Technical & DIY skills courses

This course is an introduction to the techniques of creating soft furnishings. You will learn how to use a sewing machine and other relevant tools.

Depending on your skill level you may also:

• Learn the techniques used in modern and traditional upholstery, and soft furnishing techniques to a high standard competently and in a safe environment
• Learn how to insert a zip for cushions
• Make up box cushions for benches and chairs with piping
• Hand stitch hems
• Plan an activity pattern involving choosing the fabric, amount and décor style
• Lay and cut fabric and begin sewing
• Sew loose chair covers, bedding and pillowcases.

You will learn technical terms associated with the craft. You will have to read instructions and other handouts written in English and discuss them with the tutor and other learners.

You will also have to measure and calculate quantities of fabrics, materials, etc. and adjust the quantities based on the size of your project.

Everyone will be treated equally and every opinion counts. We will encourage you to discuss fabrics, materials, techniques and designs from your country or cultural background like the ones used in your classes.

Students should think about and identify their own expected individual outcomes. Cut and sew an item of soft furnishing whilst showing good health and safety procedures.

This course is suitable for beginners and improvers. Beginners will learn the essential basics of the craft; e.g. a drop-in seat pad.

You will learn the techniques used in modern and traditional methods of upholstery in a safe environment.

You will learn how to do webbing stuffing. The tutor will give group demonstrations of techniques and use of tools. They will assist you through the process of creating your individual project.

The format of the upholstery course allows you to work on an individual project under the guidance and tuition of your tutor. You will learn a range of skills and techniques necessary to reach your goal and to allow you to work at your own level.

The tutor will also do some whole group teaching in the classroom. These will digital videos where you can go online to view when there is work which is common to all.

You will learn workshop health and safety the use of machinery. You will learn about

• the different types of material 
• the use of specialist tools
• mending wooden frame and finishes
• waxing

Entry requirements: A desire to learn upholstery. Equipment required.

You may need to have access to the internet to communicate with your tutor and have access to online videos from your tutor.

Beginners need to find a drop-in seat or basic footstool or a small headboard. Improvers and higher may find a small chair.All learners may want to take notes and have pad and pen or folder. More advanced learners may have their own equipment sharp pair of scissors and 13 or 23 Rapid staple gun is essential.

All learners will need to supply their own top fabric for your individual project.

You will learn how to make a stained glass window using traditional leading techniques. The course will cover glass cutting, how to create a cartoon and cut-line, leading, soldering and finishing.

You will learn technical terms associated with Stained Glass work. You will have to read instructions and other handouts written in English and discuss them with the tutor and other learners. You will also have to measure quantities of materials and to adjust the quantities based on the size of your project.

Everyone will be treated equally and every opinion counts. We will encourage you to discuss fabrics, materials, techniques and designs from your country or cultural background like the ones used in your classes. Work safely with tools and equipment according to your level.

There are no entry requirements, you need to have a willingness to learn. Equipment required.

A note or sketch book, pencils and an eraser. The course does supply all the tools, lead, solder and cement. Students will need to buy the glass for their projects, which is not included in the cost of materials. It is also advisable for you to buy your own glass-cutting tool to use in class.

The course will give the learners the opportunity to get basic woodworking skills and access to advice and the necessary equipment o pursue their own woodwork projects.

You will learn technical terms associated with woodwork. You will have to read instructions and other handouts written in English and discuss them with the tutor and other learners.

You will also have to measure lengths of timber and adjust the measurements based on the size of your project.

Everyone will be treated equally and every opinion counts. We will encourage you to discuss fabrics, materials, techniques and designs from your country or cultural background like the ones used in your classes.

Everyone will be treated equally and every opinion counts. We will encourage you to discuss fabrics, materials, techniques and designs from your country or cultural background like the ones used in your classes.