Introduction to Sewing Skills for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This 5-day beginner’s course introduces students to the art of sewing with fun, project-based activities that will build practical skills.
Through a combination of demonstrations and exercises, students learn a variety of basic sewing and garment construction techniques and apply these skills to the creation of various types of garments and textile accessories. There will be opportunities to explore customisation of designs and translation of ideas to a 3D outcome.
Students will gain an understanding of some of the different sewing machines used in the industry and what they are used for. Core skills will include understanding a pattern, laying out pattern pieces on fabric and cutting out, as well as a variety of seams and hem finishes. Students will be able to develop a reference file of stitch samples from their practice exercises.
Who this course is for
This is a beginner’s level course for young people aged 16 to 18 who enjoy making, as well as aspiring fashion designers and those with an interest in fashion. It's also for students who would like to try something new and meet other young creatives. No prior sewing experience is necessary.
Key information
Topics covered
- Introduction to the industrial sewing machine and overlocker
- Different seam and hem stitches
- Understanding patterns and choosing suitable fabrics for your designs
- Practical techniques for cutting out and constructing garments
Learning outcomes
- How to set up and operate a sewing machine, including threading and bobbin setup and controlling speed
- Identify and apply basic machine sewing methods such as running a straight stitch, backstitching, pivoting at corners
- Identify different patterns for garment construction, such as a simple tote bag, a t-shirt and shorts
- Apply pattern cutting techniques for a tote bag, t-shirt and shorts
- Have an oversight of the different types of fabrics appropriate for specific types of garment construction
- Practise your skills with stitch samples you have worked
- Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
- Develop an open-minded approach to art and design
- Experience art school teaching
For practical information about our kids and teens courses, take a look at our kids and teens information hub. This includes details of our policies on safeguarding, food allergies, learning requirements and online study.
Materials
If possible, please bring a camera or camera phone to record the process of making work and the outcomes.
Everything needed to complete the course is provided, but please feel free to bring any current sketchbooks or materials you enjoy using.
Tutor
E-Sinn Soong
E-Sinn brings over 20 years of diverse experience in the fashion industry to her teaching. Her background spans roles in Design, Pattern Cutting and Production for a wide range of menswear and womenswear companies from Savile Row tailors to start up designers. Her studio practice explores ideas around creative problem solving, craftsmanship and image making.
With a degree in Fashion Design from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, she also holds a PGCert in Academic Practice in Art, Design and Communication from UAL. E-Sinn’s passion for supporting creativity and sharing knowledge has led to her work as Lecturer and Specialist Technician at London College of Fashion.
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