Kimono Style Jacket Workshop Short Course

Course description

Taught over two days, the Kimono Style Jacket Workshop Short Course is a practical cutting and sewing course which guides students through the exciting process of designing and making a kimono-style jacket.

The beauty of the kimono is its lack of complicated procedures; there are no buttons, buttonholes, fiddly pockets, pleats or vents. It’s comparatively easy to make but substantial enough to look and feel impressive on completion.

During the course, students gain an insight into the construction of kimonos and look at various examples provided by the tutor.

After choosing their size, main fabrics, (and 2nd fabrics if applicable) and thread colours, students will be guided through each step of the construction process, from matching notches to seam allowances, stitching and pressing.

Students may choose to bring in old garments to upcycle and use as contrast fabrics (inside yokes, elbow patches, pocket panels etc). They will then have the opportunity to use card patterns provided by the tutor and learn how to lay out pattern pieces and cut them out.

By the end of the course, students will be the proud owners of their own unique kimono-style jacket which they will have designed and made themselves.

Who should attend this course?

This course is aimed at anyone with at least basic sewing abilities, from fashion students looking to practice their newly learned skills to graduates looking to sharpen their skills. It would also be a great choice for anyone interested in garment construction who’s looking to ‘dip a toe’ into making something. The course would be ideal for anyone in the creative sector, as well as those in the corporate world with an interest in bespoke garment construction.

Course outcomes

By the end of the course, students should:

• Know how to lay out a card pattern onto fabric to minimise wastage
• Understand the value of notches in garment construction
• Have a greater understanding of pattern pieces, their shapes and their origins
• Have improved their sewing skills
• Have learnt to construct fell seams, a double layered yoke, attach sleeves, construct panel pockets, patch pockets and pocket flaps
• Generally, have learnt how to put together a jacket
• Leave happy with their own garment

Clear, easy to understand lessons: 

• Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
• New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand.

Experience life on campus:  

• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
• Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
• Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion: 

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
• We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
• Certificates are great to compliment your cv.