Dressmaking programs focus on the craft of fashion. A perfectly tailored garment remains the gold standard in fashion design. The most audacious, forward-looking designer will get nowhere without this essential skill. A dressmaking degree trains designers to master the entire process of garment design, from the initial drawing to the sewing.

Fashion design houses prefer to hire dressmakers and tailors with formal training in apparel production and design. Knowledge of fabrics, design principles, and garment construction is crucial. A Dressmaking degree program offers a solid foundation in these skills, with courses in sewing, fashion design, pattern making, textiles, color matching, and more. More advanced training includes coursework in fashion merchandising and marketing. Some programs offer more advanced design courses as well, with training in CAD graphic design applications.

Opportunities for trained dressmakers and tailors should be much stronger in areas of design and couture production. Apparel production is increasingly moving abroad, as foreign producers take advantage of cheap labor markets. Dressmaking specialists can still find production jobs in higher-end fashion houses and in specialty areas such as theatrical costumes and wedding dresses. But generally speaking, the best opportunities will require fashion design savvy as well as technical ability. It's important to find a dressmaking program that offers training in both areas.

According to Salary.com, dressmakers earn between $16,092 and $35,356. Fashion designers typically earn more, with salaries ranging from $28,512 to $60,366.

Dressmaking is an important technical skill for fashion designers. A program that emphasizes both production and design skills should provide the best foundation for a career in this field.

Online Degrees in Dressmaking

Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Dressmaking Degrees Offered:

Dressmaking & Design
Develop your natural talent for Dressmaking and Design with this program. Your customers, neighbors, and friends will respect your skills and admire the clothes you create. Train quickly and conveniently. Learn how to identify fibers and fabrics and care for them; select the right material for a project; mark, cut, and tack fabric for a proper fit; and finish garments and alter patterns.
Dressmaking And Design
Develop your natural talent for Dressmaking and Design with this program. Your customers, neighbors, and friends will respect your skills and admire the clothes you create. Train quickly and conveniently. Learn how to identify fibers and fabrics and care for them; select the right material for a project; mark, cut, and tack fabric for a proper fit; and finish garments and alter patterns.

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Most Requested Programs for Art & Design

If you have decided that a design school career is right for you, the next step is to find an art degree that will suit your needs. You need to think carefully what you want to do in the industry, and what you are best suited to. For more information on online art degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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