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.
Production Pattern Cutting With Maggie Scott
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Advanced
Price: £199 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 4 Days
Click here for more information
A pattern prepared for manufacture – Continuous Professional Development with Maggie Stott…
Production pattern making is often side-lined by the more glamorous sounding creative pattern making, but the reality is, the production pattern is the real star. Grading, marker making and manufacture cannot start without a production pattern, and the quality of its execution will set the standard for the whole factory process. It’s a daunting thought, be it half a dozen garments or 10,000 it all starts with the production pattern, made by the Production Pattern Cutter.
In this four day course taking place on selected Saturday's from 10:00 - 16:00, topics covered will include:
- The importance of the production pattern
- Consideration of raw materials and trims
- Customising seam allowances for specialist machinery
- Understanding the language of notches
- Amending a pattern for fabric shrinkage or stretch
- Making secondary pieces such as interlining and lining pattern pieces
- Facings and the placement of labels
- Communication with a Garment technologist
- How to make style pattern amendments
- Pattern amendments for economy of fabric use
You will need the following tools:
- Paper shears
- Set square or Shoben pattern master
- Pencils & sharpener
- Eraser
- Ball Point Pen
- Marker pens – 1 x red, 1 x black, and 1 x blue
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
TR Pattern Cutting Taster Course
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Advanced
Price: £65 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 3 Hours
Click here for more information
TR pattern cutting means Transformational Reconstruction, this is a form of origami pattern cutting which translates into immediate and intuitive 3D creations, in opposition to the more conventional way of drafting. The results are deliciously unexpected and totally exciting, with TR cutting you work directly onto the base shape and manipulate the style lines by building the shape and creating the look, this way you can see instantly how the piece will look. Working in conjunction with 2D pattern cutting you create a more couture form of interpretation.
We offer sessions lasting three hours on selected Saturdays with the following options:
- Morning session from 09.30 - 12.30
- Afternoon session from 13.30 - 16.30
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
TR Pattern Cutting Master Course
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Intermediate – Advanced
Price: £385 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 2 Days
Click here for more information
TR pattern cutting translates into immediate and intuitive 3D draped creations in opposition to the more conventional artisan 2D techniques generally encountered. The concept will be easily accessible and a rewardingly creative process to put into practice.
Following on from the TR taster course learners can progress onto the master course with a series of two day workshops. All learners must complete stage 1 before they move on stage 2 and 3. Each session takes place from 10.00 - 16.00 across two consecutive days.
Stage 1
Day 1 - Technical demonstration of TR concept, exercise on half bodice & half skirt (designing into the volume)
Day 2 - Demonstration of TR-3D, Integration concept (Balloon & Twist)
Stage 2
Day 1 - Transforming sleeve and bodice, (bamboo bodice and bamboo sleeve)
Day 2 - Vortex technique onto the half bodice or half skirt
Stage 3
Day 2 - Origami collar
In the workshop you will be required to have basic sewing skills, pattern cutting theory is not required during these processes.
Equipment - Please bring the following items with you:
- Pattern master
- Measuring tape
- 2H pencils
- Coloured marker pens (thick and thin) & ballpoint pens
- Pins
- Scissors (both paper and fabric)
- Craft or Stanley knife
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Gerber For Beginners
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginners
Price: £499 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 15 Hours
Click here for more information
Gerber Accumark V10 for Beginners
Providing a substantial grounding and the starting blocks for Gerber beginners.
15 hour course over three days
The Gerber Accumark digital pattern making course for beginners is a three-day course which takes place on Saturdays from 09.30 - 15.00.
The 15-hour course will provide you with the skills required for the workplace and within the industry. You will be introduced to key Gerber functions and processes for pattern drafting and pattern modifications and taught how to implement the Gerber functions for frequently used procedures via pattern amendment exercises
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Vetigraph Digital Patterns
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Advanced
Price: £210 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 3 Days
Click here for more information
VetiGraph creates accurate first patterns and simplifies the grading process.
The course will help you to:
- Use the different icons on VetiGraph.
- Create a skirt block.
- Create a pattern from a skirt block.
- Amending a pattern.
- Add seam allowance.
- Modifying lines.
- Creation of darts, pleats, draping, fullness and adding volume.
- Work with yokes.
- Rotating darts.
- Generate a pattern and naming pieces.
- Symmetry piece.
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Your Body, Your Block
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Advanced
Price: £150 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 6 hours
Click here for more information
Your block; Your body - It’s a fact that we are all not one body shape, so why do we all use the same patterns!?
In this class let our experts teach you how to professionally take your own measurements and apply them to a pattern block so that you come away with a pattern that is your perfect fit which you can make into hundreds of different styles, once you have a brilliant fit that you are confident with the possibilities are endless!
