A0518 - Creative Essentials: sew a calico toile

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Start Date: 14/11/2026      End Date: 05/12/2026        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: 9
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
This course builds directly on the Pattern Cutting Essentials course, shifting the focus to careful construction and fit through the making of a calico toile. Using the pattern block developed previously, you will work through the structured process of cutting fabric, assembling a simple garment, and refining pattern pieces to achieve an accurate and reliable fit.
Teaching is methodical and skill‑focused, supporting understanding through repetition and guided practice. Learn essential sewing techniques including a range of stitch types, common seams, basic garment construction methods, and hand‑finishing processes. The course also introduces simple fastenings and core pressing techniques, reinforcing industry‑standard working practices.
This course forms part of the Essentials Repeat Pathway, allowing learners to revisit and consolidate core making skills over time. The emphasis is on building technical confidence, accuracy, and consistency, providing a solid foundation for more advanced construction and creative development in later stages.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Set up and safely operate a sewing machine, confidently threading it and selecting appropriate basic stitch types.
* Use a personal flat pattern block to cut fabric accurately and prepare pieces for constructing a calico toile.
* Apply essential garment construction techniques to assemble a simple garment, including seams, edge finishes, fastenings, pressing, and hand finishing.
* Assess garment fit and modify pattern pieces to improve fit and comfort.
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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