joining the course, Tutor feedback, individual learning plan , informal assessment and homework. -
Teaching and Learning
Learning takes place through a mix of demonstrations, guided practice, and individual project work. You will have the opportunity to plan and create your own projects under the guidance of an experienced tutor. There will be time in each session for discussion, feedback, and developing your practical techniques.
