Turn fabric into finely finished ladies’ wear from your first stitch to your first client.
| Duration | 3 Months |
| Level | Level 3 (Artisan) |
| Examining Body | TVET-CDACC |
Course Overview
Delight Technical College’s Fashion Design (Dressmaking) programme is a fast-track, hands-on Artisan course built for anyone who wants to master the construction of ladies’ garments in a single term. Based in Nairobi’s CBD on Muindi Mbingu Street, this course is ideal for school leavers, career changers, and aspiring seamstresses who want practical, income-ready skills without a long wait.
Delivered under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework and accredited by TVET-CDACC, the programme blends machine operation fundamentals with garment construction practice, so that every learner leaves able to cut, sew, and finish real ladies’ garments to a professional standard.
Why Choose This Course?
- One of the shortest routes into Kenya’s fashion industry- just 3 months to a recognised Artisan qualification
- Small, hands-on classes with individual attention from experienced tutors
- Flexible study modes: Full-Time, Part-Time/Evening, Weekend Only, or Home Schooling
- Direct progression pathway to Level 4 Certificate and beyond
- Central Nairobi location, opposite Jevanjee Gardens, easily accessible by public transport
Learning Outcomes
- Operate industrial and domestic sewing machines safely and confidently
- Take accurate body measurements for ladies’ garments
- Construct simple ladies’ garments such as skirts, blouses, and dresses
- Read and interpret basic garment patterns
- Apply correct seam, hem, and finishing techniques
- Maintain and troubleshoot basic sewing machine faults
Course Modules (Detailed)
| Module / Unit | Hours | What You’ll Learn |
| Unit 1: Sewing Machine Operations | 50 hours | Introduction to industrial and domestic sewing machines, threading, tension control, straight and curved stitching, machine safety, and routine maintenance. |
| Unit 2: Construction of Simple Ladies’ Garments | 150 hours | Measurement-taking, basic pattern use, cutting, and full construction of foundational ladies’ garments including skirts, blouses, and simple dresses, with an emphasis on neat, market-ready finishing. |
| Unit 3: Introduction to Garment Finishing | included in practicum | Hemming, seam neatening, buttonholes, zip insertion, and pressing techniques that separate amateur work from professional-quality garments. |
Practical Training
This is a workshop-first course. From week one, learners are on real sewing machines, working with real fabric, not just watching demonstrations. Delight’s tailoring workshop is stocked with industrial and domestic machines, cutting tables, and finishing equipment, giving every student enough machine time to build genuine muscle memory. Assessment is continuous and practical, mirroring how a real tailoring workshop or fashion house operates.
Career Opportunities
- Self-employed dressmaker / boutique owner
- Garment construction assistant in a tailoring shop or fashion house
- Made-to-order and alterations specialist
- Entry-level machinist in a garment manufacturing unit
- Foundation for further study toward Fashion Design Technology (Level 4 and above)
Entry Requirements
KCPE certificate or a KCSE certificate of any grade (No prior training is required). Level 3 (Artisan) is designed as the entry point into the trade for school leavers and career changers alike.
Documents Required at Application:
- A copy of your National ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A copy of your KCPE and/or KCSE result slip or certificate (where applicable)
Skills You’ll Gain
Industrial sewing machine operation • Pattern reading and basic drafting • Fabric cutting • Garment construction • Finishing and pressing • Measurement-taking • Basic machine maintenance
Certification
On successful completion of continuous assessment and the end-of-course practical examination, learners are awarded a Level 3 Artisan Certificate in Fashion Design (Dressmaking), accredited by TVET-CDACC and recognised across Kenya’s TVET system. The certificate carries a clear progression pathway to Level 4 Certificate, Level 5 Craft, and Level 6 Diploma qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need any sewing experience to join this course?
A: No. The Fashion Design (Dressmaking) programme is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. Training starts with the basics of machine operation before progressing to garment construction.
Q: Can I study while working or attending school?
A: Yes. Delight offers Part-Time/Evening and Weekend Only study modes, plus a Home Schooling option, so you can train around your existing commitments.
Q: What can I do immediately after completing this course?
A: Many graduates start freelance dressmaking or alterations work right away, while others join a tailoring shop or fashion house as a machinist before progressing to higher-level training.
Q: Is this course recognised nationally?
A: Yes. It is accredited by TVET-CDACC under Kenya’s Competency-Based Education and Training framework, so the certificate is recognised across the country.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Kenya’s creative and technical industries are actively hiring skilled, certified talent and Fashion Design (Dressmaking) at Delight Technical College is your fastest, most practical route to becoming one of them. With hands-on training, experienced tutors, flexible study modes, and a qualification recognised by TVET-CDACC, you’ll graduate ready to work, freelance, or build your own business from day one.
Intake is currently in progress. Visit Delight Technical College on Muindi Mbingu Street, opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi, call or WhatsApp +254 722 533 771 / +254 724 566 088, email [email protected], or apply online at delight.ac.ke to secure your place on the Fashion Design (Dressmaking) programme today.