We offer three different courses under Your body; Your block ‘Dresses,’ ‘Trousers’ and ‘Blouses’ which give us the chance to hone in on your needs and make sure you leave with the pattern you need help with.
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Your Body, Your Block - Creating Your Own Skirt
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Intermediate
Price: £99 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 6 hours
Click here for more information
Your body; Your block - It’s a fact that we are all not one body shape, so why do we all use the same patterns!?
In this class let our experts teach you how to professionally take your own measurements and apply them to a pattern block so that you come away with a pattern that is your perfect fit which you can make into hundreds of different styles, once you have a brilliant fit that you are confident with the possibilities are endless!
This Course Includes –
- Learning & developing measuring skills
- How to construct a perfect body block
- Making a toile
- Altering your block
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Your Body, Your Block - Creating Your Own Dress Block
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Intermediate
Price: £150 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 8 hours
Click here for more information
Your body; Your block - It’s a fact that we are all not one body shape, so why do we all use the same patterns!?
In this class let our experts teach you how to professionally take your own measurements and apply them to a pattern block so that you come away with a pattern that is your perfect fit which you can make into hundreds of different styles, once you have a brilliant fit that you are confident with the possibilities are endless!
This Course Includes –
- Learning & developing measuring skills
- How to construct a perfect body block
- Making a toile
- Altering your block
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Your Body, Your Block Intermediate - Creating Your Own Shirt
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner – Intermediate
Price: £150 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 8 hours
Click here for more information
Your body; Your block - It’s a fact that we are all not one body shape, so why do we all use the same patterns!?
In this class let our experts teach you how to professionally take your own measurements and apply them to a pattern block so that you come away with a pattern that is your perfect fit which you can make into hundreds of different styles, once you have a brilliant fit that you are confident with the possibilities are endless!
This Course Includes –
- Learning & developing measuring skills
- How to construct a perfect body block
- Making a toile
- Altering your block
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Stitchers - Absolute Beginners
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginners
Price: £99 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 6 hours
Click here for more information
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 machine safely.
- How to perform basic machine maintenance
- How to set tensions and change needles, threads et al 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.
Stitchers - Intermediate
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Intermediate
Price: £150 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 8 hours
Click here for more information
It is essential that you undertake the Stitchers – Absolute Beginners course before enrolling on this course or you have prior learning with how to use the three core industrial machines.
The workshop will include:
- Refresher on how to use the three core industrial machines
- Use of button hole machine and button attach
- Getting to grips with zip insertion
- Guidance and explanation of the different seams and how to perfectly execute them
- Grain lines, pinning, using existing patterns to cut out styles
- Pressing and finishing techniques
- Refreshments and a fun friendly atmosphere!
Enquire here to find out when the next available dates are.
Stitchers - Advanced
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Advanced
Price: £300 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 2 Days - 12 hours
Click here for more information
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.
SOS Sewing Alterations
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner - Advanced
Price: £75 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 4 hours (10am - 2pm)
Click here for more information
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.
Bonkers for Bags!
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner - Advanced
Price: £65 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 3 hours (11am - 2pm)
Click here for more information
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.
Essential Alterations & Upcycling Techniques
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner - Intermediate
Price: £99 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 6 hours
Click here for more information
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.
Introduction to Machine Sewing Part 1
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner - Intermediate
Price: £99 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: 1 Day for 6 hours
Click here for more information
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.
Online Pattern Cutting Course
Course location: FTA, Unit 13, Crusader Estate, 167 Hermitage Road, N4 1LZ.
Study level: Beginner - Intermediate
Price: £230 + VAT (Full payment of the course is required to reserve your place)
Course length: N/A
Click here for more information
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.
INSIGHTS
NEWS & EVENTS
On 17 th September a cohort of Assistant Buyers and Senior Buying Admin Assistants from River Island attended the Factory Uncovered workshop.
The aim was to teach the group how a UK garment manufacturer really operates and techniques and insights into what to look for on... 
Sewing Masterclass
Topic: Zip Insertion
Location: 113 - 115 Fonthill Road
Date: 12th May
Time: 10.00 - 12.00
Free for all Islington residents
Ideal for beginners learn how to insert a zip in this fun and informal session with our fantastic technician and tutor Leyla. ... 
Fashion-Enter’s Brand & Development Manager Stephanie Knapp attended the Finsbury Park Town Management Meeting on Tuesday 3rd March 2020.
Held on 3 rd Floor of 113-115 Fonthill Road and chaired by Cllr Sheikh. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress made with...