Dressmaking is a valuable skill to possess. Knowing how to make clothing and make it fit perfectly is not only useful for dressing family members, but it is also a money-making skill that any aspiring custom tailor or seamstress should possess. Taking a variety of dressmaking classes is one of the best ways to learn this skill.
Dressmaking classes should be chosen based on the needs and desires of the student. A top-dollar school is not required for someone who wants to make clothing for herself or become a dressmaker in her community, and it may even be a waste of money. When it comes time to apply for a job in the fashion and design industry, however, the extra knowledge gained from a higher degree and the prestige associated with a well-known dressmaking school’s name may make all the difference. Good dressmaking courses should cover the same topics, such as how to choose the right fabric, drape it over the customer, and create custom patterns and dresses that are tailored to the client’s needs and desires. Alterations are also a valuable skill to have, and many dressmaking schools will teach it first.
Courses in dressmaking should also be chosen based on the student’s prior knowledge. If the student has never sewn before, a course that covers both the fundamentals and more advanced topics is ideal. A more advanced class will be more useful if a student has more experience. Before enrolling in a course, prospective students should speak with the instructor to learn more about what will be covered.
Basic sewing skills, how to choose proper dressmaking fabric, how to drape the fabric over dressmaking dummies to discover the fabric’s properties, and how to create a proper dressmaking pattern from scratch are some of the concepts that a student of dressmaking courses can expect to encounter. Students should expect to learn about couture finishing techniques as well as a variety of dressmaking supplies, including the Serger-style sewing machine.
Dressmaking courses are offered as part of a larger degree program at many colleges and universities that offer fashion design programs. Courses may be offered independently community and trade schools as part of a certificate or work skills program. Speaking with local dressmakers and learning where they learned their skills can also be beneficial to potential students. Online dressmaking courses are not recommended unless the student already has all of the necessary advanced supplies and equipment and is very familiar with basic sewing concepts.