Introduction to clothes making

Course Dates: 21/07/25 - 25/07/25
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Learn how to make your own clothes. This beginner's course will teach you how to use the sewing machine, as well as basic sewing techniques and processes. Start by sampling, then construct a simple garment.
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Full fee £379.00 Senior fee £303.00 Concession £246.00
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Introduction to clothes making
  • Course Code: VJ114
  • Dates: 21/07/25 - 25/07/25
  • Time: 10:30 - 16:30
  • Taught: Mon-Fri, Daytime
  • Duration: 5 sessions
  • Location: Keeley Street
  • Tutor: Silvia Sacrestano

Course Code: VJ114

Choose a start date  

Mon-Fri, day, 21 Jul - 25 Jul '25

Duration: 5 sessions

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

You will learn how to achieve a professional finish through making fabric samples of various methods for seams, pockets, facings and hems. You will learn how to read basic patterns so you can cut out basic samples. Skills will be developed through practising on a basic top sample for which the tutor will supply the pattern.

What will we cover?


With individual use of a Bernina sewing machine, the tutor will guide you through how to use the sewing machine and the basic sewing techniques used in making up tops. Seams will include plain, zigzag and French. You will also produce samples of darts, pockets and hems. Pressing and finishing are also covered. You will have the opportunity to practice techniques and make up a top sample within the class, using techniques learnt.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Demonstrate basic machine sewing techniques
- Use the sewing machine with increased confidence
- Produce a range of sewing samples for future reference
- Produce a basic top

Fast learners will:
- Produce extra sample techniques on a challenging fabric.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?


This course is ideal for complete beginners to clothes making. No previous experience required. This is an introductory course in which students can learn the basic sewing machine skills and techniques used in sewing for a basic top.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through demonstrations, discussions, workshop practice, one to one instruction and guidance. Some tasks may need to be undertaken at home in order to be completed, for example cutting out samples.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining details will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. Bring a notebook and pen or pencil and a bag for your work. You will be advised on what other items you need to purchase between sessions or brought in. In order to complete some of the cutting out tasks at home you may need to purchase fabric scissors, pins and a tape measure.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit has a range of fashion classes such as Clothes making I and Sewing on Sundays We also run courses in Textiles where you can learn how to embroider, knit and use print techniques to embellish garments. Please browse the website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.

Silvia Sacrestano Tutor Website

Silvia Sacrestano is a Italian fashion print designer graduated from Central Saint Martin’s year 2000, working as a freelance artist for fashion, community projects, museums and academic schools as: Fashion textile print designer, screen print designer, carnival costume artist, pattern cutter ,clothes making & soft furnishing ,combining cad embroidery, felt making, art, craft & food for the wellbeing. Silvia is a creative, young spirited person, full of energy always looking for exciting projects to share & to work in collaboration with other creative minds & students. She is organized, patient, with lots of artistic skills, looks for challenges, specialised in working with children, families & adults. Silvia is based in central London; she is interested in helping the community by sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm & artistic tools of self-expression. She infuses others with her passion, to inspire and to be inspired. By participating in her workshops you will feel energetic, have fun and be creative, whilst exploring visual imagination & wellbeing. You will use experimental and innovative techniques with a unique artistic approach.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.