Fashion Design Classes for Kids, Ages 9-13

The Construction & Design Lab is the highest level of technical study within the Sew Dandelions youngest sewer/designer program.

Students move beyond project-based sewing into structured, fashion-focused training that reflects the early foundations of design education at higher institutions.

Curriculum Includes:

• Advanced garment construction

• Professional seam finishes & closures

• Structural shaping (darts, bias, fit logic)

• Introductory draping techniques

• Fashion illustration as design communication

• Production concepts: sampling, revisions, workflow

Students are expected to work independently, think critically, and execute with precision.

Each 90-minute session includes:
• 45-60 minutes of technical instruction
• 30-45 minutes of studio development (project)

The Construction & Design Lab is designed as ongoing technical training.

Enrollment Options

• 10 Sessions
  $840
  $84 per session
  Savings of approximately 25% compared to private lessons

• 20 Sessions (30 hours)
  $1,550
  $77.50 per session
  Savings of approximately 31%

• 30 Sessions (45 hours)
  $2,160
  $72 per session
  Best Value for students participating weekly
  Savings of approximately 36%

• Offered 2–3 times weekly. Registration required per session.

Each week introduces new concepts, techniques, and areas of study, allowing students to build knowledge gradually through repeated exposure and practice—similar to the step-by-step learning approach used in Montessori and Suzuki-style education.

Students may join at any point once accepted into the program.

Consistent participation is strongly encouraged, as technical proficiency develops through repetition and long-term practice.

Enrollment Options: 10-Class Package, 20-Class Package, 30-Class Package - Offered 2–3 times weekly. Registration required per session.

Purchased sessions are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

The Construction & Design Lab is reserved for students who have completed the Sew Dandelions foundational sewing sequence, and have surpassed 25 hours of supervised sewing.

Students must have successfully completed:

• Intro to Sewing

• Sewing 1

• Sewing 2

• Sewing 3

• Sewing 4

• Sewing 5

Because this is an advanced, highly independent studio environment, students are expected to arrive with strong machine skills, construction knowledge, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

At this level, students should have access to a sewing machine at home and a workspace where they can work with fabric between classes.

Placement is by instructor approval.

The Construction & Design Lab introduces students to the technical foundations of fashion design, including:

• garment construction

• structural techniques

• introductory draping

• fashion illustration.

Students begin to understand how designers develop ideas, build samples, and move a design from concept to finished garment.

Occasional conversations with working designers and industry professionals may also be incorporated, offering students a glimpse into the broader fashion world.

This program is not about perfection. Students will not leave as tailors, illustrators, or master drapers. These are foundational steps—skills and ideas that take years to refine. The goal is to introduce the discipline, language, and creative thinking that form the long-term practice of fashion design.

Rather than focusing on finished projects, the emphasis is on process and technique.

This program is designed for students who are already confident and independent at the sewing machine.

Students should be comfortable:

• Operating a sewing machine without assistance

• Following multi-step construction instructions

• Understanding seam allowance and basic garment structure

• Working independently for extended periods of time

• Managing tools, fabric, and materials responsibly

Students in this lab are expected to think through (age-appropriate) construction problems, experiment with solutions, and work with increasing independence.

If you’re unsure whether your child is ready, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help guide you to the right next step.