Apparel Design

AAS-T, Certificate

Apparel Design & Services is a full-time, six-quarter program offering an associate of applied science degree. Courses in this program are carefully designed to prepare the student for employment in the garment industry. These courses focus on the technical aspects of apparel manufacturing such as ready-to-wear and custom construction techniques, several approaches to production patternmaking, and pattern grading. The program also includes courses in computers, design, color and textiles, alterations, and contemporary tailoring. Eight credits of supervised work experience in the industry are required for completion of the program. Enrollment in a single course is possible with the permission of the faculty.

Career Opportunities

A student successfully completing this program will have the skills necessary for entry-level positions such as assistant designer, product development technician, stylist, patternmaker, pattern grader, sample maker, technical artist, alterations or custom designer.

Learning Outcomes (AAS-T) (Certificate)

  1. Design: Understand the principles of design and proportion as they apply to garments, and presentation materials.
  2. Communication: Communicate and present verbal, visual and written ideas and information clearly and accurately. Work effectively individually, and collaborate with colleagues and as a member of a team. Be able to think critically and problem solve.
  3. Computer Literacy: Understand various computer applications as they apply to the apparel business including graphics for technical drawings, specification packages, story boards and presentation materials.
  4. Construction: Understand and execute the construction of a variety of garments and apply different techniques and methods using industrial equipment.
  5. Pattern Development: Be able to develop patterns to industry standards for a variety of garments and accessories. Understand the principles of various pattern approaches including drafting, flat pattern, draping and pattern grading.
  6. Development of Garment Specifications: Create accurate specification packages and show clear understanding of specification sheets, markers, sequences of construction and technical drawings.
  7. Textile Development and Design: Understand and identify fabric types and weave structures. Have practical knowledge of how textiles are designed and developed for apparel manufacturing.
  8. Line Development: Design and produce a collection of clothing for presentation at a portfolio show for industry and the general public.
  9. Portfolio/Resume/Presentation: Develop a portfolio, resume and story boards to professional standards.

Information Sessions

Information sessions are conducted each quarter so students interested in this program can meet faculty and learn more about the program. Please call 206 587-3830 for a schedule of information sessions for this program.

Entrance Requirements

  • ASSET test and writing sample. (Eligibility for ENG 101 and MAT 084) ADS 100 or intermediate sewing skills.
  • Before entering this program, students are required to have intermediate sewing skills, including experience with set-in sleeves, collars, waistbands, zippers, cuffs, and knowledge of commercial patterns.
  • We strongly recommend that persons with limited sewing skills or those wanting to update their skills take the ADS 096, ADS 098 and ADS 100 courses to develop intermediate sewing skills before entering the program. ADS 100 or equivalent skills are required to enter the program.
  • Entry into this program is for fall quarter only, however ADS 096, ADS 098 and ADS 100 are offered throughout the year. Check quarterly class schedules for offerings of these courses.

How To Get Started

  • Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
  • After completing the above test(s), students must take the results or copy of their college transcripts to the Communications and Design Division counselor in room BE 3176 to determine eligibility to enter the program. Please call 206 587-3830 for an appointment.
    Counselor: Dale Zeretzke, DZeretzke@sccd.ctc.edu

