Skip to main content

Our centres are now closed until 6th January. Our website is available for enrolments.

Courses Learning With Us About Us
Close up of sewing machine and hands cutting fabric

Sewing - Improvers

Funding area Creative Arts (Level 1)
ASH/146167/P/PF
Location:
Ashford Gateway (KAE), Ashford
Start date:
10/01/2025
End date:
21/03/2025
Level:
Level 1
Time:
10:00 - 12:30
Duration:
10 sessions
Course hours:
Course hours

Course hours are the total number of hours you'll spend being taught by your tutor. Self study time is not included within the course hours.

25 hours
Day of week:
FRI
Tutor:
Diana Withers
Price: £204.00 Concessions Only 4 places remaining
;
Group of people standing together smiling

Who can join this course

This is one of our Tailored learning Level 1 (Improvers) courses. This course is for learners who have not studied with us previously in the same subject area at Level 2 or above. It is also for learners who have completed their total of 120 guided learning hours at Entry level (Beginners) and wish to progress to the next level in the same subject area.
Eligible learners may enrol onto Level 1 courses in this subject area up to a maximum of 120 guided learning hours in total.
If you have already reached the maximum guided learning hours in this subject area and level, please speak to your tutor or another member of our team about your next progression steps.

This course is aimed at those who have completed a number of Beginners Clothesmaking courses or have previous experience of working in Clothesmaking. Those with no experience of Clothesmaking should consider our range of Entry level (Beginners) courses.

Group of people standing in a circle, looking down at the camera smiling

Is this course for me

Our Creative Intent
Creativity is an essential aspect of human expression and plays a crucial role in fostering well-being and a sense of purpose.
The ambition of the Kent Adult Education Creative curriculum is to engage the community through an energetic and diverse programme offer planned to meet the varied needs and interests of Kent’s communities, thereby ensuring high quality learning is delivered across the county in dedicated adult education centres, online and in neighbourhood settings.
Creative courses aim to build confidence through learning, allowing students to express themselves, think critically, and collaborate with their peers. By empowering our students to become confident, imaginative, and adaptable learners, we aim to develop students' curiosity, resilience, and adaptability, preparing them for future challenges, opportunities, and personal development.

You will learn all the processes to successfully complete the project/garment. These will include pattern and fabric choice, basic pattern alterations, fitting and cutting of fabric. You will be shown basic construction methods, seam finishes, correct pressing, sewing darts, invisible, lapped and fly front zips, waistbands, and facings. Projects may include jacket fitting, setting sleeves, collar construction, lining jackets and coats using the bagging out method, pocket construction, trouser fitting, and the handling of special fabrics e.g. velvet, leather, sheers, and silks.

Course aims

By the end of the course you should be able to:

* Demonstrate how to create a French seam and explain where it would be used
* Explain how to alter the length of a pattern using the pattern adjustment lines
* Demonstrate how to insert a facing on a neckline or armhole
* Explain the health and safety considerations for the tools and resources you have used

What will I need for my course

You will need to bring small sewing equipment, such as sharp scissors for cutting fabric, pins, needles, a tape measure, chalk fabric pencil, sewing threads to match fabrics; a retractable metal tape measure; a folder, paper and pens for notes and handouts.

Please bring some fabric suitable for making a small item such as a cushion cover during the first lesson, or for any other project you wish to start on.

There are some sewing machines available for student use. However please bring your own machine if you wish to. Don't forget to bring all the accessories, foot controls and leads for the machine. IMPORTANT! Any equipment brought in by students must be in full working order and clean. The Tutor will not be able to carry out any repairs.

What can I do next

Your tutor will advise you on follow-on courses relevant to their subject.
You can attend further Improvers courses which will cover additional skills at an Improvers’ level and use those you have already learned in different ways to help perfect them or progress to Vocational or Accredited courses, where offered.

Non teaching dates

This course is scheduled to not be running on the following dates:

  • Friday, 21 February 2025

Additional Information

From 1st August 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) require that learners attending this course must identify their primary purpose for learning. This course is not available for learners whose main aim is to learn a hobby, or for leisure/pleasure.

To get the most out of your course we recommend you attend at least 85% of your sessions. If you do have a pre-arranged commitments booked during term time, please let the tutor know in advance so that we can help you catch up on missed sessions and ensure that you still achieve the course outcome.

For Health & Safety, please do not wear open toed shoes.

It is important to note that art and craft courses are practical and require a degree of manual dexterity. Also, please make your tutor aware of any pre-existing health conditions that may impact on your learning.
If you need to bring a carer with you, or another adult please speak to the Curriculum Leader for the course.

Getting to your course

Find us

Ashford Gateway (KAE)
Church Road
Ashford
Kent
TN23 1AS

If you require any information about this location then please call 03000 41 22 22 and quote the Course Code ASH/146167/P/PF.