Diploma in Professional Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings

Who should do this course?

• Would you like to make your own soft furnishings for your home?
• Have you already made curtains successfully for your own home and for family and friends?
• Do they often suggest that you start your own business?
• Would you like to start your own business but you need a professional qualification?
• Would your existing business benefit from more professional techniques and know-how?
• Would you like to use this course as an entry onto the Foundation Degree (FdA) in Interior Design?

Home Study - everyone is different. The average study time is 20 hours per month to complete the course in 6 months. However, some students finish the course earlier and some take the maximum study time of 15 months.

You can enrol at any time and set your own start date.

Assessment

There is no exam! Your tutor will assess your assignments and your portfolio is moderated by the Open College Network (OCN).

After my course

Once you have completed our NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Professional Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings, you are guaranteed a place on our Foundation Degree (FdA) in Interior Design (after a two day conversion course*); validated and awarded by our partner, Staffordshire University. This is delivered online by our Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) where you can access the course which contains thousands oflinks to interior design information, meet new friends and keep in touch through the Student Forum. You'll receive regular updates on the latest trends and exhibitions. Alternatively, you can become a freelance Interior Design Consultant or work in a related industry such as kitchen design, soft furnishings or design retailer.

* This is a 2 day (each of the days can be taken individually) course providing the extra drawing skills you will require for the Foundation Degree (FdA). The course is run specifically for each students individual requirements.

Course details
Setting up a Workroom

How to set up your own workroom with professional equipment.

Measuring & Design

Plan a soft furnishings project from accurate measuring to completion. Discover the many different styles of windows. Learn the 5 stages of designing a window treatment and how to choose the type of fabric to suit the treatment. How to visualise your design through a coloured drawing. How to create professional sample and mood boards. Learn the theory of colour, what works and what doesn't and the psychological effects of colour.

Construction Techniques

Starting with the basics of identifying fabrics, calculating fabric quantities, pattern matching, piping and how to make a basic lined curtain. You will learn how to construct beautiful hand finished pencil pleat and interlined curtains along with tie-backs, three types of valance (triple, cut-away goblet and box pleat), two types of blinds (Roman and London), a cushion with a zip closure, a padded hard pelmet and finally, create swags and tails. Step-by-step instructions and pictures are provided throughout.

Fitting

Instructions are included on how to fit curtains and blinds. The importance of dressing curtains to ensure they sit and fold back correctly.

Business Advice

How to open trade accounts with names and address of relevant suppliers. We provide you with templates for contracts, letters, invoices and quotations. How to keep accurate records and how to keep up-to-date with the latest ideas and trends. An introduction to advertising and marketing.

Essential Equipment

• access to a sewing machine with a piping foot
• small quantities of fabrics and basic quality lining
• small quantities of wadding and interlining
• small piece of hardboard
• assorted haberdashery e.g. curtain weights, small brass or plastic rings, curtain heading tape, etc.