Level 1 Award in Progression: Garment Construction/Sewing Skills

Course Code: 26320

Teacher: This course is being taught by Lynne.

What is this Course about?

This qualification prepares learners to safely sew a garment to a good standard using tools and materials safely and correctly. It covers a range of skills including correctly threading a sewing machine, hand stitching, how to read and use a shop purchased pattern. A sewing machine will not be needed for the first session.

As this is a qualification course, the content is driven by the awarding body, Gateway Qualifications and includes:

• Setting up a sewing machine correctly
• Health and safety whilst sewing
• Hand stitching
• Selecting the correct tools and materials for garment construction
• Using an over locker (Step2Skills have two overlockers for students to use during the session)
• Constructing a garment (suggested garment is simply blouse/shirt).

Learners will have to supply their own pattern, fabric and any other items required by the pattern.

Who is this Course for?

This course is aimed at those with no sewing skills and those who have some knowledge of sewing but are looking to develop their skills and confidently be able to make high quality garments that fit.

Entry Requirements to do this Course:

Learners should have a good level of written and spoken English. A working sewing machine, the budget to purchase materials for the creation of a garment plus an hour per week to complete homework. To be fully funded: Learners must be aged 19 or over and a resident in Hertfordshire. Either, unemployed* and claiming benefits or earning under the National Living Wage - £25,000 per year. *Please apply for the course and a member of the team will be in touch. 

How you will be assessed?

This is a portfolio-based course where learners build up a folder of evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and learning to pass the qualification. Assessments vary from week to week but include practical sewing tasks, written answers, demonstrating safe use of equipment, questions and answers, self-reflection on learning.

How much studying will I need to do outside of the lesson?

Homework tasks will be set every week, so learners should be prepared to spend approximately 1 hour each week outside of the lesson time to complete these tasks.

Material supplied by Step2Skills

Step2Skills will provide for use in the class basic sewing materials e.g., thread, scissors, tailors chalk an iron etc. but materials for the garment will need to be supplied by the learner.

What learners need to bring/supply

Learners should have a fully working sewing machine, ideally under two years old plus basic tools and materials. Students will also need to supply their own pattern (suggested project blouse/shirt), fabric plus interfacing/buttons etc. as required to complete the garment.

Course dates: Every Monday 10am-1pm starting Monday 28th April 2025 and finishing on Monday 14th July 2025.(please note there are no classes on Monday 5th May 2025 and Monday 26th May 2025). 

What happens after I book this course?

There are two steps to complete before studying with us and booking on here is the first step. Your next step will be to enrol on your chosen course following the instructions attached to your order confirmation email.

The next steps…

During this course we will talk to you about your next steps which could include attending other courses/workshops such as completing Functional Skills Maths and/or English at Level 1 or 2, a L2 Sewing Course at a local college, seek volunteering or employment using new skills, undertake an employability course or self-employment course to develop a personal pathway to employment. Please click here to see the full range of courses we offer.

We have programmes that can support you with your next steps in skills and employment. For further information please see our information, advice and guidance page.

NOTE: This course is for Hertfordshire Residents Only - *With the exception of the registration fee, this course/workshop is fully funded by The Education & Skills Funding Agency for adults who meet a set criteria - please see further details under the 'Further Information' heading.