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BA fashion design struggling with course

Hi my daughter is in her firsr year of studying fashion design. She didnt do an art foundation and is struggling with the teaching, especially topics like pattern cutting.

She has spoken with the tutors but is still unable to make much progess, so she is very far behind now.

She is dyslexic as well and she just feels she needs to get on wtih it.

Are there any short courses at any uni/college or on line which might help her with the foundations of fashion deisgn that she could do in the holidays or what do you suggest is best ?

It is too late to defer. now and start an art foundation to learn the basics.

Any advice is much appreciated!

Many thankws
Original post by bhatnA
Hi my daughter is in her firsr year of studying fashion design. She didnt do an art foundation and is struggling with the teaching, especially topics like pattern cutting.
She has spoken with the tutors but is still unable to make much progess, so she is very far behind now.
She is dyslexic as well and she just feels she needs to get on wtih it.
Are there any short courses at any uni/college or on line which might help her with the foundations of fashion deisgn that she could do in the holidays or what do you suggest is best ?
It is too late to defer. now and start an art foundation to learn the basics.
Any advice is much appreciated!
Many thankws

Hi there @bhatnA, 😀 I would suggest informing the university about her dyslexia as they might be able to provide extra time for projects as well as receive extra support equipment (eg. laptop and printer...). The best way to improve skills like pattern cutting and sewing would be to keep practicing and studying existing garments 🤗 When I am really struggling with a project, it is always best to consult your tutors first for additional support. Other alternatives would be to read some pattern cutting books, tracing vintage garments as source pieces or watch some online tutorials on youtube like Subtraction Pattern Cutting or 3D Draping ! I am also dyslexic and study fashion, so I understand a little bit on the struggles on learning a new skill. Hope this helps 😀

Zhi En
Kingston Student Rep.
Reply 2
Thankjs so much this is really helpful
Original post by bhatnA
Hi my daughter is in her firsr year of studying fashion design. She didnt do an art foundation and is struggling with the teaching, especially topics like pattern cutting.
She has spoken with the tutors but is still unable to make much progess, so she is very far behind now.
She is dyslexic as well and she just feels she needs to get on wtih it.
Are there any short courses at any uni/college or on line which might help her with the foundations of fashion deisgn that she could do in the holidays or what do you suggest is best ?
It is too late to defer. now and start an art foundation to learn the basics.
Any advice is much appreciated!
Many thankws

Hi @bhatnA

I'm a fashion design student too and I can empathise with the stress of keeping up with pattern cutting!

I started my degree with very little knowledge about pattern cutting and it was initially overwhelming at times. But with some time and patience, it will start to become more natural and your daughter will become more confident. I'm in my final year now and still have to look things up or will even draft patterns completely wrong, but that's okay because I'm still learning, so try to reassure her that it's okay not to know everything straight away.

And definitely see if there is any additional support available at the uni for students with Dyslexia. Even if extra time is available, it may help ease a bit of stress from an upcoming deadline.

Like Zhi En mentions Subtraction pattern cutting, there are lots of creative cutting methods that don't always align with traditional pattern cutting methods. I understand that certain uni projects may require certain things to be studied for that particular project, but if your daughter has the opportunity to look at non-traditional methods of developing patterns, I'd definitely recommend it! Even draping fabric directly onto a mannequin and then tracing pattern pieces from the fabric (almost like working backwards from the fabric back to paper) is a valid way to develop patterns. So just because one method is perhaps not working out so well now, doesn't mean there isn't something better suited for your daughter to try.

There may be some online courses that could be useful to have a look at - like Team's calls/classes or online projects to complete. One thing that really helped me to understand patterns better was to make clothing in my spare time. I would find patterns second hand or online and would find some second hand fabric - like duvet covers - and have a go at the pattern. Best case scenario, I'd have a new piece of clothing! And worst case, I could look at where I was going wrong and it wouldn't matter as it was only for practice.

It really is about consistent practice and a slow and steady approach to improve. But it is 100% achievable.

All the best.🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

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