The Grafton Academy hosts a number of Evening Classes, the details of which can be found below.

Please click here for more information about specific dates, booking and requirements for each course you may be interested in. Alternatively, fill out our Enquiry form and one of our staff will get back to you. Please note that some courses require specific materials and it is expected that the student provide these.

Fashion Design Introductory and Ongoing Modules to design and make for yourself.

On this course students will learn how to make patterns to individual measurements and sew their own designs. An initial booking for a minimum of 18 consecutive classes is required for the introductory course but for those who wish to develop their pattern making and sewing skills, it is possible to undertake further modules.

Special application for Diploma Course by evening classes can be made after a minimum of 36 classes have been undertaken over the year, one evening per week for Pattern Drafting and Garment Assembly. An additional 12 classes in Fashion Sketching is required, to be taken concurrently. Satisfactory progress in all subjects is required before an application with interview is considered.

For more information, fill out our enquiry form.

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This course caters for those who wish to learn how to make up a commercial pattern in a fabric of their choice. Students are shown how to cut out, sew fit and finish. Teaching is by individual attention to meet different levels from beginners to advanced. Beginners are advised to choose a simple pattern of a skirt or trousers to enable them to learn basic sewing techniques while students at a more advanced level may choose a more complicated pattern eg. dress, suit or coat.

Students may join at any time, booking for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks. Classes are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays 7-9pm and Saturday mornings 10-12.30pm.

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These courses given by a professional Milliner trained in the French tradition, introduce the technical skills needed for blocking and shaping felt, straw and fabric hats. Fabric techniques for felts or staws are dealt with in separate short courses - Autumn for felts and fabric hats, Spring for Straws and Fabric Hats.

Rules for good design including fittings and head sizes, felt stitching, wiring and binding, use of stiffening, preparing blocks, traimmings, accessories and finishing. If students wish to make a hat in a special fabric they may do so. All equipment may be purchased from the tutor.

As numbers are small, early booking is essential.

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