Wilson School of Design

Course Number: FSDP-9046
Course Price: $100 + GST
Upcoming Dates: March 26, In-Person
Course Hours: 9:00am to 3:50pm (includes one hour lunch)
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Designed for students, emerging designers, industry professionals, and curious community members, this intensive course introduces you to the full workflow of 3D printing. Learn how to prepare and optimize files, operate a 3D printer, and experiment with a range of materials through expert-led demonstrations.

With guided studio time, participants will create custom 3D prints, test their own materials, and gain confidence with industry-relevant digital tools. You are welcome to bring a print-ready 3D file of your own or develop one during the course. Foundational skills in Rhino are helpful—but not required—as the course includes an instructor-led introduction to essential software techniques.

This is your opportunity to explore digital fabrication in a supportive, high-tech design environment—and walk away with your own printed creations. 

No advanced experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Course Number: FSDP-9047
Course Price: $100 + GST
Upcoming Dates: March 16, In-Person
Course Hours: 9:00am to 3:50pm (includes one hour lunch)
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Discover the basics of precision cutting and digital making in this hands-on laser cutting workshop. Designed for students, emerging designers, industry professionals, and curious community members, this intensive studio course introduces you to the full workflow of laser cutting. Learn how to prepare files in Adobe Illustrator, operate the laser cutter, and explore how different materials—such as cardboard, wood, acrylic, and textiles—respond to laser processes.

Participants will gain practical experience creating custom cut or engraved designs and are welcome to bring their own ready-to-cut files. With guided demonstrations and instructor support, learners will also test sample materials, experiment with settings, and troubleshoot for optimal results.

Basic familiarity with Adobe Illustrator is recommended. Walk away with new skills, a deeper understanding of digital fabrication, and your own laser-cut creations.

Perfect for beginners—no prior experience required beyond curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Course Number: FSDP-9050
Course Price: $500 + GST
Upcoming Dates: April 9 - June 25, In-Person
Course Hours: 6:00pm to 8:50pm 
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Gain hands-on experience with the specialized machinery used to create today’s technical apparel. In this immersive studio course, learners work directly with industrial equipment—including seam sealers, ultrasonic welders, laser cutters, and heat presses—to explore how technology and construction intersect in modern apparel production.

You’ll practice operating each machine through guided sample-making and technique development before applying your skills to a personal project. Participants may choose to construct technical outerwear pieces, or gear-based accessories such as bags to better understand how these technologies function across multiple product categories.

Personal projects will be selected in consultation with the instructor on the first day of class to ensure they match your goals and experience level. 

Core materials for in-class sampling and technique exploration will be provided. Participants are responsible for supplying fabric, thread, and notions for their personal project. This course is an invaluable introduction to the tools and methods that define today’s technical apparel industry.

Some sewing experience is helpful, but beginners with strong interest in technical apparel will also be supported.

Course Number: FSDP-9048
Course Price: $500 + GST
Upcoming Dates: April 7 - June 23, In-Person
Course Hours: 6:00pm to 8:50pm
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Build confidence and skill in constructing beautifully crafted woven garments. This hands-on course introduces foundational and intermediate sewing techniques used in professional apparel production. Learners will begin by sampling essential methods—such as seams, zipper applications, waistbands, and pocket types—before progressing into full garment construction.

Projects may include classic woven pieces such as a collared shirt or a pair of tailored pants, with techniques covering setting in sleeves, sewing collars, creating button and zipper closures, and achieving clean, professional finishes.

Each participant will select a personal project, which will be reviewed and finalized with the instructor on the first day of the course to ensure it matches your experience level and goals.

Participants are responsible for providing their own fabric, thread, and notions for their chosen project.

Some sewing experience is helpful but not required—your instructor will guide you step by step through each technique

Course Number: FSDP-9049
Course Price: $500 + GST
Upcoming Dates: July 27-31, In-Person
Course Hours: 9:00am to 5:20pm 
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Learn to construct knit apparel using industry-standard specialty machinery, including sergers and coverstitch. Through hands-on practice, participants will develop skills in machine operation and garment construction while completing personal projects such as leggings, athletic tops, sports bras, or swimsuits. Individual project plans will be discussed with the instructor on the first day of class.                                                                                                                                                  
Participants are responsible for providing their own fabric, thread, and notions.

Course Number: FSDP-9030
Course Price: $500 + GST
Upcoming Dates: August 10 - August 14, In-Person
Course Hours: 9:00am to 5:20pm 
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Learn the foundations of pattern drafting and pattern design through hands-on practice with measurement charts, block drafting, and fundamental pattern components. Participants will draft basic garment blocks—starting with standardized measurements and later using their own measurements—to understand how patterns are created from scratch.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore essential pattern elements such as grainlines, notches, labels, darts, pockets, collars, sleeves, waistbands, and techniques for manipulating pattern shapes. While this course does not include garment construction, limited fitting considerations may be discussed to support drafting accuracy.

Paper for patternmaking will be provided. Participants should bring mechanical pencils; drafting rulers will be available to borrow or can be purchased at the KPU Bookstore.

Course Number: FSDP-9053
Course Price: $500 + GST
Upcoming Dates: July 20 - July 24, In-Person
Course Hours: 9:00am to 5:20pm 
Location: Richmond Campus, Wilson Building

Make your own raincoat—designed for life in Raincouver! In this hands-on studio course, students will learn the full process of constructing a custom raincoat using a pre-made commercial pattern. You’ll experiment with sew-free and specialty equipment available on campus while gaining confidence working with waterproof fabrics.

Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore essential rainwear techniques such as seam sealing (by machine and by hand), waterproof finishing methods, and practical sewing “tricks” that help garments perform in wet weather. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how technical rainwear is made—while walking away with your own finished, personalized raincoat, ready for Vancouver’s rainy season.

Participants will choose their fabric, notions, and raincoat style in consultation with the instructor on the first day of class to ensure the project aligns with their skill level and goals.

Supplies for initial sampling and machine demonstrations will be provided. Participants are responsible for purchasing fabric, thread, and notions for their final raincoat. This is the perfect studio experience for anyone who wants to develop apparel construction skills while creating something practical, personal, and perfectly suited to the West Coast climate.

No previous experience with rainwear required. Just a willingness to learn, experiment, and make something you'll truly use.