Fashion, textiles and crafts

Garment making

Who the course is for

The course is for learners of all levels who wish to learn how to make garments from basic commercial patterns. Basic sewing skills are an advantage but not essential.

Course location

• Thomas Calton Centre, Alpha Street, SE15 4NX
• fully equipped sewing room

What you’ll learn

Beginners will learn:

• how to take body measurements
• how to record the body measurements
• how to follow simple patterns and instructions
• how to lay the pattern pieces onto fabric
• how to cut the garment pieces
• how to prepare and use the sewing machine
• how to sew up the garment

More advanced learners can explore:

• selecting more advanced patterns
• how to adapt from a pattern

How the course is taught

The course is tutor-led with demonstrations, samples and one-to-one support. There will be opportunities for learners to support and learn from each other through group discussions on work in progress and finished work.

Materials you’ll need

You'll need a folder, blank A4 paper or notebook pen, pencil, ruler and eraser.

You may like to bring your own fabric/paper scissors, threads, tape measure, needles and pins. 

Please note the £5 materials fee for these courses covers sundry items used in the first few weeks of your course. For your subsequent projects, you will need to provide your fabric, threads and other relevant materials.

After the course

You can take further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at City Lit or Morley College. You will have increased confidence in sewing skills and improved time management/sewing planning skills. Former learners have gone on to start businesses, or into paid and voluntary employment.

How to enrol

Complete an enrolment form online

Find out how to enrol, locations and more about our services.

Course details

Contact information

Southwark Adult Learning Service 

• email adult.learning@southwark.gov.uk
• telephone 020 7358 2100 or 020 7358 2101

Page last updated: 27 March 2024