What We Teach
Learn about all the courses and workshops that we run at Dorcas Fashion Academy
Start from Zero or with a bit of knowledge
Each week, you’ll build professional techniques: hand and machine sewing, zips, darts, facings, hems, pressing, measuring, and more. Walk away with four finished garments, a strong foundation in sewing, and the confidence to keep creating.
Straight Skirt: includes darts, flapped zip, waistband, and a tailored hem.
Gathered Skirt with Pockets – master gathers, buttonholes, centred zip, and waistband techniques.
Half Circle Skirt: using two drafting methods, finished with a zip and interfaced waistband.
Panelled Skirt: create flow and shape with professional invisible zip and lining.
Final Design Project: design and construct your own custom skirt using the skills you've gained.
Leave the course with five polished garments, expanded drafting and construction skills, and the confidence to take on more ambitious sewing projects
Sleeveless Top (Sample): draft a basic bodice, sew darts, shape the bust and waist, and explore clean pressing techniques.
Lined Sleeveless Top: add full lining and facings, refine neckline and armhole finishes, and learn edge-stitching and understitching.
Shift Dress with Sleeves: draft sleeves, set them in cleanly, add shaping with darts or princess seams, and construct a full dress with a back zip and facings.
Blouse/Shirt with Collar & Front Buttons: draft a collar and stand, sew a button placket and buttonholes, add cuffs and interfacing for structure.
Final Design Project: create an original garment using all the skills you've learned, from concept to final finish.
Through these projects, you'll develop advanced skills in fitting, internal structure, pressing, finishing, and professional tailoring techniques. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, clean construction, and garment durability. Walk away with three impeccably tailored garments, strong pattern drafting confidence, and the technical precision required for high-end sewing.
Tailored Jacket: draft your own jacket block, create shaping through darts and seams, insert sleeves, construct lapels, add interfacing, facings and a full lining, and develop pressing and hand-finishing techniques for a polished look.
Smart Trousers: draft a custom trouser pattern to fit your own measurements, create darts or pleats, add a fly front zip, waistband with hooks or buttons, side pockets, back welt or patch pockets, and finish with crisp hems.
Checked Waistcoat: draft and construct a fully lined waistcoat using checked fabric, focusing on precise pattern matching, darts for shaping, buttonholes, and welt pockets.
Final Design Project: design and create a tailored garment of your choice, applying all the skills, techniques, and pattern drafting knowledge you have gained throughout the course.
and shall never leave!!