Fashion Design and Dressmaking

What you will learn

• Introduction

• Lesson 1 – Fashion Awareness I – The Individual

  • Colour
  • Pattern
  • Texture
  • Line and proportion
  • Balance
  • Figure analysis – measuring the body
  • Colour analysis – fabric groups

• Lesson 2 – Fashion Awareness II – The Wider Picture

  • Budget ranges
  • Middle-of-the-road ranges
  • Expensive ranges
  • Designing
  • Working from a template
  • Presentation
  • Use of different media
  • Use of colour
  • Templates

• Lesson 3 – Patterns

  • Garment patterns
  • Commercial patterns
  • Trace patterns
  • Original patterns
  • Understanding pattern information
  • Choosing your own pattern
  • Basic alterations

• Lesson 4 – Tools and Equipment

• Lesson 5 – Fibres in Common Use

  • Cotton
  • Flax
  • Wool
  • Hair
  • Silk
  • Viscose
  • Nylon
  • Polyester
  • Acrylics

• Lesson 6 – Fashion Fabrics

  • Plain weave
  • Lays
  • Marking up – hand stitching
  • Running stitching
  • Tacking stitch (baste)
  • Invisible stitching
  • Back stitch / top stitching
  • Slip stitch / fly stitch
  • Blanket stitch / buttonhole stitch
  • Herringbone stitch

• Lesson 7 – Seams

  • Open seam
    • Open seam with zig zag, 3 step zig zag, clean finish
    • Bias bound/Hong Kong finish
  • French seam
  • Welt / fell seam
  • Layering
  • Clipping
  • Mitre
  • Pressing seams

• Lesson 8 – Shaping and Controlling Fullness

  • Disposing of fullness
  • Darts
  • Gathers
  • Machine gathers

• Lesson 9 – Closings and Fastenings

  • Zips
    • Semi concealed
    • Concealed zip
  • Button holes
    • Machine made
    • Piped
  • Buttons
  • Press studs
  • Hook and bar/hook and eye

• Lesson 10 – Pockets

  • Unlined pockets
  • Lined patch pockets
  • Pocket bag in a seam

• Lesson 11 – Facings

  • Facing on an edge

• Lesson 12 – Sleeves

  • Set-in sleeve
  • Set-sleeves with a gathered sleeve head

• Lesson 13 – Collars

  • Shirt collars
  • Flat collars
  • Mandarin collars

• Lesson 14 – Cuffs and Openings

  • Straight cuff
  • Simple sleeve opening
  • Continuous band cuff

• Lesson 15 – Waistbands

• Lesson 16 – Hems
  • Clean finished hems
  • Double stitched hem
  • Zig-zag hem
  • Tailor’s hem

• Lesson 17 – Fashion Awareness III – What Suits You?

  • Shape
  • Hair and make-up
  • Make-up

• Lesson 18 – Fashion Awareness IV – Planning a Wardrobe

  • Start with what you have
  • What do you need?
  • Shopping for new
  • Timeless classics
  • Adapting old clothes

• Lesson 19 – Accessories

  • Belts
  • Shoes
  • Handbags
  • Scarves
  • Hats
  • Jewellery
  • Hosiery

• Lesson 20 – British Fashion in the 20th Century

• Lesson 21 – How Designers Work

  • Designing a collection
  • Themes
  • Producing a collection
  • The collections

• Lesson 22 – Fashion Photography

  • Setting up a fashion shoot
  • The role of the editor/stylist
  • The role of the photographer
  • The role of the hair and make-up artists
  • The role of the model 

How Our Courses Work

Your first course materials will be sent to you when you enrol so you can start as soon as you want. You can then enjoy your course at your own pace, studying when it suits you and where it’s most comfortable. This gives you the freedom to learn around your existing job, family or other commitments or location (including overseas).

Course materials have been developed by experts and are clear and straightforward so your studying is easy and enjoyable.

All coursework assignments are included within your course. As you complete each assignment, simply send it to your tutor, who will mark and return it along with valuable, constructive feedback to help progress your skills further. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.) The remaining course materials will be sent to you as each assignment is completed.

After successfully completing all your assignments, you will be awarded the Regent Academy Diploma and may be able to progress to the City & Guilds Foundation Fashion Design and Dressmaking Accredited Programme*.

Study Length

There are no deadlines for this course. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.

Your progress will depend upon how much time you’re able to commit to study. However, as a guide, most students tend to complete this course in approximately 6-10 months*.

* Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

Certification

City & Guilds accredited programme

If you achieve a Merit or higher on this course, you can also register and progress towards the City & Guilds Foundation Fashion Design and Dressmaking Accredited Programme*.

Upon successful completion, you can add this qualification to your CV demonstrating to prospective employers that you have a recognised qualification.

If you would like to register for the City & Guilds certificate, simply call us. You will then need to complete additional assignments and garments.

Regent Academy Diploma

You will receive the Regent Academy Diploma when you successfully complete this course. With Regent Academy’s reputation this can be a highly sought-after addition to your CV and alongside your portfolio of coursework, powerfully showcasing your skills to prospective employers or potential clients.

What’s Next

Completing this course will help you develop your knowledge and essential fashion and dressmaking skills. If you want to take your studies to the next level, find out more about our Fashion Design and Dressmaking Course 2.

You could turn what you’ve learned into a career or apply it to your existing role. For advice and support, get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9 am – 5 pm.

Course fee & how to enrol

There are two ways you can enrol

Pay the total course fee of £345* £276* in one sum and receive a £50 voucher towards the cost of your next course

or

Pay 9 monthly payments of £41.66* £34* (£30 administration fee included)

Enrol on both our Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 and 2 courses at the same time and save over £100

Pay the total course fees of £595* £476 in one sum and receive a £50 voucher towards the cost of your next course

or

Pay 12 monthly £52.08 £42.16 (£30 administration fee included)

(Select the option for ‘Both Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 and Course 2’ at enrolment)