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Course Catalogue · 2026

Every Course.
Every Discipline.

The complete HFA curriculum — every module, topic, and skill taught across our Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced programmes. Use this catalogue to plan your learning path and understand exactly what you will master at each level.

Level 1
Beginners — 8 Months
8 months No experience required Mon – Fri · 9am – 2pm
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Course Topics Covered Level
Introduction to Fashion Design The language of fashion, industry overview, career pathways
  • History and evolution of fashion design
  • Career paths: designer, stylist, entrepreneur, pattern maker
  • Introduction to the studio environment and tools
Beginner
Basic Tools & Techniques Equipment, machine operation, hand stitching fundamentals
  • Sewing machine threading, tension, and maintenance
  • Hand stitching: running, backstitch, slip stitch, blanket stitch
  • Seam types: open, French, flat-felled, and overlocked
Beginner
Design Fundamentals Design principles, silhouettes, colour theory, and fashion sketching
  • Elements of design: line, shape, texture, colour, proportion
  • Silhouette vocabulary: A-line, fitted, oversized, structured
  • Basic fashion figure drawing and sketch presentation
Beginner
Fabric Knowledge Fabric types, properties, care, and selection for garment making
  • Natural vs synthetic fibres: cotton, linen, silk, polyester, chiffon
  • Fabric grain, bias cut, and stretch properties
  • Fabric preparation: pre-washing, pressing, and cutting layouts
Beginner
Garment Construction I Building simple garments from fabric to finish
  • Constructing a gathered skirt, wrap skirt, and elastic-waist trouser
  • Inserting zips: concealed, lapped, and centred
  • Hemming techniques: blind hem, rolled hem, and double-fold
Beginner
Body Measurement & Fitting Taking accurate measurements and fitting garments to clients
  • Full set of body measurements: bust, waist, hip, inseam, rise
  • Ease allowances for different garment types and occasions
  • Common fitting problems and how to correct them at the toile stage
Beginner
Garment Construction II Advancing to fitted garments, sleeves, and collars
  • Constructing a fitted bodice with darts and princess seams
  • Setting sleeves: straight, bishop, puffed, and cap
  • Collar construction: Peter Pan, shirt collar, and mandarin
Beginner
Graduation Project Designing and constructing a complete beginner-level look
  • Concept development and mood boarding
  • Fabric selection, cutting, and full garment construction
  • Presentation and critique before the faculty panel
Beginner
8Courses
8Months
0Prior experience needed
Level 2
Intermediate — 6 Months
6 months Basic sewing skills required Mon – Fri · 9am – 2pm
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Course Topics Covered Level
Advanced Body Measurement Precision measurement techniques for professional client work
  • Measuring for posture variations, asymmetry, and body anomalies
  • Fitting-ease charts for different garment categories
  • Building a professional client measurement record
Intermediate
Pattern Drafting from Scratch Creating original slopers and blocks without commercial patterns
  • Drafting bodice, sleeve, trouser, and skirt blocks from measurements
  • Adapting blocks to create design variations
  • Working with toiles to test and refine pattern accuracy
Intermediate
Dart Manipulation & Pattern Grading Advanced pattern techniques for design variety and multiple sizes
  • Rotating, merging, and suppressing darts for different design lines
  • Converting darts to gathers, pleats, and seams
  • Grading patterns up and down across size ranges
Intermediate
Blazer & Jacket Construction Full structured jacket construction to professional standard
  • Interfacing selection and application for structure and drape
  • Constructing and setting tailored collars and lapels
  • Bound buttonholes, welt pockets, and lining construction
Intermediate
Streetwear Design Designing and producing a contemporary streetwear collection
  • Trend research, mood boarding, and concept development
  • Constructing hoodies, cargo trousers, oversized silhouettes, co-ords
  • Styling and lookbook photography for a streetwear brand
Intermediate
Fashion Illustration for Streetwear Presenting streetwear concepts through professional illustration
  • Fashion figure proportions for streetwear silhouettes
  • Rendering fabric textures: denim, jersey, mesh, reflective material
  • Technical flat drawing for production briefing
Intermediate
Introduction to Corsetry Foundational structural garment techniques as a bridge to Advanced
  • History and evolution of corsetry in fashion
  • Boning types and channel construction basics
  • Constructing a simple boned bodice with closure system
Intermediate
7Courses
6Months
6+Months sewing experience needed
Level 3
Advanced — The Final Level
Flexible — see timetable Intermediate completion required Mon – Fri · 9am – 2pm
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Course Topics Covered Level
Advanced Corsetry & Contouring Professional corset construction from structure to embellishment
  • Spiral steel, flat steel, and synthetic boning selection and application
  • Contouring for diverse body types: waist reduction, hip emphasis, bust support
  • Lace overlay, eyelet lacing systems, and decorative couture finishing
Advanced
Bridal Wear Construction Full couture bridal gown construction from concept to client delivery
  • Ball gown, A-line, mermaid, column, and empire silhouette construction
  • Lace cutting, placement, and hand-appliqué techniques
  • Built-in cups, petticoats, crinolines, and undergarment architecture
  • Client consultation, fittings, alterations, and final delivery
Advanced
Digital Illustration Producing professional digital fashion illustrations and technical drawings
  • Translating hand sketches into polished digital fashion plates
  • Industry-standard technical flat drawings for production briefs
  • Digital lookbook layout and presentation for client proposals
Advanced
Fashion Business Class The complete business foundation for a sustainable fashion career
  • Pricing: fabric costs, labour, overhead, and profit margin calculation
  • Brand identity: naming, visual identity, and social media positioning
  • Client management: contracts, deposits, revisions, and difficult situations
  • Scaling: staff, wholesale, retail, and online revenue streams
  • Portfolio and lookbook production for attracting high-value clients
Professional
Graduation Showcase Project Producing a signature piece for the HFA Graduation Showcase
  • Developing an original concept and design brief
  • Producing a showcase-quality finished garment independently
  • Presenting work to faculty, alumni, and industry guests
Advanced
5Courses
27+Weeks of instruction
1Graduation showcase piece

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