An Eye For Detail and Accuracy: Dressmaking Degree
Do you find yourself more fascinated by the garments than the actresses in movies or television? Do you ever wish that you could make the dresses worn by actresses or models yourself? If so and you have a lot of creativity flowing through your veins you are the ideal candidate for a dressmaking degree as part of a fashion design program. Although dressmaking requires nothing more than a sewing machine and the ability to follow a pattern, enrolling in a dressmaking course will enable you to fully showcase your creativity and talent. It can also provide you with everything you need to know when it comes to making your passion for dressmaking into a career.
Dressmaking Degree Information
Associate Degree in Fashion Design
With an associate degree in fashion design you will be taught enough about dressmaking to secure at least an entry level position in the design industry. The design and construction of textiles, fundamentals of the color wheel, clothing production techniques, sewing techniques and more are usually included in such a course. If you want to experience working with the latest tools and software used in the field, look for courses that provide training in design labs.
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design
For even more experience and knowledge of the dressmaking industry, a bachelor of arts in fashion design is a good route to take. Advanced design coursework can include topics like clothing design, fashion design, fashion marketing and advanced pattern drafting. While completing this program you’ll also have the opportunity to build up your own portfolio.
Dressmaking Degree FAQs
What Will I Be Taught While Getting A Dressmaking Degree?
Studying dressmaking involves mastering all the fundamental skills first. These can be anything from the identification of fabrics and fibers to selecting the correct materials for projects, marking, cutting and alterations. Over the course of your studies you will be taught how to create elegant garments while still adding your own originality.
What Skills or Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Dressmaker?
To become a successful dressmaker you need to have strong practical skills as well as a passion for fashion and textiles. It is also very important to have a keen eye for detail and because you might regularly have to deal with customers you should be able to always maintain a tactful approach. Being able to take accurate measurements is a must, as is the ability to make proper calculations. Because dressmaking requires the mixing and matching of fabrics, it is a career choice that benefits from having normal color vision. Dressmaking is also a creative industry as you need to be able to think outside of the box to come up with unique designs. Since you can end up working independently, it will be to your advantage if you are very self-motivated.
Can I Really Study Dressmaking Online?
When doing online courses in dressmaking, you are typically provided with all the learning aids and hands-on practical exercises needed to start building your own professional portfolio. To help you master the techniques from your lessons you will also be given access to video libraries where everything is demonstrated. As a final project most courses also require you to create your own garment. Typically, you will have to own your own sewing machine when doing an online course, as well as all the sewing materials that are needed. Some courses require you to save and upload videos of your work, but this can be done with most mobile phones. Of course, basic computing skills are also required to take part in online courses.
What Are My Career Options With A Dressmaker Degree?
Many dress makers choose to be self-employed, which gives them almost full control over their designs. Others opt to work for employers, such as clothing stores, upscale boutiques or large garment manufacturers. Other options include fashion design studios, wedding dress boutiques, large apparel stores and more. Entry level positions also exist in dry cleaning businesses that specialize in alterations, which is a good way to gain experience.
What Garments Will I Be Making As A Dressmaker?
As a dressmaker your primary focus will be designing and sewing dresses, but these are not the only garments that you will be making. Women’s dresses will tend to make up the bulk of your output there is nothing preventing you from also making other types of clothing, such as skirts, blouses or even pants. Depending on where you are employed, you might also choose to specialize in specific areas, such as bridal wear or couture fashion. Unlike tailors, dressmakers tend to not work on heavier items, such as coats or suits.
What Will My Workspace Look Like?
Depending on whether you work for yourself or for a company your workspace will either be a workshop or your own home. Although the majority of your time will be spent working out of your workspace you might also be required to travel in order to visit clients from time to time. Of course, if you really master your craft you could even end up working for a luxury fashion house or couture.
What Will My Duties Be As A Dressmaker?
As a dressmaker you would typically meet with clients to discuss their requirements and providing advice on what would work best for the garments they desire. Once the style and design has been agreed upon, you would then take accurate measurements and create or modify the necessary patterns. These patterns are then used to cut the fabric pieces used for a fitting. After this minor adjustments can be made and the garment sown together. Other duties can include adding intricate work by hand, doing alterations and repair services. The type of duties expected from you will also depend on whether you work for yourself or an employer. If you are self-employed you might also have to do all the accounts and other paperwork as well as advertising yourself.
What Is My Income Potential As A Dressmaker?
The median salary for dressmakers was reported as $34,530 as of May 2019 by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest wages for dressmakers tend to be paid in the state of California.
Other Benefits of Studying Dressmaking
Besides opening up numerous career opportunities, studying dressmaking also enables you to create your own clothes, which is very fulfilling. You will never have to pay other people to make alterations to your clothes either and use your new skills as a way to express your creative side.
