City & Guilds Online Courses
_edited.png)
Accredited Dressmaking Qualifications
If you want to learn something creative, build real technical skill, and earn a globally recognised qualification, these courses give you a structured, meaningful way to do it — entirely from home.
CITY & GUILDS ACCREDITED
FLEXIBLE STUDY FROM HOME COURSES
COMMUNITY LEARNING GROUP
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
Course Overview
The Intermediate Fashion & Construction programme is designed for learners who are ready to deepen their technical skills, expand their creative abilities, and work to a higher professional standard. Whether you are progressing from Level 1 or joining as a direct‑entry learner with prior experience, this accredited City & Guilds qualification will challenge you, refine your craftsmanship, and strengthen your confidence as a designer‑maker.
You’ll explore more complex garment construction, advanced techniques, design development, and creative experimentation. You’ll also complete two substantial garment projects that demonstrate your technical ability, creativity, and understanding of professional processes.
This qualification is recognised across the UK and internationally, making it an excellent pathway toward further study, portfolio development, or creative career routes.
No printer at home? No problem.
All templates, worksheets, and written instructions are provided as downloadable PDFs - but you don’t need a printer to complete this course. If printing at home isn’t convenient, you can purchase professionally printed packs, which include:
All sample templates (pattern pieces)
Written instructions
Any printed sheets required for your assessments
These are delivered directly to your door.
You can also purchase optional technique bundles from the online shop. These curated packs contain the fabrics, interfacing, and notions needed for the sampling unit, saving you time and ensuring you’re working with the correct materials.
Who It's For
This course is ideal for learners who already have some sewing experience and want to develop more advanced dressmaking skills - while working toward a fully certified, internationally recognised City & Guilds qualification. It’s perfect for:
Learners who have completed Level 1
Home learners who want a structured, accredited intermediate course
Sewists who can confidently use a sewing machine
Anyone who has made simple garments before and wants to progress
Creative learners who want to deepen their design and construction skills
Those preparing for further study, building a portfolio, or planning to apply for college or university courses in fashion, textiles, or costume
Anyone aged 12 and over (recommended for reading comprehension and independent learning; no upper age limit)
Direct‑entry friendly
If you already have sewing experience, you can join Level 2 without completing Level 1. You will complete all Level 2 techniques to ensure you meet the full City & Guilds standard.
Progressing from Level 1?
You will not repeat any techniques you have already passed — you’ll move straight into the Level 2‑only techniques and intermediate garment work.
Perfect if you want to take your skills further
Level 2 strengthens your technical ability, builds your design confidence, and helps you produce garments suitable for portfolios, interviews, or further study - all backed by a globally recognised qualification.
What You Will Learn
Core units (same structure as Level 1, taught at intermediate level)
Exploring design ideas
Develop your design thinking further by exploring inspiration, sketching, and idea development in more depth. You’ll refine how you record and present your design process in your sketchbook.
Health & safety regulations
Revisit and extend your understanding of safe working practices, equipment use, and studio organisation, with an emphasis on independent, responsible working.
Equipment, tools & materials
Build on your existing knowledge to work more confidently with a wider range of tools, pressing equipment, and specialist notions used in intermediate garment construction.
Fabric foundations
Deepen your understanding of fibres, fabrics, and their properties. You’ll look more closely at fabric behaviour, suitability for different garments, and how fabric choice affects fit and finish.
From pattern to fabric
Work with more complex patterns, refine your understanding of pattern markings, sizing, and adjustments, and link this to the Fitting Foundations Library.
Sampling fashion techniques
Create a new set of samples at intermediate level, focusing on accuracy, consistency, and professional finishes. These samples support your garment projects and evidence your technical skills.
About the Level 2 techniques
The Level 2 qualification includes a wide range of intermediate and advanced techniques. Some build on Level 1 skills, while others are entirely new.
Direct‑entry learners: complete all Level 2 techniques (including overlaps with Level 1).
Progressing Level 1 learners: do not repeat techniques already passed; you complete only the Level 2‑only techniques.
