Essential Information
Most sewing classes available are a part of a fashion design program. However, other programs in family/consumer sciences and theater arts also can include sewing classes. Students may opt to complete a single class, or earn an associate's, bachelor's, or even master's degree in a related field such as fashion design. Some programs require that students provide some or all of their own tools and equipment.
Final projects, fashion shows, costume design, and internships, among other work-study opportunities, provide students with the chance to apply their skills before program or course end. Below are some of the largest private non-profit and public schools that offer classes in sewing or garment construction, including program or course overviews and tuition.
Albright College
At Albright College in Reading, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion. Both the fashion design and the costume design tracks of this degree program include classes on garment construction, pattern making and textiles. In these classes, students learn how to determine the characteristics of a fabric and how to tailor in a way that is most appropriate. They are also given an overview of the entire fashion design process to gain a better understanding of how clothing is researched, designed and created.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
A 4-year public university located in Cheyney, this school offers sewing experience as part of its theater program. Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts: Theatre Track can take a costume design course that includes sewing and cutting as part of a larger study of the theories and techniques of theatrical costume. This course is offered by the Humanities & Communications Arts Department and is open to all students at Cheyney University.
Harcum College
Harcum College in Bryn Mawr is a 2-year public school that offers certificate and associate's degree programs. The fashion design associate's degree program includes classes in garment construction, textiles and pattern design. A fashion show that allows students to create their own garments is presented annually, giving students additional practical experience in sewing and garment construction.
Immaculata University
Located in Immaculata, Immaculata University awards associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The school offers both associate's and bachelor's degree programs in fashion merchandising. Two classes in garment construction, as well as courses in pattern making and textiles, are offered as a part of this program. Students who are earning their bachelor's degree and wish to maximize the time spent designing and constructing clothing may pursue a minor in product development, which requires several design and textile classes. Immaculata also offers a 1-week clothing-construction camp designed to help students further their sewing skills.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus
Located in Indiana, Pennsylvania, this school offers a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising program that includes both fundamental and advanced garment construction classes. Students also study textiles in order to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of various fabrics. Additionally, the school's theater department offers a costume workshop in which students can learn to cut, dye, sew and fit costumes for the stage.
Lehigh Carbon Community College
The Schnecksville-based Lehigh Carbon Community College has an Associate in Arts in Fashion Design for students interested in transferring to a 4-year school. Lecture classes combined with studio courses prepare aspiring fashion designers to design and construct wearable pieces of clothing. Some course topics cover making patterns, constructing clothing and draping fashion.
Marywood University
The College of Health and Human Services at Marywood University in Scranton offers an undergraduate textile and apparel management class that includes sewing instruction. This course is offered through the school's family and consumer sciences division. In this class, students learn to read patterns and construct garments and can complete projects for both personal use and service learning.
Moore College of Art and Design
At Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, students in the fashion design bachelor's degree program study pattern making, drawing, textiles and sewing. Students are required to take fashion design studio classes and use sewing machines to construct sample garments. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with studio work, internships and independent study options. Additionally, the school holds an annual fashion show, which gives students practical experience in designing and constructing garments.
Thomas Jefferson University
Situated in Philadelphia, this university offers undergraduate programs in fashion merchandising and fashion design, both of which have sewing components. Those majoring in fashion merchandising are able to choose a career pathway and select two clusters from a list of nine possibilities. Those who wish to gain sewing experience should include the fashion apparel production cluster in their courses. The fashion design program is more heavily concerned with garment construction and also emphasizes design, including pattern making and computer-aided design.
This school also offers master's degree programs in global fashion enterprise, textile design and textile engineering. The classes can give students advanced instruction in the administration and technical aspects of fashion and garment construction.
Temple University
Temple University, located in Philadelphia, is a 4-year public school that has programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels. The Pan-African Studies Community Education Program offers an 8-week basic design and sewing course that emphasizes the use of African and Afro-centric fabrics. This class is limited to 15 students and requires basic sewing skills and a portable sewing machine.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Sewing Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albright College | 4-year, private non-profit; small city | Bachelor of Arts in Fashion | $45,306* |
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | 4-year, public; large suburb | Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts: Theatre Track | $10,533 in-state; $15,799 out-of-state* |
| Harcum College | 2-year, private non-profit; large suburb | Associate of Science in Fashion Design | $24,200* |
| Immaculata University | 4-year, private non-profit; large suburb | Associate of Science in Fashion Merchandising, Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising (Minor in Product Development) | $27,350* |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | 4-year, public; distant town | Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising, Costume Design Class | $12,979 in-state; $18,730 out-of-state* |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | 2-year, public; large suburb | Associate in Arts in Fashion Design | $4,080 in-district; $7,350 in-state; $10,620 out-of-state* |
| Marywood University | 4-year, private non-profit; small city | Course in Apparel and Textile Management | $34,910* |
| Moore College of Art and Design | 4-year, private non-profit; large city | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design | $41,424* |
| Thomas Jefferson University | 4-year, private non-profit; large city | Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Management, Master of Science in Global Fashion Enterprise, Master of Science in Textile Design, Master of Science in Textile Engineering | $40,651* |
| Temple University | 4-year, public; large city | Basic Design and Sewing Class | $16,970 in-state; $29,066 out-of-state* |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics
