A4283 - Explore: clothes making for better fit and better sewing

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Start Date: 22/09/2026      End Date: 24/11/2026        Start Time: 18:30      End Time: 21:00        Hours per Week: 2.50      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £180.00 (tuition)     £316.00 (overseas)     £75.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Janet Ayoola        No of Places: 9
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
Through practical exploration, this course supports you to develop and extend your clothes‑making skills with a focus on garment construction, fit, and confident use of commercial sewing patterns. Building on existing foundations, you will experiment with techniques, test ideas, and begin to make informed creative and technical decisions.
You will take accurate body measurements, interpret pattern instructions, and adapt patterns to improve fit, you will learn through trial, adjustment, and reflection. A range of sewing and introductory pattern‑cutting techniques will be explored, encouraging you to adapt methods to suit different fabrics and design intentions.
The course introduces a variety of fabrics and construction techniques, with tutor guidance you can explore the uses of interfacing, tacking, gathering, pleats, frills, puffs, and basic quilting. You will also refine hand‑sewing and finishing techniques, building control and confidence through repeated use.
As you progress, you will develop a personal reference library of stitches, seams, and fabric samples, supporting both technical understanding and creative exploration. Emphasis is placed on learning through experimentation, developing confidence from mistakes, and beginning to shape your own approach to garment making. Please note that work will continue on occasion outside of the classroom, homework is given to encourage you to think creatively and develop your independence.
This course can be revisited as part of the Explore progression stage, allowing you to deepen your skills, work with new materials and techniques, and continue building confidence through practice and exploration.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Take accurate body measurements and relate them to commercial pattern sizing to support better garment fit.
* Use commercial sewing patterns to work towards a finished garment considering layout, markings, and instructions.
* Identify and use a range of stitches and seam types, selecting appropriate techniques for different clothes making tasks.
* Make basic fit adjustments to patterns and garments to improve comfort and appearance.
* Create a personal reference library of stitched samples demonstrating techniques worked in a variety of fabrics.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
Some basic sewing knowledge and skills.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
For the first lesson you need to bring a note book and pencil and if you are working on a garment bring that too (optional). You will be given a list of equipment and what you require for the course at the first lesson.
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 to you will help you work to 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
This course can be revisited as part of the Explore progression stage, allowing you to deepen your skills, work with new materials and techniques, and continue building confidence through practice and exploration.
Please see our website Idea Store - Learning for further information of courses or speak with your tutor about your progression.
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