This flexible, home-study dressmaking course is ideal for beginners and gives you the practical skills, creative understanding and sewing techniques needed to explore fashion design and garment construction from home.
The demand for handmade clothing, alterations and personalised fashion continues to grow, making dressmaking a valuable, practical and creative skill.
Whether you are looking to create garments for yourself, develop a creative hobby, or explore future fashion opportunities, this course provides a strong foundation to build on.
Develop practical sewing and garment-making skills while building your understanding of fabrics, patterns, fashion design and personal style.
This flexible fashion and dressmaking course is ideal for beginners, creative learners and anyone wanting to develop fashion and sewing skills from home.
Develop sewing, garment construction and finishing techniques through structured practical learning.
Our flexible home-study format fits seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Build practical dressmaking skills that could support alterations, handmade clothing or creative fashion projects.
Achieve the City & Guilds Fashion Design and Dressmaking Certificate.
Excellent from start to finish. A fantastic course, I loved every second. The staff at the academy were beyond helpful
Sian – Student
I learned so much from Fashion Design & Dressmaking Courses I and II. The course materials were excellent, the projects enjoyable, and the tutor feedback was always helpful and supportive. The course gave me the strong foundation I needed to begin my new journey
Student
This course is designed to give you both the creative understanding and practical skills needed to develop dressmaking and fashion design skills with confidence.
| Introduction | Getting Started | Begin your journey into fashion and dressmaking by understanding the course structure and the skills you will develop. |
| Lesson 1 | Fashion Awareness I – The Individual | Learn how colour, pattern, texture and body shape influence personal style and garment choices. |
| Lesson 2 | Fashion Awareness II – The Wider Picture | Explore the fashion market and develop skills in sketching, designing and presenting fashion ideas. |
| Lesson 3 | Patterns | Understand pattern types, how to read them and how to make simple alterations for better garment design. |
| Lesson 4 | Tools and Equipment | Become familiar with essential sewing tools and how to use them safely and effectively. |
| Lesson 5 | Fibres in Common Use | Study natural and synthetic fibres and understand how fabric choice affects garment construction. |
| Lesson 6 | Fashion Fabrics | Explore fabric types and develop core stitching and sewing techniques. |
| Lesson 7 | Seams | Learn different seam types, seam finishes and how to apply them professionally. |
| Lesson 8 | Shaping and Controlling Fullness | Develop techniques including darts and gathers to improve garment fit and shape. |
| Lesson 9 | Closings and Fastenings | Gain practical experience using zips, buttonholes and other garment fastenings. |
| Lesson 10 | Pockets | Learn how to construct and attach a variety of pocket styles. |
| Lesson 11 | Facings | Master techniques for creating clean, professional garment finishes. |
| Lesson 12 | Sleeves | Explore sleeve construction techniques including standard and gathered sleeve styles. |
| Lesson 13 | Collars | Construct different collar styles including shirt, flat and mandarin collars. |
| Lesson 14 | Cuffs and Openings | Learn to sew cuffs and sleeve openings for a more professional garment finish. |
| Lesson 15 | Waistbands | Understand how to measure, create and attach waistbands neatly and accurately. |
| Lesson 16 | Hems | Practice a range of hemming techniques from simple hems to more tailored finishes. |
| Lesson 17 | Fashion Awareness III – What Suits You? | Discover how clothing, hair and make-up can work together to enhance personal style. |
| Lesson 18 | Fashion Awareness IV – Planning a Wardrobe | Learn how to build a versatile wardrobe using timeless pieces and creative styling. |
| Lesson 19 | Accessories | Explore how accessories such as shoes, belts and jewellery complete and enhance outfits. |
| Lesson 20 | British Fashion in the 20th Century | Gain insight into the key trends and movements that shaped British fashion history. |
| Lesson 21 | How Designers Work | Understand how fashion designers develop themes, collections and finished garments. |
| Lesson 22 | Fashion Photography | Learn how fashion shoots are styled, directed and photographed professionally. |
Once you have successfully completed the course, you can continue developing your dressmaking and fashion design skills with greater confidence.
