Introduction To Pattern Cutting

This course is for anyone who wants to share their interest in fashion with friendly people in a fun and relaxed atmosphere where they can learn to make their own blocks and patterns for dressmaking.
It is beneficial to have some sewing machine skills (you will progress faster), but you can be a complete beginner at pattern cutting and do not need to have any previous experience. You will need to be able to do simple calculations, to use rulers and other measuring equipment. You will also need to produce a sketchbook and make fashion illustrations for your designs.

Students will learn how to; research, design, pattern cut and construct their own garment. Initially they will be taught how to take accurate body measurements and use these to make a master block. They will learn how to do scale adaptions and make a range of stitched samples. Students will be expected to produce a sketchbook for the research they have done to inspire them for their final designs. They will also learn to make initial drawings, which show development into their final designs. Once they have come up with a design they will adapt their block to their design. This will then be cut in calico and stitched to produce a toile. Patterns made in this course can be made up in students own choice of fabric in the Clothes-making course.
By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate through a sketchbook the research they have used to develop a final design
2. Take a set of accurate body measurements.
3. Draft a block to a given set of measurements
4. Work in ¼ scale to adapt a block to produce different designs.
5. Make a range of sewing samples.
6. Adapt a full size block to make a pattern for your chosen design.
7. Construct a calico toile from your pattern using your sewing samples as a reference

Learning will be facilitated by individual guidance and support from the tutor as well as peer centred learning. Skills and knowledge will be learned initially through visual demonstrations and verbal descriptions then students will work independently with one to one tutor advice and assistance. This will be supported by hand-outs. Students will be encouraged to comment about each other's work (peer centred learning).
Your progress is monitored by tutorial feedback and initial, on-course and end of course self-assessment. Individual advice is always available and verbal feedback, support and encouragement is given to you throughout the course.

During the course progress will be assessed by:
- Questions and answers during group discussions.
- One to one tutorials that will record students' progress and achievement on tutorial forms.
- Practical work produced is evidence of learning.

Dot and cross paper will be provided for making blocks and patterns.
Calico for making toiles.
It would be advisable that students get the following equipment for themselves. A list of suppliers will be available at the beginning of the course.
A complete list of equipment will be given on the first day but you could start collecting together the following:
- A4 arch lever folder with plastic pockets for keeping hand-outs and samples.
- Sketch-book for recording ideas and inspiration materials.
- Notebook
- Hand sewing needles.
- White thread.
- Fabric scissors
- Paper scissors.
- Pins.
- Set square
- French curves
- Tape Measure.
- Carbon Paper and tracing wheel.
- Rubber and pencil sharpener
- 4H Pencils plus a selection of coloured pencils
- Calculator (phone)

This course could lead to other textile courses at the Mary Ward Centre or another further education college. The student could take a follow up short course or a longer term or year-long course. It could also inspire self-initiated projects.
There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre and a library of prospectuses for other London colleges to help you continue your studies. If you need more detailed advice, please ask a member of reception staff, and a half-hour guidance interview can be arranged for you.

Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk tel: 0800 101 901, and from the following websites: floodlight.co.uk; hotcourses.com