Program Overview

University Programs

The university offers a range of programs in various fields, including fashion and interior design.

Fashion Programs

• Fashion Diplomas: The university offers a Fashion Design & Creative Arts diploma and a Fashion Design Core 4 diploma.
• Fashion Certificates: The university offers certificates in Fashion Design & Illustration, Pattern Making & Assembling Technique, Couture Pattern Making, Technical Pattern Making, Gerber Pattern Making & Grading, 3D Apparel Design & Integration, and Basic Costuming for Film & Television.
• Fashion Business: The university offers a Global Fashion Marketing diploma and courses in Styling & Marketing for Fashion & Lifestyle and Product Development, Sourcing & Manufacturing.

Interior Design Programs

• Interior Design Certificate: The university offers an Interior Design certificate.
• Core 4 Interior Design Diploma: The university offers a Core 4 Interior Design diploma.

Sewing Programs

• Sewing Level 1: This is a beginner-friendly course that teaches essential sewing skills and confidence to start creating with purpose.
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Class size: 8 students (maximum)
  • Teachers: Komal Chharahhan, Liz Gao, Laura Smith
  • Classes start: Monthly
  • Price: $525
• Sewing Level 2: This course builds on the skills learned in Sewing Level 1.
• Sewing Level 3: This course further develops the skills learned in Sewing Level 2.
• Industrial Sewing: This course teaches industrial sewing techniques.

Pattern Making Programs

• Pattern Making Fundamentals: This course teaches the fundamentals of pattern making.
• 2-Week Intensives: The university offers 2-week intensive courses in Sewing, Basic Pattern Making, 2nd Level Pattern Making, Fashion Design & Illustration, Gerber Digital, and Couture Embellishment Program.

Applications

• Adobe Illustrator: The university offers a course in Adobe Illustrator.
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI): The university offers a course in AI.
• AI to Rocket Launch Your Business: The university offers a course that teaches how to use AI to launch a business.

Youth Camps

• Fashion Design & Sewing Camp: The university offers a fashion design and sewing camp for youth.
• MakeUp & Styling Camp: The university offers a makeup and styling camp for youth.

Program Details

Sewing Level 1

Course Description

This course is designed to give students the essential skills and confidence to start creating with purpose. Students will learn to operate a sewing machine, understand garment construction, and master professional techniques.

What You'll Learn

• Sewing machine operation & troubleshooting
• Essential sewing tools & techniques
• Seam finishes, hems, and basic construction
• Fabric handling and pressing
• Real-world tips from experienced fashion professionals

Important Notes

• The instructor will structure the work around the student's skill level, capabilities, and preferred pace.
• All muslin is included.
• Sewing kits and additional fabrics can be purchased at the university at wholesale price.
• Classes of three or fewer students are considered private classes. In this instance, students will complete all assignments as listed but in six, not eight, weeks.

Housekeeping

• Please arrive to class on time.
• If a student is going to miss a class for any reason, please email in advance to let the instructor know. If a student fails to report their absence within 24 hours, the class will be considered a missed session and no make-up class will be provided.
• Students are permitted one make-up class per session, as long as it's taken within the time frame of the course and as long as a spot becomes available during another class.

Project Includes

• Sewing sample book
• Tote bag with lining
• Cushion cover with zipper and piping
• Sweatshirt

Supply List

• Students will receive a welcome email with instructions and materials a week before class starts.
• All materials can be bought from the university or students can bring their own.

Meet Your Professors

Komal Chharahhan

Komal Chharahhan is the founder and creative director of Ginni Gill, an Indo-Canadian fashion designer. Her love for garment making began at the age of 13 when her grandmother introduced her to the world of sewing by making Indian wear for special occasions.

Liz Gao

Liz Gao is a fashion and costume designer with a strong foundation in both creative design and technical garment construction. Her passion for clothing began in childhood, inspired by her grandfather, who used to sew garments for her.

Laura Smith

Laura Smith has been sewing clothing since 2016, when she became interested in historical costuming. In 2023, she received her Fashion Design Creative Arts diploma from the university. Since then, she has been working primarily as a corset maker and designed a couture collection that was part of Vancouver Fashion Week SS 25.