This introductory course lays the foundation for the design process through draping, pattern drafting and construction. Students make basic patterns and proceed with variations to develop pattern making skills and design concepts. Weekly textile seminars introduce students to fibers and yarns, fabric types, properties and uses.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students. 

Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of footwear design and construction based on two different shoe styles: pump/court/slip-on and derby. During that first project you will develop skills for working with a last, pattern making, sewing, construction and finishing techniques. These skills will be applied to a second project of your own choosing and design. You will gain general understanding of the parameters of the last and its correlation to feet and pattern-making. You will gain general understanding of footwear production. From Sketching demo to Spec Specification Sheet Overview to different construction techniques applied. You will acquire a general understanding of footwear construction and terminology. You will learn basic pattern making skills and how to develop your own ideas/styles using the skills acquired. You will acquire skills necessary to work with the tools/machines on hand (knives, sewing machine, lasting pliers etc.) You will develop the skills necessary for constructing basic cemented footwear from start to finish, applying it to different styles. You will learn about materials used in shoemaking, in particular leather, but also alternative materials. For the second half of the semester (final project) you will apply and experiment using techniques/skills learned on a style of your choosing, incorporating your personal skill set to design and build your own unique footwear project (either a pair or two singles).

Elective

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of footwear design and construction based on two different shoe styles: pump/court/slip-on and derby. During that first project you will develop skills for working with a last, pattern making, sewing, construction and finishing techniques. These skills will be applied to a second project of your own choosing and design. You will gain general understanding of the parameters of the last and its correlation to feet and pattern-making. You will gain general understanding of footwear production. From Sketching demo to Spec Specification Sheet Overview to different construction techniques applied. You will acquire a general understanding of footwear construction and terminology. You will learn basic pattern making skills and how to develop your own ideas/styles using the skills acquired. You will acquire skills necessary to work with the tools/machines on hand (knives, sewing machine, lasting pliers etc.) You will develop the skills necessary for constructing basic cemented footwear from start to finish, applying it to different styles. You will learn about materials used in shoemaking, in particular leather, but also alternative materials. For the second half of the semester (final project) you will apply and experiment using techniques/skills learned on a style of your choosing, incorporating your personal skill set to design and build your own unique footwear project (either a pair or two singles).

Elective

This course is intended to introduce basic sewing skills and soft goods construction techniques in
bag making and soft product design. Students will learn how to operate standard industrial sewing
machines and create three-dimensional products from flat patterns. Fabric and notion selection
for product performance will be taught as students learn to prototype and create final models of bags
and soft products. Access to a portable sewing machine is suggested, as the eight industrial
machines will be shared. You will be given some basic sewing supplies, but will need to purchase
additional materials based on your class projects.

Elective

The North American Cowboy Boot is an iconic symbol of cultural individualism and strength of character that bridges design, making, function, and fashion. The boot itself is at heart a functional object, a work tool, whose construction techniques have remained unchanged since the late 1800s. This complex and sophisticated traditional art is kept current largely by artisanal apprenticeships and a patterning template system that circumvents the highly technical footwear pattern making more typical in industry footwear production.

In this course students will measure their own feet, adapt boot lasts to their measurements – the forms around which we build boots - draft/cut/sew uppers, and then join all the components together and sole the boots. This is a complex, labor-intensive hands-on process requiring dedicated attendance and out-of-class work. The result will be a pair of bespoke, one-of-a-kind leather boots individualized to the students’ size and design.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $85.00

Elective

Building on basic techniques taught first semester, students proceed to more complex cuts for bodices, sleeves, skirts and pants through techniques of draping, drafting and construction. One finished garment is required.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students. 

Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design