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.

Beginning
Garment Construction

$1499

+$120
optional kit

“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.

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.

2024 Dates

Morning classes run for 4 hours.

Tuesday Morning 9.30am – 1.30pm

June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 23, 30
Aug 13, 20, 27

Evening classes run for 3 hours

Tuesday Evening 6pm – 9pm

June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 23, 30
Aug 13, 20, 27
Sept 3, 10. 17, 24

Monday Evening 6pm – 9pm

June 10, 17, 224
July 1, 22, 29
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26
Sept 2, 9, 16, 23

2nd Batch for the year

Tuesday Morning 9.30am – 1.30pm

Sep 3, 10, 17, 24
Oct 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12, 19

Optional 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

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

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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.

Charlotte Staley

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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! ❤️

Shannon Rose

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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.

Susie Fraser

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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.

Janine Meecham

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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

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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

Lisa Langdon

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

Adeline Wong

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Sunita is a wonderful patient teacher who has a wealth of knowledge. The Academy has great facilities and I can’t wait to take the next step in my sewing journey

Lucia Cameron

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Thank you Sunita, I loved coming to class. I feel confident to use a sewing machine and am excited to start making my own garments.

Nicole Parry

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When we needed extra help Sunita was always there!

4.5

Katerina Pickering