TASTER COURSES
We often have requests from people who do not wish to undertake formal accredited training qualifications but they still want to learn the industry secrets. The FTA have therefore created a selection of short taster courses that are run regularly both during the working weeks but also at weekends and evening classes.
Our career advisor lets you explore the different job roles in the fashion industry.
Click below to find out more.

The workshop will include:
- Refresher on the use of all industrial machines highlighted above
- Introduction of new machines such as Felling Machine
- Advanced techniques for stitching such as
- Jetted pockets
- Patch pockets (with and without flaps)
- Double yokes
- Button plackets (cuff)
- Front fly
- Waistband and zip attach (invisible and visible zips)
- Refreshments and a fun friendly atmosphere!
Depending on your ability at the end of the course you may have the opportunity to create your own garment.
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.

Become your own tailor in this 4-hour master-class workshop, bring a garment you’d like to transform and breathe new life into it with the help of our industry experts based at our own Factory.
The workshop will include:
- Short demos on common alterations including shortening & lengthening; taking in & letting out; adding darts & shaping
- Bring along a garment that you need altering and start altering it yourself with our stitching diva
- Got a great pair of jeans that need shortening? Learn our sneaky Jean trick and retain the original look of the hem
- Need to let down sleeves on a jacket? Let us show you how easy it is to make your clothes really fit
- Refreshments and a fun friendly atmosphere!
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Are you bonkers for bags? Come and join our creative group - design and make your own Tote bag and learn new skills and techniques too!
The workshop will include:
- Simple step-by-step guide of how to create a tote bag
- Essential stitching techniques which you will need to create your bag
- Grain lines, pinning, cutting and understanding your bag pattern
- Getting to grips with zip insertion and button making
- Appliqué techniques patch pocket application
- Pressing and finishing techniques
- Refreshments and a fun friendly atmosphere!
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.

Become your own tailor in this masterclass workshop, bring a garment you’d like to transform and breathe new life into it with the help of the industry experts based at our own Factory.
The workshop will include:
- Short demos on common alterations including shortening & lengthening; taking in & letting out; adding darts & shaping
- Bring along a garment that you need altering and start altering it yourself with our stitching diva
- Got a great pair of jeans that need shortening? Learn our sneaky Jean trick and retain the original look of the hem
- Need to let down sleeves on a jacket? Let us show you how easy it is to make your clothes really fit
- A fun and friendly atmosphere!
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
This practical workshop for beginners will give you the essential tools and knowledge to take on any sewing challenge.
The workshop will include:
- How to use three core industrial machine, threading, winding a bobbin and machine maintenance –
- Overlocker
- Lockstitch
- Coverstitch
- How to operate the machines safely
- How to perform basic machine maintenance
- How to set tensions and change needles, threads etc accurately
- Effectively use the machines – various exercises starting with paper handling and progressing on to different fabrics of different weights and properties
- Attempt to put together a basic T-shirt combining all industrial machines together - this is not an easy task!
- Refreshments and a fun, friendly atmosphere!
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to design your own range? Be the designer you always wanted to be?
We have teamed up with Telestia to offer you 34 lessons on how to:
- Understand the tools of the trade
- Understand sizing and measurements
- Create blocks
- Adaptations
- Develop your range
This course is perfect for at home online learning and you will be supported by a qualified tutor who is on hand to fully support you through this e-learning platform.
Level 1 Skills:
- Manual pattern making skills using online platform
- Simple product development process – step-by-step guide online that shows you the systems – you can review steps as many times as you wish
- Achieve Good fit through practising on human form
- Learn to understand body measurements for a defined silhouette for correct fit
- Learn basic block creation on any set of measurements
- Learn adaptations of patterns on a variety of styles i.e. blouse, dress, skirt, trousers.
- Duration: Initial Online Access 12-weeks (May be extended if requested)
Course Content: Sub sections A>
- Pattern Cutting and Block Development
- Sizing Theory
- Body measuring (Points of pattern relevance)
- Size charts
- Basic Bodice Block
- Dress Simple Block
- Skirt Block
- Trouser block
Sub sections B
- Basic style transformation processes
- Theory of block and style relation
- Simple styles example applications (Shirt, Blouse, Dress, Skirt,Trousers)
- Total 4 Basic Blocks
- Total 16 styles
Sub section C
- Basic Sewing & assembly
- How to: on preparing pattern for layout and cutting
- Fabric info on usage
- Assembly of blouse process
- Assembly of skirt process
- Sleeve Insertion
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.