Dressmaking and Design

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

• Instruction Set 1
  • Learning Strategies
    • The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
  • Introduction to Sewing
    • The art of sewing; introduction to tools and equipment; temporary and permanent stitches; creating the most common seams; taking measurements; purchasing and preparing patterns; making simple pattern alterations.
  • Learning Aid: Binder
  
  
• Instruction Set 2
  • The Sewing Machine
    • Types of sewing machines and machine attachments; threading machines; making stitches; setting machine timing and tension; sewing machine care; cleaning and lubrication; removing burrs; troubleshooting.
  • Practical Exercise 1
  
  
• Instruction Set 3
  • Fibers and Fabrics
    • Identifying fibers and fabrics; choosing the right fabric; working and handling fabrics; properly caring for fabrics and treating stains.
  • Basic Dressmaking Processes
    • Selecting materials for a garment; marking and cutting fabric; tacking for proper fit; shaping, interfacing, binding, seams, and hems.
  • Practical Exercise 2
  
  
• Instruction Set 4
  • Decorative Features
    • Introduction to common decorative features; preparing neckline, skirt and sleeve openings; installing zippers; constructing and attaching cuffs and collars; attaching fasteners.
  • Advanced Dressmaking Techniques
    • Finishing corners, points, and curved edges; forming pleats; making coats, jackets, trousers; working with linings, shoulder pads, and boning.
  • Practical Exercise 3
  • Learning Aid: Pattern
  
  
• Instruction Set 5
• Line and Design in Fashion
  • Line, color, texture, and detail; types of line; principles of design: balance, proportion and scale, rhythm, emphasis, and unit; creating optical illusions.
• Miscellaneous Garments
  • Construction of non-standard garments: maternity wear, infants and children, nightwear, underwear; working with lace trim.
• Practical Exercise 4
• Supplement: Always in Style


• Instruction Set 6
  • Embroidery
    • Embroidery tools and materials; handworking embroidery stitches; machine embroidery; smocking and quilting.
  • Garment Decoration
    • Applying garment-decorating techniques: ruffles, fringe, tassels, beading, sequins; belts and belt loops; custom fasteners.
  • Pattern Alteration
    • Making major pattern alterations for shoulders, armholes, bust size, sleeves, skirts, and pants.
  • Practical Exercise 5
  • Equipment: Patterns
  
  
• Instruction Set 7
  • Alterations and Fitting
    • Altering and fitting necklines, including altering necklines, armholes, and sleeves; raising or lowering a waistline; eliminating wrinkles and bulges.
  • Drafting Patterns from Basic Patterns
    • Constructing the basic pattern; designing the bodice, neckline, collar, sleeve, and skirt.
  • Designing by Draping
    • Principles of draping; using and customizing a dress form; creating original clothing designs.
  • Practical Exercise 6
  • Final Project
  • Supplements:
  • Dressmaking Glossary
  • Sewing as a Home Business
  • Sewing with Sergers
  • Sewing Tips & Trade Secrets

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.