Short course
Garment Alteration and Finishing Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This 5-week course is designed to equip you with the essential technical foundation in sewing and garment construction.
Taught through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, demonstration and guided practice, the course will develop your ability to confidently deconstruct and reconstruct garments with precision and professionalism.
During the course, students gain an insight into both industry-standard and couture sewing methods, building fluency in techniques such as French, flat-felled and bound seams, a variety of stitch types, high-quality hems, edge finishes, and decision-making when selecting appropriate methods for different fabrics and garment types.
To support your progress, independent practice is an important part of your learning journey. It is advised that you work independently outside of class hours to class hours to consolidate your learning. This may include practicing sewing techniques on a machine if you have access to one, or alternatively, developing hand-sewing samples, reviewing technical notes and refining your understanding of garment construction methods.
Additional delivery and technical support
This course is delivered with the dedicated support of a specialist technician, who will be present during key practical sessions to support students’ learning and technical development.
The technician is a professional Bespoke Tailor, bringing extensive industry experience in precision garment construction, fit, and high-quality finishing. Their presence offers students valuable insight into professional tailoring standards and real-world construction approaches used within bespoke and couture contexts.
The technician will support students during machine setup, demonstrations, and guided practical work, assisting with equipment use, troubleshooting, and the refinement of sewing techniques. This additional technical expertise enhances the learning experience and ensures students are supported in developing confident, professional working practices in the workshop environment.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for aspiring fashion designers, garment technologists and sewing enthusiasts who are interested in developing professional construction skills.
It would be an excellent fit for those pursuing fashion design, costume or textiles courses, or individuals preparing for further study or entry-level roles in the fashion and garment industry.
Whether you're a beginner with a keen interest in sewing or someone with advanced skills looking to refine technique and gain confidence with industrial machines, this course offers a solid foundation in essential sewing methods used across fashion and apparel production.
Key information
Topics covered
- Seam techniques: uncovering the different types of seams
- Stitch techniques: exploring varied stitching techniques
- Alterations: how to alter a garment
- Repair and restore: how to repair and restore garments
- Reinforcements: discovering the different types of reinforcements
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in constructing and deconstructing a range of seam types, including plain, French, flat-felled, overlocked, and bound seams
- Apply appropriate stitch types such as single and double needle lockstitch, overlock, cover stitch, and topstitching, based on fabric and function
- Produce high-quality hems and edge finishes, including blind hems, baby hems, clean-finished edges, facings, and bindings
- Reinforce garments effectively using techniques like bar tacks, stay stitching, and back tacking at key stress points
- Evaluate and select suitable sewing methods for various garment components, ensuring durability, functionality, and aesthetic quality
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Notebook and pens
- Sewing kits: fabric scissors, paper scissors, cutting threads scissors, snippers, tape measure, ruler, white chalk
- If possible, please also bring a camera or camera phone to record the process of making work and the outcomes
- You may also want to bring any current sketchbooks or materials you enjoy using
Tutor
Geraldine Mayita
Geraldine Mayita is an expert in stitching, alterations, sampling, pattern cutting, beading and finishing. Geraldine has worked with renown brands such as Thomas Pinks, Harrods, Huntsman (Saville Row), Alexander McQueen, Dior and Ralph Lauren. Recent roles as a Specialist Technician Garment Technology at LCF and Specialist Technical Garment Technician Teaching and Learning at UAL School of Pre-Degree, Geraldine has enjoyed passing down her technical, stitching and realisation knowledge and professional experience to support students in bringing their creative ideas to life in a workshop environment.
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