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Dressmaking & Sewing Skills
This is a mixed ability course, suitable for anyone with an interest in dressmaking and sewing. It could be that you’d like to just gain a few basic skills and a little confidence, or perhaps you require more advanced knowledge. Whatever your level, you are welcome.

If learners are at the start of their sewing journey, you can build a portfolio of samples and learn new techniques, before embarking upon making a simple garment or item of soft furnishing. A simple project of your own choice can be brought along on the first night, or, if you're unsure of what to make you can choose one of the starter projects listed below:

Project 1: Tote Bag - make a basic pattern from scratch, insert zips, pockets and learn a host of techniques.

Project 2: 45cm Cushion - including inserting a zip, other techniques can be included e.g. applique and piping.

The projects listed above will enable learners with a host of new techniques, skills and knowledge when undertaking future projects of their own.

Please see section below "What do I need to bring?" for a list of equipment and materials necessary.

If learners already have some knowledge, or have attended a previous course, they can continue with a project of their own choice perhaps started the previous term.
Prosp User 3
This is a mixed ability course, for anyone who wishes to build their confidence and knowledge and improve their sewing techniques in the construction of garments and soft furnishing items.
Prosp User 4
New learners - each lesson, please bring:
- A notepad, file for samples, ruler, pens and cotton sheet or a metre of cotton fabric (medium weight) with which to make samples.
- Materials for your chosen project, please see details below. If you wish to make your own project that is fine too - please ensure you bring all the tools and materials required/liaise with your tutor prior to the course via email regarding materials.
- Sewing tools - thread, spool, glass head pins, hand sewing needles, tape measure, un-picker and a pair of dressmaking scissors and small hand scissors.

Existing learners - for the first session, please bring any unfinished items or new project ideas.

Materials and equipment needed for the rest of the course will be discussed at the first class. Materials for samples and projects are not provided by the course tutor. Advice and guidance will be given throughout the course regarding which materials to buy and where to buy these from.

Learners may bring their own sewing machine if preferred. However, this must be in good working order and be used with the PAT tested extension cables provided at the venue.

Materials required for optional starter projects:

Project 1: Tote Bag
Outer fabric - 1m (medium/curtain weight)
Lining fabric - 1m (medium cotton weight)
Fusable interfacing - 1m (medium weight)
75cm x 1.5cm elastic
49cm - standard zipper
20cm - standard zipper
Matching threads
1m pattern paper - this will be provided at 50p per metre

Project 2: 45cm Cushion
Outer fabric - 1m
39-40cm zip
Matching thread

If you are unsure what to buy, it may be worth waiting until after the first session before purchasing any fabric, or it may be beneficial to chat through the options with your tutor first at sue.fraser@yorklearningeducation.com
Prosp User 5
There is no class on Wednesday 28 May 2025 (half term holidays).
Prosp User 6

In order to support keeping York moving, consider travelling to your course by bus or bike. Click here to check out the bus routes closest to the venue for this course using the iTravel website, or discover York's cycle routes by clicking here.
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As well as learning many exciting skills specific to your course, you will also be evidencing and practising a range of transferable skills.
As well as learning many exciting skills specific to your course, you will also be evidencing and practising a range of transferable skills.
Being able to demonstrate transferable skills will improve your confidence and self-awareness, make you more employable, and help you with further learning and volunteering.
Being able to demonstrate transferable skills will improve your confidence and self-awareness, make you more employable, and help you with further learning and volunteering.
Employers value employees who have strong transferable skills, as they tend to have the tools to help them go beyond their job description.
Employers value employees who have strong transferable skills, as they tend to have the tools to help them go beyond their job description.
Attending a dressmaking and sewing class will enable you to develop transferable skills in the following areas: innovation, problem solving, communication, attention to detail, design skills, fine motor skills, dexterity and commercial awareness.

The course provides people with skills for self improvement which could lead onto further education at York College and/or possibly, in time, into self-employment.
Prosp User 8

Learners who live in devolved authorities

Learners who live in devolved authorities
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
If you live in one of these areas we would recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you live in one of these areas we would recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.

Learners under the age of 19

Learners under the age of 19
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
AT3/QA2
23/04/2025
02/07/2025
13:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
3.00 hrs per wk
10 weeks
Sue Fraser
220.00
£220.00 if in receipt of the State Pension; a 65% discount of the full fee is available for people in receipt of certain means tested benefits.