Garment projects (choose two)
You’ll complete two intermediate‑level garments that demonstrate your technical ability and creative development. Options include:
Trousers
Shirt or blouse
Skirt
Dress
You’ll also learn to:
Research and justify your pattern and fabric choices
Develop design ideas and record your decision‑making
Analyse construction methods and plan your workflow
Produce high‑quality samples to support your garment
Evaluate your finished garment against your aims
Reflect on strengths, challenges, and future improvements
Present your work professionally for assessment
Seams
Welt seam
Top stitched seam
Curved seam
Bias seam
Bound seam
Channel seam
Open seam with clean finish
Zigzag seam finish
3‑step zigzag finish
French seam
Crossed seam
Fullness
Box pleats
Inverted pleats
Gathers
Tucks
Knife pleats
Easing
Shape
Single point darts
Double point darts
Fastenings
Bound buttonholes
Shank button
Invisible zip
Fly zip
Rouleau loops
Lacing
Machine‑made buttonholes
Flat button with thread shank
Concealed (lapped) zip
Semi‑concealed (centred) zip
Hooks and eyes
Press studs
Elastic / Elastication
Picot elastic
Insert elastic into a stitched channel
Facings
Curved neck edge
V‑shaped neck edge
Notching
Layering
Understitching
Collars
Flat collar
Shaped collar
Sleeves
Set‑in one‑piece sleeve
Cuffs
Straight cuff with opening
Straight cuff
Embellishments
Decorative machine stitches
Decorative hand stitching
Eyelets
Beads
Lace insertion
Ribbon, braid & threads
Hems
Machine blind‑stitched hem
Tailor’s hem
Lace‑edged hem
Neatened and machine‑stitched hem
Neatened and hand‑stitched hem
Pockets
Lined patch pocket with flap
Welt pocket
In‑seam pocket
Unlined patch pocket
TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN
What You Will Need
ESSENTIAL SEWING EQUPIMENT
Your sewing machine must be able to sew:
Straight stitch
Zigzag
3‑step zigzag
Blindstitch
Buttonholes
You will also need:
Blind hem foot
Invisible zip foot
Standard zip foot
Buttonhole foot
Plus:
Fabric scissors and paper scissors
Pins, needles, seam ripper
Tape measure and ruler
Chalk or fabric markers
Iron and ironing board
Hand‑sewing needles
_edited.jpg)
DESIGN & SKETCHBOOK MATERIALS
To fully engage with the Exploring Design Ideas unit, you’ll need a small selection of art and mixed media materials. These help you explore line, shape, colour, texture, and composition — all key elements of the syllabus.
Sketchbook
Your central place to record ideas, sketches, notes, and reflections.
Drawing & Colour Materials
• Pencils (range of HB grades)
• Coloured pencils
• Felt tip pens
Paints & Tools
• Watercolour or acrylic paints
• Brushes and sponges
Paper & Collage Materials
• Card and paper (plain, coloured, or tissue)
• Scissors/cutting tools
• Glue/adhesive
Additional Creative Materials
Optional items that encourage experimentation with texture and surface design, such as:
• String
• Fabric scraps
• Textured objects (leaves, shoe soles, packaging)
• Recycled materials
_edited.png)
MATERIALS FOR YOUR PROJECTS
Sewing patterns for your chosen garment units
Fabric and notions for your chosen garment units
Basic materials for your sampling unit (or you can purchase a ready made technique bundle from the online shop)
_edited.jpg)
PRINTED MATERIALS
All templates and written instructions are provided as PDFs. If you don’t have a printer, you can purchase printed packs containing:
Sample templates (pattern pieces)
Written instructions
Any printed sheets required for your assessments
_edited.jpg)
OPTIONAL TECHNIQUE BUNDLES
Available in the online shop — curated packs containing the fabrics, interfacing, and notions needed for the sampling unit.
_edited.jpg)
PRESENTATION AND ORGANISATION
To present your work clearly and professionally, you may also want:
A4 or A3 folders
Plastic wallets
Loose paper for notes or printed sheets
Dividers or tabs for organising units
What's Included
This accredited programme includes everything you need to learn confidently, stay motivated, and complete your qualification successfully.
⏱️ Course Duration: Up to 2.5 Years
A generous study window that allows you to work at your own pace, with plenty of time for sampling, design work, and garment construction.
📚 Over 150 Hours of Course Content
A comprehensive learning experience that includes video tutorials, written instructions, sampling, design development, garment construction, and reflective tasks.
🎨 Test of Your Creative Abilities
Through sketchbook work, mixed‑media exploration, and garment planning, you’ll develop your creativity and learn to think like a designer‑maker.
📘 Extensive Course Materials
You’ll receive a full suite of resources, including:
Step‑by‑step video tutorials
Written instructions and templates
Design worksheets
Assessment briefs and checklists
Access to the Fitting Foundations Library
Optional printed packs (if you don’t have a printer)
Optional technique bundles (materials for the sampling unit)
👩🏫 Comprehensive Support
Personalised written feedback on every assessment, clear guidance throughout your learning journey, and access to a supportive learner community.
📝 Clear Assessment Guidance
Detailed briefs, examples, checklists, and marking criteria explained in plain English.
📤 Simple Submission Process
Upload photos of your work through your learner area and receive written feedback for each submission.
👥 Learner Group & Community Access
Join a warm, encouraging online community of fellow learners.
📚 Fitting Foundations Library
A structured library of fitting resources to help you understand measurements, ease, and pattern sizing.
🛒 Optional Technique Bundles
Curated packs containing the materials you need for the sampling unit.
🏅 City & Guilds Certificate
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive an internationally recognised City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Fashion (7160‑12).
FAQ's
Payment Options
Payment in Full
Payment in Full on Enrollment
Course Price £1190
+ City & Guilds Fees £102
£1292
What is included:
Course duration: up to 2.5 years
Over 150 hours of course content
Extensive course materials
Comprehensive support
Clear assessment guidance
Community access
City & Guilds certificate
Payment Options
Payment in Installments
Monthly Payments
First payment: £205 (includes City & Guilds Fees)
11 Monthly Instalments of £103
£1338
What is included:
Course duration: up to 2.5 years
Over 150 hours of course content
Extensive course materials
Comprehensive support
Clear assessment guidance
Community access
City & Guilds certificate
Payment Options
Launching this Autumn
Be the first to know