We use necessary cookies to make our website work. We’d also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements to our website. For more detailed information about the cookies we use, read our Cookie Policy.
Sewing - Fashion, Costume and Workwear: Garment Construction and Upcyling- Improvers
Funding area Creative Arts (Level 1)
Book your place
To enrol on this course please enter your course enrolment password into the box below.
Check your eligibility to enrol online
You must meet the entry requirements below:
- You must be ordinary resident in the UK at the start date of the course - Ordinary resident means you live in the UK and have chosen to live here for a settled purpose
- You must be a British citizen
- You must be aged 19 or over as at the 31st August 2025 for courses in the 2025/26 academic year
- You must agree to commit to and complete an Individual Learning Plan in agreement with your course tutor
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.
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. This course will develop existing skills for sewing and altering clothes. It is for those with some experience of using a sewing machine. If you have not used a sewing machine before or for many years, we suggest you enrol in one of our beginners courses first.
The first week will be spent practising a cuff sample and you will discuss choices of patterns and fabric for your own project. If you would prefer a guided project then your tutor will make a suggestion. Please note, this course focuses on using a sewing machine for clothing using woven fabrics. If you would like to discuss a specific project, including the use of more challenging fabrics (slippery or stretchy) then please contact the tutor before enrolling on the course.