In addition to our certificate, diploma and degree programs, the Wilson School of Design provides relevant, quality educational programming for a variety of learners. Our courses are taught by our qualified faculty and industry professionals. We offer a range of courses, workshops, seminars and programs of study to help you achieve your goals.
We are pleased to offer a full range of courses for Summer 2024. Registration will be available on April 19, 2024 or sooner. Please check back.
Explore Fashion Careers
July 29 – Aug 2, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9003 - Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
There are a wide variety of careers available in the fashion industry. Throughout this course we will explore a variety of skills and knowledge relevant to working in the current industry, and the array of roles. Together we will look at big businesses in a more corporate setting, what working with a smaller company might look like, things to consider when working on a contract, or becoming an entrepreneur. You will hear from guest speakers sharing their lived experiences with many resources and Canadian companies being explored.
How to Naturally Dye Fabric
July 29 – Aug 2, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9017 - Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
Learn the art of working with plants and food to naturally dye fabric. This course will provide participants with a unique and enjoyable exploration of various textile treatments and techniques especially focusing on the use of natural dyes. These techniques will be taught with instructions that make the processes a learning experience not only for the craft itself but also for the history and cultural understanding of these processes and their relevance to the textile work and innovations of today.
Using Industrial Sewing Machines
Aug 6 – 9, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9040 - Cost: $267 + GST
9am to 2:50pm (includes one hour lunch)
Through this course learn how to use a range of industrial sewing machines including straight stitch, sergers, and other specialty machines we have on campus. While learning how to use the machines effectively, an understanding of the basics of threading, thickness of textiles, tension, and troubleshooting will be developed. Activities to support learning about machine capabilities will include sewing samples and small projects that will be discussed in class. This workshop is designed for those interested in working on industrial machines who have little to no experience.
Summer Design Foundation Academy
Aug 6 – 9, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9001 - Cost: $267 + GST
9am to 2:50pm (includes one hour lunch)
Interested in learning more about what designers do? Learn from a range of design educators from the Wilson School of Design and create inspiration materials and illustrations, transform shapes into soft objects, and practice photo manipulation through computer programs like Adobe Photoshop. Each day includes a different design area and projects done at home while working with your instructor. Each student will build a personalized design portfolio and projects that will be valuable for a future in design. No previous experience needed ages 12+.
Working with Knits
Aug 12 – Aug 16, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9004 – Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
Participants will learn pattern drafting and construction techniques for knits. They will construct and prototype knit tops and bottoms from commercial patterns, learning creative finishes for seams, hems, and necklines, while sampling a variety of industrial sewing machines on campus. During group conversations we will explore amounts of stretch, negative ease, and other considerations when working with knit fabrics.
Sewing Dresses
Aug 12 – Aug 16, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9041 – Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
Learn how to sew details and techniques commonly seen in dresses. An overview of basic sewing knowledge relating to grainlines, finishing, and working with woven fabrics will be covered in this course. Depending on student’s sewing experience and areas of interest the following will be explored: facings, necklines, hemming, zippers, and seam types. All in-class sewing will be done on industrial machines, no previous sewing experience is needed.
Adventure Pack Bag Making
Aug 19 – Aug 23, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9038 – Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
Learn the fundamentals of pattern drafting and sewing by working your way through making a tote bag and zippered pouch. Together we will draft patterns for these two bags, discussing pattern drafting basics, and pattern design, and pattern alterations. Once we have patterns to work with, we will move on to sewing both bags covering skills such as selecting and cutting out fabric, working with zippers, linings, seam types and finishes, and much more. Course content will also touch on troubleshooting techniques for pattern drafting and sewing, and tips for building on skills and knowledge covered in the course.
Making Commercial Patterns Fit
Aug 26 – Aug 30, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9039 – Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
Students will learn pattern and design techniques as they manipulate commercial and pre-existing patterns. In this course we will explore pattern drafting basics, sew prototypes, and experiment with fit for different body types. Suitability of fabrics for design decisions will also be discussed.
Developing Your Fashion Portfolio
Aug 26 – Aug 30, In-Person
Richmond Campus, Wilson Building
FSDP 9007 – Cost: $315.70 + GST
9am to 5:20pm (includes one hour lunch)
Students will explore the fashion design process. They will create themes and storyboards, draw simple fashion figures, drape fabrics for garment ideas, and practice drawing using industry standard software such as Adobe Illustrator. No previous experience in drawing is necessary.
Thank you for your interest! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at cpsdesign@kpu.ca