Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Dressmaking and Alterations Option

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The certificate in Dressmaking and Alteration prepares students for employment in the alterations department of department stores or for the operation of their own business in dressmaking, tailoring, and alterations. 

Apply their creative abilities to support their future design careers.

Create garments utilizing various techniques related to drafting, draping, and constructing garments.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

9 units
FDM 105A
Beginning Sewing
Apparel garment construction techniques including seam finishes, edge finishes, manipulating garment fullness, and applying closures. Students will construct three full-sized garments and a compilation of construction techniques. Students will conduct and document garment fittings, alter patterns, and apply fitting alterations to the sewn projects.
    FDM 109
    Flat Pattern Techniques
    Students learn to pattern draft garments using 3D software and also export their patterns to paper to be cut and sewn into fabric samples. Includes development of the basic body sloper, collars, necklines, skirts, waistlines, sleeves, panels, and yokes. POM (Point of Measurement) specifications are discussed in relation to both pattern development and finished garments.
      FDM 111A
      Fashion Illustration Techniques
      Application of the basic techniques of drawing fashion and garment flat trade sketches, graphic art prints, and all-over repeat tile prints. Emphasis on current fashion industry design software Adobe Illustrator with some Photoshop and 3D software. Pencils, markers, and watercolors are also incorporated.
      *Fall Course Only

        Second Semester

        12 units
        FDM 052
        Knit and Swim Suit Sewing
        Construction techniques to sew lingerie, bathing suits, athletic attire, and knit t-shirts. Emphasis is placed on serger and cover-stitch machine operation, fitting issues, and garment specification measurement techniques as related to knit garments for domestic and offshore production.
        *Spring / Summer Course Only
          FDM 105B
          Intermediate Sewing
          Follow-up of Fashion Design Merchandising 105A, Beginning Sewing. Coordination of woven fabrics and pattern fitting in construction of class projects such as pants, dress shirts, and unlined jackets. Includes intermediate sewing technique samples such as tailored plackets, various fly zipper applications, bound buttonholes, and welt pockets.
          • Recommended Preparation: FDM 105A - Recommended preparation includes being able to name and sew a minimum of six different types of seams and hems without having to look them up or completion of Fashion Design Merchandising 105A, Beginning Sewing.
          FDM 112
          Intermediate Flat Pattern Making
          A continuation of FDM 109 Flat Pattern Techniques, this course covers intermediate pattern drafting techniques not covered in FDM 109. Students learn to draft patterns for garments using 3D software and also export their patterns to paper to be cut and sewn into fabric samples. Includes development of patterns for various pants (culotte, trouser, slack, dungarees/overalls) and a tailored jacket. Other drafting techniques include various plackets, bias cut dresses, inserted and accordion pockets, various sleeve shapes, kimonos, dolmens, drop shoulders. POM (Point of Measurement) specifications are discussed in relation to both pattern development and finished garments.
          • Prerequisite: FDM 109
          FDM 113
          Fashion Draping
          Basic techniques of draping flat fabric into three dimensional garment styles on the dress form to create first patterns. Students are required to sew their sample garments.
          *Spring Course Only
          • Corequisite (Previous or Concurrent): FDM 105A

          Third Semester

          8 units
          FDM 104
          Textile Fibers and Fabrics
          This course is a study of textile fibers and fabrics, their production/development, environmental impact, selection, use and care of wearing apparel and home furnishings. The course also covers current and future textile production and how appropriate performance characteristics are incorporated into materials and products.
          *Fall Course Only
            FDM 107
            Custom Tailoring
            Advanced sewing students will apply traditional tailoring techniques in completing a lined suit or coat, including hand pad stitching and edge taping.
            *Fall Course Only
              FDM 110
              Corset Construction
              Class covers historical and modern corsets. Students will build a corset from start to finish, including pattern drafting, boning construction, and fitting techniques. Students will also build a bustier dress.
              *Fall Course Only
              • Recommended Preparation: FDM 105A - Recommended to have basic sewing skills before taking this course.

              Fourth Semester

              6 units
              FDM 106
              Couture Sewing
              Couture clothing construction techniques appropriate for creating custom garments. Emphasis is placed on working with designer patterns, complex contemporary fabrics, couture sewing techniques, and embellishment techniques. Embellishment techniques include tambour beading, sequins, and heirloom techniques. Projects include a custom formal occasion garment, an heirloom embellishment, and a collection of hand sewn samples.
              *Spring Course Only
                FDM 212
                Advanced Draping
                Fashion design draping techniques further practiced in designing a four piece collection. Students are required to sew their sample garments.
                *Spring Course Only