Garment Construction follows a proven structured method to learn how to sew and assemble garments using the best techniques. Using our Bernina machines and overlockers you progress through the specifically designed course to create beautiful garments. We teach you how to sew professionally and apply those skills to whatever project you take up. If you would like to be waitlisted please enrol and choose invoice as the payment method, we will contact you a month before class is due to start.

Beginning
Garment Construction

$1499

+$120
optional kit

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“At the Academy”

The course will include basic sewing skills required to assemble a garment.   With 17 samples to complete before you move onto garments, (criteria supplied by the Academy) you are following a plan that will give you the skills you need to create quality garments.

This course is suitable for students who wish to go onto a fashion design course or for those who want to improve their sewing skills. 

After completion of the the course you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Academy, and have the skills need to progress to Intermediate Garment Construction.

Please note that classes may be full, however you may go on a waitlist by choosing next class and pay by invoice. An invoice will not be sent until the class dates are finalised.

2026 Dates

Morning sessions are 10am – 2.00pm 
Evening Sessions are 6-9pm 

1st Semester 

Mornings 10am  – 2 PM Friday

13 Feb 2026 
20 Feb 2026
27 Feb 2026 
6 Mar 2026 
13 Mar 2026 
20 Mar 2026 
27 Mar 2026
10 Apr 2026 
17 Apr 2026 
24 Apr 2026

Evenings 6 – 9pm Wednesday

4 Feb 2026 
11 Feb 2026 
18 Feb 2026 
25 Feb 2026 
4 Mar 2026 
11 Mar 2026 
18 Mar 2026 
25 Mar 2026 
1 Apr 2026 
8 Apr 2026 
15 Apr 2026 
22 Apr 2026 
29 Apr 2026 

Sewing Kit $120

*KIT INCLUDES

  • 1 x Small sharp pointed Scissors
  • 1 x Tailors Chalk
  • 1 x Assorted hand sewing needles
  • 1 x Seam Ripper
  • 1 x Magnetic Pin Cushion
  • 1 x Dressmaking Scissors 220mm
  • 1 x Snips
  • 1 x Pouch for Sewing supplies
  • 1 x packet Dressmakers pins
  • 1 x Tape Measure
  • 1 x Point Turner
  • 1 x Carbon paper

Beginning Garment Construction

  • A class in techniques for sewists who want to learn how to sew or to improve their sewing skills.
  • Each days class will build upon techniques learnt in the previous class.
  • You will need to provide your own tools – We have a complete kit (see below), we provide the calico and notions for your samples. However you will need to purchase fashion fabric and notions for your final garment.
  • Learn about your sewing machine, the in’s and out’s of tension and stitch length.
  • Learn about fabrics, the where and what you should use for which design. If you are not sure where to go, we can tell you the best places to purchase fabric, or of course you can use your own stash.
  • 17 Techniques including setting in sleeves and zips.

Small intimate classes to ensure you get individual attention when you need it.

    What you will learn

    Principles of Cutting
    Placing the Pattern on fabric in preparation for cutting
    Basics of Sewing Machine
    Machine Straight Stitch and back stitching
    Machine Stay Stitching
    Hand Hem Stitching
    Clipping, Notching, Trimming, and Grading
    Concave & convex seams
    Sewing Darts
    Understitching
    Sewing the Inward Facing Corner
    Crimping
    Setting in Sleeves
    Cutting and Joining Bias Strips
    Facings – Bias Binding
    Interfacing / Fusing
    Zippers
    Invisible Zip

    And much, much more

    Garfment Construction
    {

    This is the 2nd course I have gone through now and each time I pick up something new.  Lots of golden pieces of nuggets are given.  Sunita is very knowledgeable and able to answer all questions given to her and takes her time to make sure we’ve understood the assignments.  I can’t wait for the next course.  Highly recommend all courses she teaches.

    5
    {

    This course is well structured and whenever I don’t understand something, the teacher provides clear notes and samples (of what we did in class) that I can easily refer back to. The tutor is patient, highly knowledgeable and brings wealth of experience, which really helps guide me in the right direction.

    5
    {

    Sunita is a fabulous teacher. Before the class started I was concerned that I might not learn much having quilted for years – how wrong I was! We started with the basics and the pace of the course was perfect, moving through facings, setting in sleeves to zips.  I thoroughly enjoyed the course and will be back for the follow on course.

    5
    Lisa Langdon
    {

    Sunita is a passionate teacher willing to go the extra mile to ensure you learn the correct way. She is an easily approachable teacher and you did not feel silly asking any sewing-related questions. She comes highly recommended.

    5
    Adeline Wong
    {

    An absolutely FANTASTIC evening course! My friend and I had the time of our lives laughing and joking with Sunita, making a gorgeous skirt. Sunita, the tutor, is knowledgeable, kind, friendly and patient. I learnt ever such a lot about sewing and I can’t wait to show off my new skirt and my new skills. 10/10 highly recommend.

    5
    Charlotte Staley
    {

    I had an awesome experience with NZ Fashion Academy. The beginner garment construction course offered me techniques that has set me up for further developing my sewing skills. At the beginning I didn’t even know how a sewing machine worked! The tutor- Sunita, was so attentive to my learning and would guide me when I was struggling and give me encouragement to keep going. It is worth the money and time if you’re interested in fashion design. Thank you again! ❤️

    5
    Shannon Rose
    {

    I have just completed the beginner garment construction course with Sunita. I had never used a sewing machine before and I have gained so many skills during the sessions. Sunita keeps class sizes small and gives so much attention to detail. We were taught multiple techniques to complete all aspects of dressmaking and shown handy tips and tricks along the way. The course requires commitment beyond the face to face sessions each week, but if you do your homework it is very manageable! I would recommend to anyone looking to gain skill and technique or anyone starting out with an interest in the industry.

    5
    Susie Fraser
    {

    I recently completed my first beginners course in garment construction. It was so much fun and definitely learned a lot. When I first got there I had no idea what I was doing, but I learned a lot in such a small time, and at the end I could make my own garment which was such an achievement for me. I had such a great teacher, Sunita really takes time and patience to teach, even if she had to show you 10 times she did it with a smile. I am very grateful to be part of this, and will definitely continue my garment construction journey at NZ Academy of Fashion in 2023.

    5
    Janine Meecham
    {

    This is the second course I have gone through with Sunita and each time I pick up something new. Lots of golden nuggets are given freely.  Sunita is very knowledgable and able to answer all questions given to her and she takes her time to make sure we have understood the assignments. I can’t wait for the next course.  Highly recommended

    5
    {

    Sunita is a fabulous teacher, before the course started I was concerned that I might not learn much having quilted for years – how wrong I was! We started with the basics and the pace of the course was perfect moving through facings, setting in sleeves, to zips.  I thoroughly enjoyed the course and will be back for intermediate garment construction

    5
    Lisa Langdon
    Beginning Garment Construction

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