Entry requirements: Employers will set their own entry requirements but typically candidates will be proficient in complex stitching and making processes. Apprentices will need to achieve Level 2 English and Maths.
Total length of course: 24 months
Practical / On-programme phase: not known
This course provides you with an excellent level of practical skills and knowledge required to work as a highly skilled tailor for the high end bespoke market. These are transferable production skills for premier production units too including pattern making, cutting and construction.
Combining the heritage of bespoke garment production with key production skills and cutting practices, this specialist qualification will give you the opportunity to develop industry-relevant knowledge and demonstrate high levels of speed, accuracy, precision and consistency.
The qualification comprises of one mandatory unit in Bespoke Garment Production followed by a choice of specialist pathways in tailoring and/or cutting. You will build knowledge of textile brands and standards while developing outstanding customer relations. In addition you will learn advanced disciplined processes such as hand stitching, finishing and pressing.
The Level 5 Diploma follows on from the existing Level 3 Diploma and will produce qualified bespoke tailors and cutters who are able to cut a unique pattern, create a garment mainly by hand while satisfying customers’ individual requirements.
Learners must achieve a minimum of 50 credits. This must include 16 credits from the mandatory unit.
The following units are mandatory:
Bespoke Garment Production T/507/9735 – credit value 16
- Analyse the history and heritage of bespoke garment production in the United Kingdom.
- Evaluate the influence that the heritage of bespoke garment production has on today’s luxury market.
- Describe the characteristics of a variety of fabrics used within bespoke garment production.
- Critically compare the fabrics that would be most suitable to use when constructing a specific bespoke garment.
- Analyse how the bespoke tailoring industry can be used to influence and support bespoke garment production using different textile brands.
- Summarise how traditional manufactured cloth processes meet British and European standards.
- Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the workplace through safe working practices.
- Select appropriate equipment and materials needed to produce a bespoke garment.
- Use equipment and materials to produce a bespoke garment.
- Show how to store the equipment and materials that are used to produce a bespoke garment.
- Summarise the importance of the high standards of workmanship that are required within bespoke garment production.
- Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses throughout the bespoke garment production process.
Cutting Pathway Cutting Practices and Processes for Bespoke Garments F/507/9737 – credit value 34
- Describe how to produce economical lays to company standards.
- Explain why correct ticketing and instructions are important when cutting cloths.
- Evaluate why it is important to maintain a good working relationship with the tailor.
- Analyse the principles of garment construction for a variety of bespoke garments.
- Gather individual customer requirements for a bespoke garment.
- Discuss and advise customers on the style of a garment and cloth selection.
- Analyse any customer figure variations that need to be addressed.
- Carry out required customer fittings.
- Perform effective bespoke selling and after care according to customer requirements.
- Organise the purchase of materials, taking into account stock control.
- Construct patterns for the bespoke garment.
- Lay out patterns and mark the cloth.
- Cut cloth according to pattern markings.
- Prepare the bundle of the bespoke garment component parts ready to give to the tailor. Maintain the quality of finish within the timeframe and budget set by the company. Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses throughout the cutting processes.
Tailoring a Bespoke Garment A/507/9736 – credit value 36
- Canvas a coat by hand.
- Prepare a garment for the first fitting baste.
- Disassemble a garment and amend construction as per cutters instructions.
- Demonstrate how to baste the garment through the adjustments process.
- Follow the fitting and reassembling instructions.
- Evaluate why it is important to maintain a good working relationship with the cutter.
- Complete the final alterations.
- Hand-make the buttonholes.
- Hand-finish the garment inside and out.
- Press and prepare the garment for the final customer fitting.
- Number and log each garment.
- Maintain the quality of finish of the bespoke garment within the timeframe and budget set by the company. Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses throughout the tailoring processes.
| COURSE LINKS | |
| Institute for Apprenticeships (IFATE) website link: | https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/bespoke-tailor-and-cutter-v1-0 |
| Skills & Education Group End Point Assessment website link: | https://skillsandeducationgroupawards.co.uk/qualification/level-5-diploma-in-bespoke-tailoring-rqf/ |
What Next?
Learners could progress onto employment as a highly skilled tailor and/or cutter within the bespoke and luxury garment market.