Hand-Sewing for Couture and Bespoke Fashion Short Course
Course description
Course overview
If you are looking for work in couture fashion, bridal-wear, millinery, bespoke tailoring or theatre costume production, perfect hand sewing skills are essential.
Starting with a simple running stitch, overcast stitch and blanket stitch, by the end of the first day of this course you will have made a 'tool of the trade' pincushion with a detachable wristband and fabric covered button. Whilst perfecting your skills and building up speed, the remainder of the course will focus on creating a stitch chart and a series of hand sewn samples to include in a reference book and portfolio of work.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone interested in developing their hand-sewing skills, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.
Key information
Topics covered
- How to make a 'tool of the trade' pin cushion
- Plan and create a stitch chart
- Make samples of different types of seams & hems
- Attach different types of buttons and fastenings
- Hand stitched and bound buttonholes
- Transfer dart positions from pattern to fabric
- 'Bag out' a patch pocket
- Cutting with pinking sheers
- Presentation of finished samples in a reference book
Stitches taught on this course include:
- Running stitch, regular basting, irregular basting and diagonal basting
- Back stitch, spaced back stitch, stab stitch and prick stitch
- Chain stitch, blanket stitch and buttonhole stitch
- Herringbone stitch, open slip stitch and closed slip stitch
- Overcast stitch, whip stitch and fell stitch
- Tailor's loops and thread marking
Finished samples will include:
- A 'tool of the trade' pin cushion
- Reference book of samples and stitch chart
- Sample of blind hem, bound hem, rolled hem and tailored hem
- Shirt buttons, covered button and tailor's button with keeper button
- Snap fasteners, hooks and eyes
- Miniature pinafore with 'bagged out patch pocket
Learning outcomes
- Broad repertoire of hand stitches and what they are used for
- Identification of, and experience with stitching different fabrics and threads
- Presentation of samples for portfolio submission
- Increase of confidence and speed
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Notebook and pencil
- Pair of small sharp scissors
- Selection of household needles
- Spool of white thread
- Thimble
Tutor
Rowena Luke-King
Rowena Luke-King has had an extremely diverse career in design and design education. She has worked as a textile designer, a trend forecaster, colour consultant and vintage swatch researcher for leading design studios in both London and New York.
She has produced her own garment collections, accessories, hand printed fabrics, greetings cards and wrapping papers for several stores including the legendary Fiorucci. She has worked as a stylist to the music industry creating bespoke stage clothes and props featured in magazines such as The Face. Tour clothes that she made for Adam Ant's 1984 Strip Tour have been exhibited in the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Alongside her career in design, Rowena has taught at foundation and degree level for several art colleges and universities and for the United Nations Development Program at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in India. She teaches several short courses for Central Saint Martins and the V&A Academy, and was recently awarded an Honorary Degree; Bachelor of Arts in Education, by Bath Spa University “in recognition of outstanding services within the Education sector”.
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