This Course is a series of 3 hour lessons for beginners. You will be shown how to thread up and use the sewing machine and join in the group projects in each course.
There are 2 different 5 or 6 week courses available each term, and they change every term so that you can cover a wide variety of projects throughout the year:
Autumn Term:
Part 1 - making a cushion cover and a large tote bag - 5 weeks
Part 2 - making an A line skirt- 6 weeks
Spring Term:
Part 3 - making a pair of elasticated/ drawstring trousers or shorts - 5 weeks
Part 4 - making a top - 6 weeks
Summer Term:
Part 5 - making a simple dress - 5 weeks
Part 6 - revisiting any previous projects or working on your own chosen project - 6 weeks
You do not need to take all of the courses but taking a selection would help you to easily progress before moving on to an intermediate course. You will learn in an adult-only environment from expert teachers with relevant industry experience.If you would like to enrol on an eligible course as a Carer then please visit reception at either Parkshot or Hillcroft where one of our staff will be able to assist you. If you would like to enrol on an eligible course as a Carer then please visit reception at either Parkshot or Hillcroft where one of our staff will be able to assist you.
In Part 1 course you will make a cushion cover - 50cm x 50cm. This will have a zip inserted. You will then move on to make a large tote bag with a front pocket. With individual use of your own or a college John Lewis sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up a cushion cover and tote bag. You will learn straight and zig zag stitch and how to back stitch. Also, top stitching and under stitching. Seams will include Plain opened, Closed and turned & stitched. You will also cover inserting a regular zip and pressing and finishing. You will have the opportunity to practice making up samples within the class, using techniques learnt.
Know how to thread and set up the sewing machine and identify and use sewing equipment
Know how to use the sewing machine independently
Be able to sew straight lines following guides and pivot needle at corners
Use practical sewing skills for sewing basic seams with neatened raw edges
- flat straight seams
- flat closed seams
- use seams to construct cushion cover
Lay-up fabric and cut out your sewing pattern by either drawing round the tutors card pattern (cushion cover) or measuring out your own pattern following instructions (tote bag)
Use sewing techniques to construct your item, including:
- inserting a regular zip
- making a patch pocket
- top stitching and under stitching
Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference and understand the process of making a cushion cover and tote bag from the pattern to finished article
Press and finish all the samples you have made including under pressing your project through making up and top press the finished article.
To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on 31st August prior to the course start date.
If you are an intermediate/ advanced level clothes maker, you should enrol on one of our
Intermediate - Advanced courses to get the best learning experience.
60cm - 1 metre of fabric and matching thread for the cushion cover.
The fabric must be rigid, not stretchy, and not shiny or slippy. Suggested fabrics for beginners are
cotton or linen. (If you want to repurpose fabric, ie a curtain, duvet cover, tablecloth that is fine)
Any sewing equipment you may have ie - fabric shears, small scissors, tape measure, pins plus a
notebook & pencil.
If you do not have equipment, do not worry as you can use the colleges.
If you would like to bring your own sewing machine that is fine, but please make sure that it is
working and bring the manual and all the pieces.
We will discuss in the first class the fabric for the tote bag.
Regular attendance is required to ensure you cover all the course content and assessments
successfully.
Q&A, observations, PLPs, practical sessions using specialist classroom facilities to build a body of
coursework and different outcomes that incorporate new techniques and processes.
You can progress through the 6 beginner courses parts 1-6, or choose the ones that interest you,
before progressing to the Sewing Workshop (Hillcroft campus, Surbiton) or Clothesmaking
Intermediate (Parkshot campus, Richmond)
If you require further course information or advice & guidance that is not answered in this outline,
please email art@rhacc.ac.uk [1]
If you would like general information about the college, for example, fees & finance, funding, term
dates or opening times please email info@rhacc.ac.uk [2] or drop into our main reception area.
For information on course fees and how to get additional help to pay for them look at our How to
Pay for Your Course section.