A0495 - Creative Essentials: pattern cutting using your measurements

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Start Date: 03/10/2026      End Date: 24/10/2026        Start Time: 10:00      End Time: 13:30        Hours per Week: 3.50      No of Weeks: 4
Fees:      £112.00 (tuition)     £197.00 (overseas)     £47.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Christina Simpson        No of Places: 8
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
Learn how to achieve reliable, well‑fitting garments by mastering the foundations of pattern cutting in this focused four‑week course. Be guided step by step through the precise process of drafting a bespoke pattern block from your own measurements, building accuracy, understanding, and confidence through repetition and careful method.
The course introduces the core principles of flat pattern cutting, covering how to draft a standard block and develop pattern pieces for a simple garment. Practise essential techniques for accuracy and learn basic pattern adaptations to improve fit, reinforcing skills through structured exercises designed to support consistency and technical confidence.
This course forms part of the Essentials Repeat Pathway, allowing you to repeat and consolidate skills over time as your confidence grows. Creative expression and personal design development are intentionally deferred to later stages of learning.
Please note: this course focuses exclusively on pattern cutting. A follow‑on course is available in which you will apply basic sewing skills to construct your garment in calico.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Accurately take and record body measurements for pattern cutting purposes.
* Take accurate measurements and record them so that you can make a pattern or adjustments.
* Use professional terminology
* Use technology as a resource and apply problem solving skills
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
This course is suitable for beginners or those with limited sewing or pattern cutting experience.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
We will provide some basic materials such as calico. Haberdashery materials will be required throughout the course, your tutor will advise on essential equipment. You will be given a list of equipment at the first lesson.
For the first lesson you need to bring: Note Book and Pencil; Sellotape, Pritt Stick, 3H Pencil, Ruler, Tape Measure, Pencil Sharpener, Paper Shears.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and
where you can set your own learning goals and monitor your own progress.
You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.
Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.
Prosp User 12
At the beginning of the course the tutor will carry out an initial assessment to help identify the level of experience, knowledge or skills in this area.

The tutor will also carry out informal assessments to check your understanding, there is no exam.

You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the course.

Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course and help you work towards your full potential.

At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
After completing this course you can progress to onto Improve Your Clothes Making; Sewing – All Levels; Sewing and Garment Pattern Cutting or a range of other Fashion and Textile courses. Please see our website Idea Store - Learning for further information or speak with your tutor.
Your tutor will support you in researching these and other courses outside of Idea Store Learning.
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
We have high expectations regarding attendance and punctuality. We expect 100% attendance for all scheduled sessions and that you do so punctually and are ready to start learning at the start of the class.
We acknowledge the rare occasions when that will not be possible, please inform us before the class by emailing ideastoreadmin@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.

If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course.

If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email.

Where we aim to make reasonable adjustments to support our learners, please note we are unable to provide any type of in class or in person support if your course takes place online.
Prosp User 14