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Build the technical skills and confidence to progress from the fundamentals of garment pattern cutting to creating more complex, professionally developed garment patterns.

Bringing together Garment Pattern Cutting: Fundamental Techniques and Garment Pattern Cutting: Intermediate Techniques, this four-day programme provides a clear pathway for developing the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to create, adapt and interpret garment patterns with confidence.

You’ll progress from the fundamentals of pattern cutting to more complex garment features, interpreting professional garment specifications and applying industry-standard techniques.

Industry-Relevant Learning

Learn from experienced tutors using industry-standard equipment, techniques and workflows while developing practical skills that reflect professional garment production.

Practical Studio Experience

Reinforce your learning through demonstrations, studio-based exercises and hands-on garment construction using professional equipment in our dedicated Fashion Studio.

Structured Learning

Build your skills progressively, starting with the fundamentals before advancing to more complex pattern-cutting techniques. Each stage builds on the last, helping you develop confidence and technical ability throughout the programme, with a reduced programme fee compared with booking each course separately.

Professional & Personal Development

Strengthen your technical understanding of garment construction and develop practical pattern-cutting skills that support personal projects, further study or professional development within the fashion industry.

An instructor demonstrating garment fitting and pattern analysis on a mannequin to students in a studio setting.

No prior knowledge is required. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those looking to refresh or develop their garment pattern cutting skills and will take you through to an intermediate level.

Individuals interested in garment construction or fashion design.
Hobbyists and makers looking to deepen their garment pattern cutting skills.
Those looking to develop practical pattern cutting skills for personal or professional projects.
Professionals working in fashion, costume, retail or garment production who want to strengthen their technical expertise.
Fashion marketing, buying, merchandising or business professionals and graduates looking to gain a greater understanding of garment construction and product development.

Garment Pattern Cutting: Fundamental Techniques

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The first half of the programme introduces the fundamentals of garment pattern cutting through a blend of theory and practical sessions. You will develop essential skills in drafting, adjusting and understanding patterns.

What Will You Learn?

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Core techniques for drafting and fitting garment patterns to body shapes.
Techniques for adjusting and customising patterns.
The importance of seam allowances and construction details.
How to translate design ideas into pattern form.
Hands-on experience cutting fabric and using industrial sewing machines.

What Skills Will You Gain?

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A clear understanding of the garment construction process.
The ability to create customised patterns and translate designs into patterns.
Improved decision-making skills for fabric selection and garment construction.
Development of critical thinking in pattern adjustments and fittings.
Practical knowledge of industry-standard pattern-cutting techniques.

Garment Pattern Cutting: Intermediate Techniques

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The second half of the programme builds on your foundational skills. You will explore more complex pattern-cutting techniques and learn to interpret professional garment specifications.

What Will You Learn?

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How to interpret garment specifications and translate 2D technical drawings into accurate, functional patterns.
Techniques for creating patterns for intermediate-level garment features, including collars, hoods, sleeves, ruffles, pleats, flounces and fastenings.
Understanding the role of visual language, proportions and annotations in guiding pattern-cutting decisions.
Considerations for inside finishes, seam construction and how patterns affect garment manufacturing.

What Skills Will You Gain?

Open

Enhanced confidence in drafting and adapting intermediate garment patterns.
Experience using industry-standard garment blocks and tools.
Practical experience interpreting technical design specifications.
Stronger understanding of how design intent impacts garment construction and finish.
Insights into professional pattern cutting workflows and garment development cycles.
An expanded portfolio showcasing intermediate-level pattern work.

All materials and equipment required for the course are provided and included in the Programme fee.

Participants will also receive complimentary refreshments, including snacks, hot drinks and light breakfast pastries, along with a food voucher redeemable at the University Union refectory.

The University of Leeds is a globally recognised institution for textiles and fashion, offering access to outstanding studio facilities in the heart of campus.

Our Fashion Studio is equipped with industry-standard machinery and resources to support garment design, construction and pattern cutting. On-campus courses provide a practical, collaborative learning experience where you will learn directly from experts, develop hands-on skills in a studio environment and gain insights you can apply immediately to your own practice or professional development.

Find Out More About Our Facilities

Deborah Fowler

Fashion Design Technician

Deborah Fowler has over 40 years of experience in the fashion industry, specialising in garment manufacturing, pattern cutting, couture, bridal wear and men’s tailoring. Her expertise spans the full garment development process, from pattern creation and construction through to high-quality garment production, combining technical precision with extensive commercial experience.

At the University of Leeds, Deborah supports practical teaching in fashion design and garment construction, sharing industry-standard techniques and best practice in pattern cutting. Through hands-on guidance and technical expertise, she helps participants develop the confidence and skills needed to create accurate patterns and translate design concepts into well-constructed garments.

Faye Hindle

Fashion Design Innovation Technician

Faye Hindle has over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, with expertise spanning garment construction, pattern cutting, embroidery and the use of industrial machinery and specialist equipment. Her background includes work with leading designers such as Rick Owens and Gareth Pugh, as well as developing her own children’s wear brand and supporting fashion entrepreneurs in building and growing online businesses.

Faye brings this industry knowledge into practice-led teaching, supporting the development of advanced technical skills in garment construction and production. Her focus on applied, hands-on learning helps participants gain commercially relevant skills and confidence in using professional equipment and techniques.

Elaine Evans

Senior Teaching Fellow in Fashion Design

Elaine Evans has expertise in garment technology, construction and pattern cutting, drawing on extensive experience as a garment technologist. Her work focuses on applied, practice-led approaches to fashion design, combining technical knowledge of garment production with an understanding of how clothing is developed and refined in real-world contexts.

Her experience spans industry practice, curation and research, including managing the Yorkshire Fashion Archive, where historical garments inform contemporary design and construction approaches. Her work focuses on garment production systems, pattern cutting methodologies and textile innovation, with emphasis on womenswear development and the relationship between historical processes and contemporary fashion practice.