Introduction to Sewing

L1 Level 1
Part Time
3 March 2026 — 19 May 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff
£: This course is free for unemployed adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

About this course

This course is designed as an introduction to sewing for learners interested in costume, fashion and textiles. It is ideal for beginners or those wishing to refresh their basic skills.

Learners will develop confidence using sewing tools, equipment and machines safely while exploring a range of hand and machine sewing techniques. Through guided practical sessions, learners will practice essential skills such as seams, hems and fastenings, before applying these techniques to create a finished textile item.

The course is unique in its focus on creative application, encouraging learners to explore sewing as a foundation for further study or personal creative projects

What you will study

On the course we will cover:

Week 1: Introduction to sewing tools and equipment, health and safety, Fabrics, basic hand stitching, and the start of a documentation portfolio.

Week 2: Sewing machine basics, threading, straight stitch practice and seam samples

Week 3: Seams and construction techniques, including neatening edges and pressing

Week 4: Hemming and finishing techniques, including top stitching

Week 5: Fastenings, such as buttons and buttonholes or a simple zip

Week 6: Planning a simple textile project, creating a simple pattern, measuring, marking and cutting fabric.

Week 7: Construction of a sewn textile item using learned techniques.

Week 8: Finishing the textile item, review of skills and assessment

Course fees

Administration Fee: £10.00

Course Fee: £75.00

Facilities

Learners will have access to specialist Fashion & Textiles workshops equipped with sewing machines, pressing equipment and a range of hand tools. Studio spaces support creative exploration and safe working practices.

Teaching will take place through practical demonstrations, guided workshops and individual support. 

Assessment is based on practical work and the completion of a sewn item, alongside evidence of using at least two sewing skills or techniques, in line with Agored unit CDF173 requirements.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 March 2026

End date

19 May 2026

Time of day

Night Time

Part Time

2 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions
£: This course is free for unemployed adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

Course code

CDCC1P17
L1

Qualification

Introduction to Sewing

Career prospects & further study

56,000

The Creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors with 56,000 people employed in Wales.

On successful completion, learners may progress onto further part-time or full-time courses in Fashion, Textiles or Art & Design. This course also provides a strong foundation for personal creative projects or entry-level skills development within costume and fashion-related pathways.

or 

Full Time Courses:

  • Art & Design Level 2
  • Art & Design Level 3
  • Art & Design Foundation 
  • Fashion Design Level 3
  • Product Design Level

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE