Day Workshop Programmes

Over 600 pupils attend sewing and textile workshops annually at our studios in Dumfries House, East Ayrshire.

A suite of 20 workshops are on offer, ranging from beginners sewing skills to certificated programmes of 30+ hours’ activity.

Subjects include beginners level projects such as Sewing an Activity Bag or Making an Apron with Pockets through to more complex garments involving linings, zips, sleeves and pattern lay planning.

As well as sewing skills, we offer workshops in hand knitting, embroidery and woven textiles, allowing wider industry awareness. Pupils are regularly invited to take part in events or industry linked projects which give an insight into key issues around sustainability in fashion and the job roles within the industry.

Pupils have their own workstation with a Janome sewing machine and also learn how to use an overlocker to finish raw edges. Pupil accuracy in measuring is developed and they are taught to press an item to a professional finish. All approaches are industry standard and workbooks are provided to allow pupils to continue to make items at school, for their portfolio of evidence or as an enterprise activity.

Curriculum dates are released quarterly, approximately three months in advance of the start date, via the Future Textiles TicketSource booking site..

Bespoke residential packages at Dumfries House are also available for schools from further afield. The Future Textile programme sits well within the Developing the Young Workforce government agenda as it leads directly to skills for work.

The Future 30 certificated course delivered at Dumfries House, Ayrshire, is aimed at those pupils aged 14, or above, who demonstrate an interest in or aptitude for textiles and who are keen to gain skills and knowledge relevant to the industry. Pupils attend for five days across the academic term or as a work-placement week and work on a programme of sewing and construction skills leading to the lay planning, cutting and manufacture of a complex item. Skills covered directly relate to the National 4 and 5 Textile and Fashion qualification, allowing pupils to gain points for essential course work.

Duration: Daily during the academic year
Times and days: 10am- 3.30pm (times can be adjusted to suit travelling times), Monday to Friday

Enquire by emailing future.textiles@kings-foundation.org