Fashion, textiles and crafts

Who the course is for

This course is suitable for absolute beginners, those with no sewing experience at all, those who did a little bit of sewing at school and need a refresher. It's also for those who would like to progress their skills from a little basic knowledge.

It's a fun, learner-centred, practical-based course full of content. Students have the opportunity to make at least one finished item to take home.

What you’ll learn

• how to thread a domestic sewing machine safely and correctly
• the basic operational symbols and functions of a sewing machine
• the purpose of different machine feet
• create a folder of sewing samples including different seams
• practice a range of sewing techniques
• manipulate fabric to create pleats and gathers (optional)
• make at least one stitched item to take home
• projects will include cushion covers for beginners and aprons/shopping bags for improvers (those with some sewing experience)

How the courses are taught

Courses are taught using demonstrations, visual samples, group discussion and one-to-one support. 

Learners are also encouraged to support each other and discuss their work and progress.

Materials you’ll need:

• a folder
• blank A4 paper or notebook
• pen, pencil and eraser
• ruler
• cotton fabrics
• you may like to bring your own fabric scissors, pins, needles, tape measure

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 must provide your own fabric, threads and other relevant materials.

After the course

You will be able to make your own items and have increased confidence in taking on projects and preparing for employment where appropriate. 

You can progress to further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at Southwark Adult Learning, or at City Lit or Morley College and into further education.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

This course is suitable for absolute beginners with no sewing experience, those who have done some sewing at school and need a refresher, and those who would like to progress their skills. 

It's a fun, learner-centred, practical-based course full of content. Learners have the opportunity to make at least one finished item to take home.

What you’ll learn

• how to thread a domestic sewing machine safely and correctly
• the basic operational symbols and functions of a sewing machine
• the purpose of different machine feet
• create a folder of sewing samples including different seams
• practice a range of sewing techniques - as an improver, zips and buttonholes; using both hand and machine skills
  manipulate fabric to create pleats, and gathers (optional)
• make at least one stitched item to take home

Projects will include a simple bag for beginners, aprons/shopping bags for improvers or a simple garment for those with more sewing experience. Sewing with jersey or velvet will only be available to those with experience

How the courses are taught

Courses are taught using demonstrations, visual samples, group discussion as well as one-to-one support. 

Learners are also encouraged to support each other and discuss their work and progress.

Materials you’ll need:

• all levels - a folder, blank A4 paper or notebook, pen, pencil, ruler and eraser
• improvers - bring along a simple commercial pattern or item you wish to copy
• we can provide a tool-kit of scissors, pins, needles, and tape measure for the duration of the course but you are welcome to bring your own

Please note the £5 materials fee for these courses covers sundry items used in the first few weeks of your course. 

For subsequent projects, you must provide your own fabric, threads and other relevant materials.

After the course

You will be able to make your own items and have increased confidence in taking on projects or preparing for employment, if appropriate. 

You can progress to further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at Southwark Adult Learning or at City Lit or Morley College and into Further Education.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

This course is for learners wanting to learn how to make garments from basic commercial patterns. Basic sewing skills are an advantage but not essential.

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:

• a folder, blank A4 paper or notebook pen, pencil, ruler and eraser
• 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. 

After week one you will also need to provide your own fabric, threads and other relevant materials. Further information will be given at the time and as the course progresses.

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

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

Both beginners and more experienced sewers will benefit from this course. The course is flexible in the items it produces, allowing all skill levels and interests to be learned and achieved.

What you’ll learn

You will learn how to copy a favourite garment or remodel one. You can bring alterations or repairs, or a commercial pattern or sewing project. 

Beginners will be taught how to use a sewing machine and all will be advised on the suitability of their projects

How the course is taught

Courses are tutor-led with demonstrations 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:

• a folder, blank A4 paper or notebook pen, pencil, ruler and eraser
• a garment to copy/alter, fabrics, scissors, pins and tape measure

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 own fabric, threads and other relevant materials.

After the course

You can attend further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at Southwark Adult Learning Service, City Lit or Morley College.

You will have increased confidence in your work and skills, including identifying your future projects. 

Former learners have gone on to start businesses, or into paid and voluntary employment.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

This course is for learners with prior experience in garment making. They wish to learn how to adapt a commercial pattern for different body types and styles, mix and match pattern pieces, and to understand how fabric type affects drape and silhouette.

What you’ll learn

• how to work with different body types/styles
• how to adapt a commercial pattern
• how to mix and match pattern pieces
• how to use different types of fabrics
• how to cut the garment pieces
• how to select more advanced patterns

How the course is taught

The course is tutor-led, with demonstrations, samples, and one-to-one support. 

Learners will have opportunities to support and learn from each other through group discussions of work in progress and finished work.

Materials you’ll need:

• a folder, blank A4 paper or notebook pen, pencil, ruler and eraser
• 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. 

After week one you will also need to buy fabrics and other items but further information will be given at the time and as the course progresses.

After the course

You can take further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at City Lit or Morley College.

You'll have increased confidence in pattern manipulation 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

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

The course is for adults at all levels who wish to learn how to breathe new life into existing garments. Basic machine sewing skills are an advantage but not essential.

What you'll learn

• bring your pre-loved garments and learn how to repair them and/or turn them into something completely new
• learn how to alter garments to a specific fit
• sewing first aid – solve basic problems, for example, change a zip or mend a hem

How the course is taught

Courses are tutor-led with demonstrations and one-to-one support. Tutors will advise on a scheme of work for individual projects. 

