One Week Intensive Course
A course in soft furnishings suitable for students wanting to set up their own curtain making business or home enthusiasts wanting to save £££s on designer curtains!
All levels and ages welcome.
Learn the most up to date techniques and styles.
Classes are limited to a maximum of four to allow students to complete five soft furnishing projects and a business module in the minimum time.
All students who complete the one week course will receive a certificate of achievement.
Students will leave with five soft furnishing samples which can be used in their portfolio for future clients.
The following subjects will be included in the one week curtain making course:
Roman Blinds
Learn how to:
- Calculate fabric requirements
- Calculate the number and size of the folds
- Cut out fabric squarely
- Make rod pockets in the lining
- Attach interlining, lining, Velcro and rings (without any stitching being visible)
- Use the appropriate stitches
- Cord up a blind
- Make a fabric covered batten
- Students will make their own lined and interlined Roman Blind
Curtains
Learn how to:
- Measure a window for curtains
- Choose tracks and poles
- Decide on a curtain heading
- Calculate fabric requirements
- Cut out fabric and linings
- Pattern Match fabric
- Make up linings
- Use the appropriate stitches
- Make a mitred corner and attach lead weights
- Attach pencil pleat tape
- Dress curtains professionally
Hand Sewn Headings
Learn how to:
- Calculate goblet and triple pleats
- Insert buckram
- Pin and machine pleats correctly
- Hand stitch pleats
- Attach pin hooks
- Fix to a top board
- Students will make their own lined curtain with a handsewn pinch pleat and goblet heading. Students will also make a lined valance with a pencil pleat heading
Pelmets
Learn how to:
- Design a pelmet with correct use of balance and proportion
- Measure a window for a pelmet
- Make a paper pattern
- Cut out Essex board and make a return
- Make a pelmet for a bay window
- Make an interlined hand sewn pelmet
- Apply various trims
- Use top board and fixings
- Students will make their own Essex board pelmet
Oxford Cushions
Learn how to:
- Centralise the main design of the fabric
- Insert a concealed zip
- Make a cushion with a contrast border
- Use an over locker to neaten edges
- Students will make their own Oxford cushion cover
Starting a Soft Furnishing Business
Learn how to:
- Set up a workroom
- Quote to make a profit
- Open up fabric accounts
- Get haberdashery at trade prices
- Advertise on a budget
- Find a track fitter
- Keep accounts
- Organise insurance
- Manage your time
- Keep up with the latest trends
- Get a free place on a hardware course (tracks and poles)
- Join trade associations
- Buy sewing machines at discounted prices
After attending the one week course, students are entitled to purchase all haberdashery items at a discount from Curtain Academy.
Course Dates
All one week courses run from Monday to Thursday or over two weekends. Courses start at 10.00am and finish approximately 4.30pm.
Course dates for 2012 (Mon-Thurs)
- March 19th-22nd - fully booked
- May 14th-17th
- July 16th-19th
- September 10th-13th
- November 12th-15th
Course dates for 2012 (Sat/Sun)
- April 21st/22nd & 28th/29th
- June 16th/17th & 23rd/24th
Course Fees and Booking
All courses include:
- All materials
- Refreshments
- Training manuals
- Five Training DVDs (please see DVD page for details)
One week intensive course: £480 £399 (offer ends 18th Feb)
A deposit of £80 is required at the time of booking.
One-to-one training is available at £240 £195 (offer ends 18th Feb) per day.
A deposit of £40 is required at the time of booking.
All balances are to be paid 1 month prior to the course.
Please phone to check course availability (Tel: 01332 258307) and then complete the Booking Form to reserve your place.
Location and Accommodation
A list of suitable accommodation and directions can be found on our Location and Accommodation page.