This may include:
Additional note
The demand for handmade clothing, alterations and personalised fashion continues to grow, making dressmaking a valuable practical and creative skill. While this course does not guarantee employment, it provides a strong foundation for further development and future opportunities.
Enrol in both our Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 and 2 at the same time and save £145 **
(Select the option for ‘Both Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 and Course 2’ at enrolment)
* Students wishing to gain the City & Guilds Foundation Fashion Design and Dressmaking Accredited Programme are required to successfully complete the Successful Fashion Design & Dressmaking – Course 1 with a Merit grade or higher, before registering with City & Guilds and successfully completing additional assignments and garments.
** The two courses must be undertaken by the one enrolled student.
To enrol on this course, please choose your preferred payment option below:
If you have any questions or would like to enrol by phone, please call us on 01409 220415 (Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm).
£345.00 (incl. VAT)
Spread the cost of your course with convenient monthly instalments (available for UK enrolments only).
If you decide within 14 days that the course isn’t right for you, simply return it undamaged, and we’ll give you a full refund.
We have supported over 90,000 students for 30+ years since 1990.
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 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.
There are no prerequisites for this course. This course has been designed to enable anyone, no matter their experience, to follow their creative passion.
You will have access to tutor support throughout your course. Your tutor will mark your assignments, provide feedback and offer guidance to help you improve your writing.
You can contact us by phone or email during your studies, and our support team is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
This course is designed to give you both the creative understanding and practical skills needed to develop dressmaking and fashion design skills with confidence.
You will learn how to:
These themes reflect the course structure, which covers sewing techniques, garment construction, fabrics, fashion awareness, styling and fashion design principles.
You can study this course at a pace that suits your lifestyle and commitments.
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*.
However, we recommend completing your course within two years, as course content and syllabi may change over time.
If your studies extend beyond three years from enrolment, additional fees may apply to continue accessing the course.
* Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.
City & Guilds Assured
If you achieve a Merit or higher on this course, you can also register and progress towards the City & Guilds Assured Foundation Fashion Design and Dressmaking course*.
Upon successful completion, you can add this qualification to your CV, demonstrating to prospective employers that you have a recognised qualification.
You will also receive a digital credential (badge) that you can download and share. You can add these to your CV and/or share with prospective employers and potential clients to demonstrate that you have recognised skills.
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 showcase your skills to prospective employers or potential clients.
There are two ways you can enrol
Pay the total course fee of £345* in one sum and receive a £50 voucher towards the cost of your next course
or
Pay 9 monthly payments of £41.66*** (£30 administration fee included)
Enrol in both our Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 and 2 courses at the same time and save £145 **
Pay the total course fees of £595*** in one sum and receive a £50 voucher towards the cost of your next course
or
Pay 12 monthly £52.08** (£30 administration fee included)
(Select the option for ‘Both Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 and Course 2’ at enrolment)
* Students wishing to gain the City & Guilds Foundation Fashion Design and Dressmaking Accredited Programme are required to successfully complete the Successful Fashion Design & Dressmaking – Course 1 with a Merit grade or higher, before registering with City & Guilds and successfully completing additional assignments and garments. Registration payment applies. Please contact us for details.
** The two courses must be undertaken by the one enrolled student.
*** The monthly payment option is for orders within the UK only.
*Important Information & Disclaimers
Market Demand: Statements regarding industry growth are based on observed UK trends and consumer preferences; actual demand may vary by location and local market conditions.
Earnings: Any typical earnings stated are indicative only. Actual income depends on your experience, location, and individual business circumstances.
Course Completion: All study timescales are subject to our standard Terms & Conditions. Completion of the course does not guarantee employment or specific business turnover.
Unlock Your Creativity with Fashion Design Courses at Regent Academy Embarking on a journey into the world of fashion design is both exciting and rewarding. Whether you're a novice or looking to enhance your existing skills, choosing the right course is crucial....