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 will need:

• A folder, pen, pencil, notebook

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 must provide your own fabric, threads and other relevant materials.

After the course

You can attend further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at City Lit or Morley College.

You will have increased confidence in discussing your work and improved time management skills. 

Former learners have gone on to start businesses, or into paid and voluntary employment.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

This course is for learners with prior experience in garment making and pattern manipulation. 

They wish to learn how to create a basic block for fit (body types) and style, how to design and cut new garment patterns, how to make a toile and ensuring a good fit for the body type and how to construct a bespoke garment.

What you’ll learn

• how to use body measurements to cut a basic block
• how to style the basic pattern block
• how to make a toile from the styled pattern block
• how to adjust a toile to fit
• how to transfer toile adjustments onto paper 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:

• a folder
• blank A4 paper or notebook
• pen, pencil and eraser, ruler
• fabric/paper scissors
• threads
• tape measure
• needles and pins

After week one you will also need to buy fabrics and other items. Further information will be given at the time and as the course progresses

After the course

You can do further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at City Lit or Morley College.

You will have increased confidence in pattern-cutting skills and improved time management/sewing planning skills.

Former learners have started businesses or entered paid and voluntary employment.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

This course is for learners of all levels who wish to learn how to make children’s garments by using and interpreting commercial patterns. Basic sewing skills are an advantage but not essential.

What you’ll learn

• how to take body measurements for children
• how to record the body measurements
• how to read and follow simple commercial pattern 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
• how to work with a range of fabrics
• how to add fun trimmings to 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. 

Learners will have opportunities to support and learn from each other through group discussions of work in progress and finished work.

Materials you’ll need:

• a folder, blank A4 paper or notebook 
• pen, pencil, ruler, eraser 
• fabric/paper scissors
• threads
• tape measure
• needles and pins 

After week one you will also need to buy fabrics, trimmings and other items. Further information will be given at the time and as the course progresses.

After the course

You can do further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at City Lit or Morley College.

You will have increased confidence in pattern-cutting skills and improved time management/sewing planning skills.

Former learners have started businesses or entered paid and voluntary employment.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

The course is for adults of all sewing abilities who wish to learn how to develop their skills and techniques in free-hand cutting and garment making.

What you’ll learn

• how to measure the body
• how to record the body measurements
• how to use cutting equipment
• how to use measurements to cut directly onto cloth to make basic drawstring skirts/trousers and kimono/kaftan tops
• how to prepare and use the sewing machine

More advanced learners can explore:

• alternative dress and skirt/trousers styles
• adding decorative details
• more advanced finishing techniques
• adapting necklines, sleeves, and more

How the course is taught

The course is tutor-led, with demonstrations, samples, and one-to-one support. 

Learners will have opportunities to support and learn from each other through group discussions of work in progress and finished work.

Materials you’ll need:

• A folder
• blank A4 paper or notebook 
• pen, pencil, ruler, eraser 
• fabric/paper scissors
• threads
• tape measure
• needles and pins

After week three you will also need to have no-cost fabrics like remnants and off-cuts. More information will be given on week one.

After the course

You can do further fashion, textiles or crafts courses at City Lit or Morley College.

You will have increased confidence in pattern-cutting skills and improved time management/sewing planning skills.

Former learners have started businesses or entered paid and voluntary employment.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025. 

Course location

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

Who the course is for

This course is for learners who wish to learn the skills and techniques needed to successfully design and make up home furnishings. No prior machine or hand stitching experience is necessary.

The lampshade-making element of the course is for those who'd like to know how to make any style of lampshade.

Again, no experience is necessary for either machine or hand sewing.

Learners can choose to concentrate on certain course elements, as a ‘mix and match’ approach is taken.

What you'll learn

You'll learn the skills to make tailored furnishings for the home and develop your own style in interior décor by:

• starting your journey with a simple scatter cushion
• learning to make a window treatment - consisting of a Roman blind and/or a taped, headed and lined curtain and/or make a soft lampshade using traditional techniques, resulting in being able to produce lampshades in both a modern and traditional style
• learning about making up and application of trims
• learning machine and hand stitching skills, along with fabric technology like pattern matching, fabric suitability and composition

How the course is taught

The course will be taught by demonstrations, handouts, one-to-one talks with the tutor and group discussion throughout.

Support and advice are available during the course. Learners can pick and mix parts of the syllabus to suit their needs.

Materials you will need in week one:

• a cushion pad 40cm/50cm plus one square metre of fabric (or use what we have to offer)
• a pen and pencil
• a notepad
• a camera or camera phone

Materials you will need after week one:

• fabric (the amount to be agreed upon for the blind/curtain)

Materials you will need for lampshade making:

• fabric (of your own choice) measuring one metre wide by a half-metre in length; thin to medium weight cotton or linen is suitable; however, recycled clothing or furnishing fabrics may also be used

A £5 charge is made for materials/sundries. An additional charge is made for any fabric, tape, or lampshade frame supplied by us. You can make payment over the phone between the penultimate and the last lesson.

After the course

You will be able to make curtains and blinds for your home or those of family, friends and/or clients.

In lampshade making, you'll be able to recycle any style of lampshade frame or you can purchase, from new, a frame to make a bespoke lampshade for yourself or a client.

How to enrol

You can contact us to get the Adult learning enrolment form 2024 to 2025.  

Course location

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