Award in Sewing Techniques

Applications for course commencing on 13.05.2024 are being accepted. 

Schedule will be announced soon.

For further information kindly contact us on [email protected] 

Unit Description

This unit will allow the learner to develop an understanding of the key theoretical concepts of sewing techniques within the context of garment construction/ production and facilitate them to safely practice the skills associated with hand and machine sewing techniques to meet a given specification. No prior underpinning knowledge is necessary for this unit. Safe working practice ill be discussed and demonstrated to the learners to enable them to confidently and competently follow instructions in how to operate equipment, tools and machinery safely and appropriately, for the creation of complex sewing samples which include a variety of sewing techniques. Health and safety issues will be discussed and demonstrated and appropriate risk assessments should be followed at all times. Learners will also acquire an understanding of the concepts related to fitting standards, pattern alterations, producing and assembling garment parts/ elements to provide context.

Tutor will support the learner in the exploration of a variety of hand and machine sewing techniques to produce and develop a variety of complex (different and connecting) sewing samples of substantial parts and elements of garments to meet technical specifications given by tutor. These samples should relate to a variety of garment types. Learners will be introduced to a wide range of fabrics, encouraging them to be as experimental in their choice of fabrics as possible so they understand and identify different fabric properties and characteristics. All technical information, such as operational breakdowns, relevant to the learner’s complex sewing samples will be recorded and analysis of process is encouraged.

Finally, a portfolio for presentation will be produced to include all complex sewing samples and related technical notes demonstrating a wide variety of sewing techniques used in the production process of garments. Generation of a work file/ folder/ sketchbook, will allow learners to collate health and safety documentation, annotated working sketches, technical specification sheet, operational breakdown etc. The portfolio content requires the samples to relate to a variety of garment types and all work achieved within this unit for assessment.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1.Identify specific sewing tools /equipment/machinery and their function, with specific attention to health and safety.

2. Use sewing tools/equipment/machinery to produce garment component production processes respecting the appropriate fabric properties and characteristics.

3. Produce sewing samples of a number of garment components.

4. Present a portfolio with complex sewing samples including technical notes and a brief written evaluation for each sample.

Unit Content

LO1 Identify specific sewing tools /equipment/machinery and their function, with specific attention to health and safety.

Identify sewing machinery parts and their functions:

o Identify and label the functions of each parts of the sewing machinery using diagrams etc

o Explain the differences between types of sewing machinery

o Discuss problems that may occur when using sewing machinery

Identify and demonstrate procedures for operating sewing machinery:

o Threading the machine and winding the bobbin

o Changing the presser foot, needle and slide plate

o Function of the hand wheel o Function of the presser foot

o Selecting appropriate stitch and tension

o Selecting correct stitch length and backstitching

o Using different machine stitches

o Resolving problems

Identify the use of small tools and equipment in the production of garments:

o Various measuring equipment

o Various cutting equipment

o Various marking equipment

o Types of pins

o Pattern weights

o Types of needles

o The variety of construction aides (glue stick, basting tape, fusible web, fray check)

Identify equipment, techniques used for pressing and its use/ importance whilst sewing, explaining the difference between pressing and ironing:

o Safety precautions (setting of temperatures for fabric type)

o Problems encountered in pressing

o Iron/ ironing board

o Press cloth

o Seam roll and paper strips

o Sleeve board

o Point press

o Tailor’s ham

Understands hand and machine sewing terminology related to construction of garments:

o Hem types

o Stay stitching

o Top stitching

o Under stitching

o Easing and gathering

o Hand stitches

o Basting, running

o Button hole types

o Pockets types

LO 2. Use sewing tools/equipment/machinery to produce garment component production processes respecting the appropriate fabric properties and characteristics.

All the above are more relevant to Flat Pattern Drafting Applies knowledge of fabric characteristics/ properties when selecting fabric for complex sewing samples:

o Affect of choice on construction

o Affect of choice on finishes

o Co-ordination of sample

Analyses and interprets the instruction sheet, pattern pieces, And symbols:

o Cutting out

o Adjustment of pattern

o Constructing details

o Sewing elements/ garment pieces together

Understands the preparation required and process of cutting various types of fabric for sewing complex sewing samples:

o Grains, bias, and selvage

o Layout, based on width and nap, pattern size, view.

o Placement of pattern piece on grain

Demonstrates awareness of when to make pattern alterations:

o Can differentiate between fitting and altering.

o Considers fashion trends

o Individual comfort

Understands the function of interfacing:

o Types

o Application

LO3. Produce sewing samples of a number of garment components. To identify and demonstrate knowledge and skills of a variety of hand and machine sewing techniques and methods of constructing and finishing in the production of complex (different fabrics/ elements/ connected garment components) sewing samples:

o Seams – flat/ French/ plain

o Finishes –pinked/ zigzagged/ edge stitched

o Stitch technique

o Closures – zippers, hooks and eyes, button holes, snaps, domes

o Hems o Elimination of bulk

o Manipulations – pleats/ gathers/ tucks/ darts

o Collars

o Pockets

o Facings

o Cuffs

o Sleeves

o Waistbands

o Interfacing

LO 4. Present a portfolio with complex sewing samples including technical notes and a brief written evaluation for each sample.

o Collates a variety of sewing techniques and methods of constructing and finishing in the production of complex (different fabrics/ elements/ connected garment components) sewing samples as listed previously

o Individual technical notes for 10 complex sewing samples

o Complex samples pressed and trimmed appropriately

o Work file of all health and safety worksheets/ technical notes/ sketches/ sample specifications/ pattern pieces/ operational breakdown/ fabric used/ sewing techniques etc