The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Leicester is currently training HMP recruit Mohammed as he works towards becoming a stitching / making trainer. With no prior background in the industry, he is now on the Level 1 Award in Fashion and Textiles (Stitching).

To support his learning, Mohammed is receiving hands-on tuition, including tutoring in teddy bear making – a central part of the Bearing Gifts initiative currently underway at HMP Leicester. While sewing is new to Mohammed, his previous career in IT has equipped him with valuable transferable skills. His technical mindset has helped him adapt quickly to tasks such as using sewing machines and following detailed instructions, something FTA is actively supporting by developing easy-to-follow tutorials for the teddy bear-making process.

Under the guidance of Jo Bean at FTA, Mohammed has already achieved several key skills. He has gained an understanding of how to transfer paper patterns onto card for better durability and precision, the importance of grain lines when cutting fabric and how to layer materials correctly, all vital parts of working efficiently and accurately in textiles.

Mohammed is expected to complete his training by mid-November, after which he’ll be ready to share his skills with others in the prison community.

FCFTA (Leicester)

Phoenix House, 2nd Floor,

1 Kings Street,

Leicester LE1 6RN

Tel: 0208 809 3311

Fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com

Tap here to find out more about FCFTA Leicester’s courses