Course: Certificate in Dressmaking & Pattern Cutting

Suitable for both beginners and more experienced dressmakers, this course initially guides you through a range of practical skills, including measurement taking, pattern selection and fabric choice. You will then learn to apply decorative features, fasteners and embroidery, and progress to using other more advanced skills.

After designing and creating specific items of clothing as part of the course, you will begin to construct your own custom-made garments under the guidance of a highly experienced tutor. Successful completion of the course will equip you to tailor-make clothes for adults and children with confidence.

Included materials

McCall's dress pattern
Pencil -H and -B
Metric ruler 40cm
Set square 45 and 60 degree
Compass 559/54B
Eraser ink/pencil
A4 5mm graph paper pad
Tape measure
A3 drawing pad
A1 pattern-cutting paper
Lantor fabric (3 m)
Tailor's chalk
Fabric swatch-mounting sheets
Carbon tracing paper
Seam ripper

Valued at over $75!

Course Number	96820
Course Fees From	View our payment options

Delivery mode:	Print or online
Course duration:	Max 18 months
Assessments:	10 written assessments, 12 multiple choice exams, 3 practical assessments
Qualification:	Open Colleges Certificate
Nationally Recognised	No
Government Funding	No

ID	Subject expand all

	Introduction to sewing Various types of stiches and seams Measurement-taking for fitting garments Choosing and preparing patterns
	Basic dressmaking processes Selecting fabrics, interfacing and lining Following pattern steps Applying finishing touches
	Decorative features Zips and fasteners, collars and cuffs
	Fibres and fabrics Qualities of different fibres Choosing the right fabric Handling and cleaning fabrics
	Advanced dressmaking techniques Corners, points and curved edges Overlaid seams, pockets and sleeves Padding and techniques for coats and jackets Fabric weighting, shoulder pads and boning Choosing flattering styles and fabrics
	Miscellaneous garments Maternity wear, baby and children's clothes Nightwear and underwear
	Embroidery Suitable embroidery tools Variety of hand embroidery stitches Smocking and quilting Sewing machine embroidery
	Dress decoration Shirring, tucks, pleats, top-stitching Sequins, special stitching, quilting and appliqué Rouleau, piping, bows and ribbons Custom-design fasteners and buttons
	Alterations and fittings Shoulder seams, sleeves and waistlines
	Introduction to pattern cutting Drafting from basic patterns Designing bodices, waistcoats, collars, sleeves and dresses from basic patterns Creating original clothing designs without paper patterns Using traditional dressmakers' tools
	Skirt designing Adjusting patterns to make flared, circular, gored or pleated skirts Darts, pockets and button holes
	Bodices, necklines and yokes Manipulating bodice darts to create new designs Various styles of necklines Buttonholes, facings and yokes
	Sleeve designing Taking arm measurements Developing sleeve patterns
	Collars, draping and trimmings Altering collars to suit face and neck Various styles of collars Appropriate fabrics and trimmings
	Coats, jackets and trousers Drafting patterns with intricate cuts Adapting patterns to suit the latest cuts Various styles of jackets Cut, make and line a 2-piece outfit Well-fitted trousers and possible faults

Entry requirements

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Minimum age

Minimum age of 16 years. If you are under 18 your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet. For students who do not have access to either a computer or the internet please contact a student support officer to discuss alternative methods of communication.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Microsoft Office 2003 or equivalent, and
Microsoft Windows 98, or
Mac OS X, and
CD-ROM drive.

Students will also need access to a printer and the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader and
Macromedia Flash player.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English, you are required to provide evidence of English language competency before enrolling into the course. Examples of appropriate evidence are listed below:

Evidence	Example
IELTS	Overall score of 5.5
TOEFL	530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 (internet)
12 months in English-speaking employment	Testimonial, statutory declaration

Additional requirements

Students need to have access to a sewing machine and provide their own sewing materials for this course.

Upon completion of this course, you will have developed a better understanding of the subject area and be able to put your new skills into practice.

Ignatia Efstathiadis

Upon leaving school, Ignatia Efstathiadis immediately signed up to study for her Diploma of Fashion Design – and she hasn't looked back since.

Graduating in 1994, she soon put her new skills to work, finding employment at a fabric store. There, she honed her skills in laying out patterns, fabric cutting and sewing, before moving into a role as seamstress with a sportswear manufacturer. Ignatia continued to build her skills in fusing, studding and machine embroidery, while acquiring an additional qualification in dressmaking and dress-cutting.

During her career, Ignatia has also gained extensive experience in clothing retail, both storefront and online. She continues to manage a wholesale website while sharing her passion for dressmaking and pattern-cutting with her students at Open Colleges.

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Available payment options

Pay Just $46.43 per week with a $100.00 deposit

Pay in full $1,120.00 and save $280.00

Fortnightly and monthly payment plans are also available through EduPay. Click Enrol Now and choose a payment plan or call a Course and Careers advisor on 1300 853 033 for more details. (Prices shown are for the online study option only. A surcharge is applicable for the print study option).

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Student Testimonial

"The online alternative not only allows me to work when it suits me but I also think this approach promotes the discipline that's important in a professional career."
- Dioscora A