Sewing for Beginners

Course Type
Adult Learning
Subject Area
Art, Design & Media
Location
Taunton College
Start date
22/01/2026

Course Overview

This course gives an introduction to the basic skills involved in sewing and pattern cutting, leading into textiles and an understanding of fabrics and their properties. The first half of the course focuses on structured skills development in a series of tasks and the second half is an opportunity for you to use these skills in a self-led project with guidance and support from our experienced instructor and practitioner, resulting in a wearable outcome.

Units of study/what is involved:

  • Introduction to a sewing machine and seam methods.
  • Introduction on basting, tacking and pinning.
  • Seam methods continue and introduction to hem methods.
  • Introduction to overlocker.
  • Hem methods continued.
  • Introduction to zips.
  • Introduction to button holes.
  • Discussion on personal project.
  • Introduction to commercial patterns and the benefits of a toile.
  • Introduction into darts and moving darts.
  • Discussions on students own project ideas.
  • Creating a pattern from tracing an original garment.

Additional costs:

Everything is provided to learn the skills in the first five weeks, for the second five weeks, you will need to provide your own fabric and materials to make it personalised to you.

Progression Options

Improvers Sewing, Pattern Cutting and Textiles in the next academic year. Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Entry Requirements

People with an interest in making garments with little experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.