2025 at pda
Summer Programs
July 7 - July 30, 2025
Intro to Fashion Design
This hands-on program is designed for students who are passionate about fashion, design, and creativity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of fashion design — from sketching and fabric selection to garment construction and presentation.
What you'll learn
in this program
In this 4 week intensive fashion design course, students will learn foundational garment construction, illustration, and pattern making techniques. By the end of the course each student will have completed a variety of fashion illustrations, a sample book of sewing techniques and pants pattern blocks in their size. Ambitious students may also be able to complete a mock-up of their original pants design. No previous sewing, drawing or drafting experience required.
Students will learn to identify the parts of a sewing machine and understand their functions for effective and safe use. Students will also learn how to:
- Wind a bobbin and thread the sewing machine
- Be familiar with foundational sewing techniques including seams, darts, hems, pockets, waistbands and zippers
- Create a sample book of sewing techniques
Students will learn to understand and apply key pattern drafting terminology and techniques to create accurate and well-structured garment patterns. Students will also learn how to:
- Accurately measure for and draft basic pattern blocks
- Label and add seam allowances to patterns
- Execute blending, truing, and equalizing techniques to ensure accurate and professional pattern drafting
- Understand basic pattern manipulation techniques to allow for the design and drafting of custom garments
Students will learn the basics of color theory and how to apply it effectively in design to create visually balanced and appealing spaces.
Meet your
instructor
Jennifer Risk
Instructor
Jennifer Risk is a multi-faceted creative with experience in costume design, draping, pattern drafting and garment assembly. She fell in love with opera as a teenager and worked as a Dresser and Stitcher at Opera Santa Barbara throughout high school, then as First Hand at Portland Opera for 4 years. She has also designed productions for Santa Barbara Revels and Santa Barbara City College.
Course
Information
Glass head pins with pin magnet or cushion,
Set of hand sewing needles,
Seam ripper,
Thread snips, fabric shears,
Craft scissors (any size), medium weight muslin (4 meters),
Soft tape measure, 2”x18”
Clear grid ruler, French or vary form curve,
1 coil zipper (non-separating, 7” or less),
Set of tailors chalk (1 white, 1 blue)
[Thread, fabric and notions for final project – will depend on final project]
*all measuring tools should be in imperial!
- Set of coloured pencils, 2 graphite pencils – 1 soft, 1 hard (4B, 6B or 8B and HB, 2H or 4H),
- A good eraser, a 11x14 mixed media sketchpad, a black Sharpie, a red Sharpie, set of 3 black micron pens, white Posca paint pen (1M or 3M), 1.5”-2” binder, clear plastic sleeves, lined paper for note taking
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Know the parts of the sewing machine and their functions
- Wind a bobbin and thread the sewing machine
- Be familiar with foundational sewing techniques including seams, darts, hems, pockets, waistbands and zippers
- Create a sample book of sewing techniques
- Understand and apply pattern drafting terminology and techniques
- Accurately measure for and draft basic pattern blocks
- Label and add seam allowances to patterns
- Execute blending, truing, and equalizing techniques to ensure accurate and professional pattern drafting
- Understand basic pattern manipulation techniques to allow for the design and drafting of custom garments
- Understand the basic elements and principles of design (balance, line, shape, form, texture etc)
- Understand foundational colour theory
Upcoming classes for 2026:
TBC
Ready to start?
Join our summer programs to learn new skills, connect with others, and explore your creativity.
