Custom Dressmaking/Small Business Oriented Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

The Custom Dressmaking/Small Business Oriented Certificate of Achievement program at Cañada College equips students with the skills and knowledge to launch their own fashion businesses or pursue careers in the apparel design industry. Through comprehensive coursework in sketching, fabric selection, sewing, draping, and pattern making, students develop industry-standard techniques. The program also includes business skills training, enabling graduates to navigate the fashion industry and establish successful ventures.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Custom Dressmaking/Small Business Oriented Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to start their own business or find employment in the apparel design industry. The program offers a comprehensive introduction to apparel design and manufacturing, covering essential techniques in sketching, fabric selection, sewing, draping, and pattern making. Students will also develop business skills through an entrepreneurship course and learn how to write a business plan.

Objectives:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Communicate design concepts clearly and concisely (i.e., visual, oral, and written).
• Develop competitive industry-standard skills in the respective fields.
• Understand the elements and principles of design through discipline-specific implementation.

Program Description:

The fashion design department at Cañada College provides students with a thorough introduction to apparel design and manufacturing. Students are prepared to find employment in an apparel design firm or to start their own business. They will develop essential skills and techniques in sketching, fabric selection, sewing, draping, and pattern making. Business skills are learned through an entrepreneurship course, and students learn to write a business plan. The fashion industry is vast and diverse with many creative, rewarding opportunities in ready-to-wear or high fashion design. An AS degree and certificate program are offered.

Outline:

Core Courses (31 units):

• BUS.
150 Entrepreneurship: Small Business Management (3 units)
• FASH 100 Principles of Design (3 units)
• FASH 111 Techniques of Fit (3 units)
• FASH 113 Textiles (3 units)
• FASH 115 Intermediate Clothing Construction (3 units)
• FASH 116 Tailoring (3 units)
• FASH 118 Flat Pattern (3 units)
• FASH 123 Introduction to the Fashion Industry (3 units)
• FASH 162 Advanced Flat Pattern (3 units)
• FASH 168 Fashion Draping (3 units)
• FASH 195 Portfolio Development (1 unit)

Selective Courses (choose a minimum of 3 units):

• FASH 114 Introduction to Italian Fashion (3 units)
• FASH 122 Advanced Tailoring (3 units)
• FASH 132 Trouser Construction (1 unit)
• FASH 133 Copying Ready-to-Wear (1 unit)
• FASH 140 Basic Serging (1 unit)
• FASH 146 Designer Techniques in Sewing (3 units)
• FASH 150 History of Fashion (3 units)
• FASH 164 Fashion Illustration (3 units)
• FASH 167 The Custom Dress Form (1 unit)
• FASH 169 Evening Gown Construction (2 units)
• FASH 170 French Pattern Drafting (2 units)
• FASH 171 Pants Drafting (2 units)
• FASH 172 Bustier (1 unit)
• FASH 672 Cooperative Education: Internship (3 units)

Careers:

The fashion design industry is vast and diverse, with many creative, rewarding opportunities in ready-to-wear or high fashion design. Graduates of the Custom Dressmaking/Small Business Oriented Certificate of Achievement program can find employment in various roles, including:

• Fashion designers
• Clothing manufacturers
• Costume designers
• Fashion stylists
• Fashion educators
• Entrepreneurs