Estimated Training Costs

Curriculum

1'st QuarterCr
ADS 101 CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR PROFESSIONAL APPS 4
Presents professional garment construction skills, emphasizing accuracy, production of quality garments and samples, and operation of industrial lockstitch and buttonhole techniques.
ADS 111 DESIGN THROUGH FLAT PATTERNMAKING 4
Development of different styles of garments, using flat pattern method. Create patterns by adding design lines, gathers, pleating and pockets. Development of sleeve and color variations.
ADS 139 INTRO. TO APPREL MANUFAC 2
Covers all aspects of production including materials acquisition, production scheduling, product costing, machine processes, and calculating break-even points.
ADS 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE IN APPAREL DESIGN & SERVICES 8
Earn work experience credit in apparel design.
MIC 141 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR APPAREL DESIGNQ 3
Provides a basic understanding of various computer applications, ranging from word processing to graphic manipulation, and their specific use in the field of apparel design. Complete fundamental tasks and learn basic and selected advanced skills in each program.
2'nd QuarterCr
ADS 102 INTERMEDIATE CONSTRUCTION FOR PROFESSIONAL APPS 4
Acquire intermediate construction skills and continue to develop techniques while learning operations on the industrial lockstitch, buttonhole and serger machines. Emphasis on accuracy and speed.
ADS 112 PATTERN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DRAPING 4
Intro to pattern development using draping and the flat pattern method. Learn techniques for draping fabric to create patterns and basic flat pattern manipulations.
ADS 141 TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN I 2
First of 3 courses on basic fiber and fabric information for the apparel industry. Research fibers, fabric characteristics and the history of textiles.
ADS 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE IN APPAREL DESIGN & SERVICES 8
Earn work experience credit in apparel design.
BUS 185 SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 5
Qualifications needed by the small business manager and entrepreneur; planning, organizing and marketing activities; forecasting methods and sources of financial resources; tools for decision-making.
MIC 142 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR APPAREL DESIGN II 3
Build on skills using Macintosh and/or PC computers to develop an understanding of computer procedures, terminology and practical skills related to Apparel Design.
3'rd QuarterCr
ADS 103 MASS MARKET PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES 4
Application of skills learned in ADS 101 and 102. Using industrial production methods, acquire speed while maintaining accuracy. Make several garments incorporating industrial techniques.
ADS 113 DESIGN THROUGH FLAT PATTERNMAKING II 4
Continuation of ADS 111 and 112. Utilize existing pattern blocks to draft new garment designs.
ADS 122 PROFESSIONAL ALTERATIONS AND FITTING I 2
First of a two-part series on professional garment alteration techniques as well as methods for evaluating fit and achieving well fitting garments. Employ business management practices, including recordkeeping and client relations.
ADS 142 TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN II 2
Introduces basic color theory, dye and print technology as it applies Second of 3 courses on basic color theory, dye and print technology asto the apparel industry. it applies to the apparel industry.
ADS 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE IN APPAREL DESIGN & SERVICES 8
Earn work experience credit in apparel design.
PSYC 240 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3
(Formerly PSY 220.) Covers dynamics of organizations and human resources in the workplace: motivational theory, leadership, group processes, organizational theory, participatory management, conflict management and counseling. Primarily for vocational students.
4'th QuarterCr
ADS 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE IN APPAREL DESIGN & SERVICES 8
Earn work experience credit in apparel design.
ADS 205 CONTEMPORARY TAILORING 4
An overview of both contemporary and traditional tailoring methods. Emphasis on accurate cutting, marking, assembling in units and precise sewing.
ADS 215 PATTERNGRADING I 4
Learn to grade patterns up to large sizes, and down to small sizes according to certain specifications and measurements, using the grid and shift method.
ADS 221 PROFESSIONAL ALTERATIONS AND FITTING II 2
Builds on the basic skills acquired in ADS 122 using methods for altering more complex garments.
ADS 227 PATTERN DESIGN FOR READY TO WEAR 4
Design patterns and garments from line drawings. Emphasis on producing patterns with speed and accuracy to apparel industry standards.
ADS 243 TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN III 2
Third of 3 courses. Integrate concepts and skills learned in ADS 141/142 and apply them to the development of surface designs for fabrics and garment silhouettes. Focus on design methodology, textile technology and apparel industry practices.
5'th QuarterCr
ADS 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE IN APPAREL DESIGN & SERVICES 8
Earn work experience credit in apparel design.
ADS 207 ACTIVE WEAR CONSTRUCTION 4
Taken concurrently with ADS 228. Emphasizes construction techniques used in the garment industry. Produce more complex and advanced garments made from patterns developed in ADS 228.
ADS 226 INTERMEDIATE PATTERN GRADING 4
Application of knowledge and skills acquired in ADS 215 to more complex and difficult patterns. Intro to computerized pattern grading.
ADS 228 PATTERN DESIGN FOR ACTIVE SPORTSWEAR 4
Taken concurrently with ADS 207. Design patterns using industry standards from samples and sketches Emphasis on patternmaking for active sportswear and outerwear.
ADS 229 DESIGN-A-LINE 2
Explore different elements of designing a line of clothing to industry standards. Intro to illustration and drawing techniques. Develop boards for line presentations. Design a line for production in ADS 250.
6'th QuarterCr
ADS 197 * WORK EXPERIENCE IN APPAREL DESIGN & SERVICES 8
Earn work experience credit in apparel design.
ADS 230 PORTFOLIO AND RESUME DEVELOPMENT 4
Produce a professional portfolio and resume. Learn job search and interviewing strategies. Prereqs: ADS 197, 207, 226, 228, 229.
ADS 240 COMPUTERIZED PATTERN GRADING 3
Grade patterns using computer-aided design technology and the principles learned in ADS 215 and 226.
ADS 250 FINAL LINE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT 8
Produce the line of clothing designed in ADS 229. Includes pattern development, sample construction, building final garments and producing specification packages. Create a display of this collection and collaboratively produce the Apparel Design Portfolio show where the collections are viewed by industry professionals and the public. Prereqs: ADS 197, 207, 226, 228, and 229.
ADS 298 SPECIAL TOPICS IN APPAREL DESIGN AND SERVICES 5
Seminar on selected topics in Apparel Design. For students who wish to upgrade their skill in an area related to but not offered as part of the regular ADS curriculum.
Additional ADS CoursesCr
ADS 096 INTRODUCTION TO APPAREL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION I 2
For the novice who has little or no sewing experience and is considering entry into the Apparel Design Program. Through construction of a simple garment and samples, learn sewing terms, understand and work with patterns, layout and cutting techniques, industrial sewing machines and more.
ADS 098 BEGINNING SEWING 2
For the intermediate beginner or those wishing to update their sewing skills. Use industrial sewing and pressing equipment to complete more complex sewing technique samples and a sample garment. Excellent preparation for those considering entry into the Apparel Design and Services Program.
ADS 100 INTRODUCTION TO APPAREL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION 2
For the advanced beginner or those wishing to update their sewing skills. Use industrial sewing and pressing equipment to complete a more complex sewing sample and sample garment.
ADS 298 SPECIAL TOPICS IN APPAREL DESIGN AND SERVICES 5
Seminar on selected topics in Apparel Design. For students who wish to upgrade their skill in an area related to but not offered as part of the regular ADS curriculum.
Total Credits = 155

* Credits are accumulated during the 2-year program

Related instruction courses are those offered in areas related to the student's major area of study. In Apparel Design these have been incorporated into the existing curriculum. Students having prior education, which may apply to the curriculum, should make an appointment with the counselor to determine if their prior education will substitute for these courses.

For Further Information:

Apparel Design & Services
Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts Division
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE3176
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 587-3830
FAX: (206) 516-3130