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PFWA Academy
Designer Pathway
Learn design + construction, build a collection, and launch a client-ready brand that can book paid work.
Youth, Adult & Emerging Designers
Beginner-friendly with advanced options available. Whether you've never threaded a needle or you're ready to sell your first line — there's a level for you.
Multiple ways to get started based on your pace and goals:
Cohort
Stitch & Sew — 8-week structured course
Workshops
Pattern making, fitting, and business bootcamps
Mentorship
Paired with working designers for guidance
Showcase
Fashion Week designer showcase participation
What You'll Learn
Core skills taught across all Designer Pathway programs:
1
Design Principles
Silhouette, balance, color theory, and fabric behavior
2
Sewing Fundamentals + Garment Construction
Hand stitching, machine sewing, and building complete garments from scratch
3
Measurement, Fit & Alterations
Taking precise measurements, achieving proper fit, and adjusting existing garments
4
Pattern Basics
Reading commercial patterns, modifying for fit, and intro to pattern drafting
5
Fabric Selection + Sourcing
Choosing the right fabrics, budgeting materials, and quality sourcing on any budget
6
Collection Planning
Theme development, cohesion across looks, determining look count, and storytelling through design
7
Technical Skills
Seam finishes, zippers, hems, lining, closures, and clean construction techniques
8
Client Workflow
Consultations, fittings, timelines, and managing client expectations professionally
9
Pricing + Profit
Costing materials, calculating labor, setting markups, and knowing your worth
10
Brand Presentation
Lookbook creation, product photography, and runway readiness for showing your work
View Stitch & Sew Classes
What You'll Build
Your platform-building deliverables — real assets for your brand:
Designer Profile in App
Bio, specialty, services, and contact — visible to clients
Portfolio Gallery
5-15 finished pieces over time, published on your PFWA profile
Mini Collection or Capsule
3-8 cohesive looks that tell your design story
Lookbook + Line Sheet
PDF lookbook for clients; optional line sheet for wholesale
Commission Menu
Your services: alterations, custom pieces, styling packages with pricing
Pricing Sheet
Starting rates and turnaround times for each service you offer
Client Intake Form
Measurements, style preferences, timeline, and project scope
Brand Kit
Logo, color palette, tagline, and basic brand identity
Build Your Portfolio
Pathway Levels
Pick your starting point — every level builds toward getting paid:
1
Foundations
New Designers
Sewing basics + intro garment construction
First finished pieces (skirt, top, or simple dress)
Outcome: You can sew a complete garment from a pattern and understand basic construction.
2
Collection Builder
Portfolio Growth
Pattern skills + fitting techniques
Cohesive capsule collection (3-5 looks)
Outcome: You have a mini collection, a portfolio, and the skills to create custom work.
3
Brand & Business
Booked & Paid
Client workflow + pricing + contracts
Selling, marketing, and building repeat customers
Outcome: You are a working designer — taking commissions, pricing confidently, and building a client base.
Register for Your Level
Requirements + Policies
Required
Signed participation agreement
Code of conduct acknowledgment
Attendance policy (80% minimum for cohort completion)
Policies
All custom commissions require a non-refundable deposit (minimum 50%) before work begins
Cancellation must be communicated at least 48 hours before any fitting or deadline
Clear communication expectations — respond to clients within 48 hours
Minors (under 18) must have parent/guardian co-sign all commission contracts
Respectful, inclusive work environment — PFWA welcomes all body types, identities, and backgrounds
Designers retain ownership of their original designs — PFWA does not claim intellectual property
Designer Standards
Professional expectations for every project and client.
Deliver on time — communicate early if timelines shift
Always collect a deposit + signed contract before starting
Respond to client messages within 48 hours
Provide at least one fitting before final delivery
Be transparent about pricing — no surprise charges
What You Can Charge
Rates vary by complexity, materials, and experience. Here's a starting guide:
Beginner
$50 – $200
Simple alterations, basic custom pieces, styling sessions
Intermediate
$200 – $800
Custom garments, small collections, event costumes
Advanced
$800 – $3,000+
Bridal, couture pieces, production runs, full collections
Designer Services
What clients can hire you for:
Custom Garments
Prom, formalwear, streetwear, special occasion — designed and built to order
Alterations + Tailoring
Hemming, taking in/out, restyling, and repair work
Styling + Wardrobe Consulting
Personal styling, closet edits, and outfit planning (optional service)
Costume Design
Performance, theater, events, and creative costuming
Small-Batch Production
Limited runs of 5-25 pieces for brands or boutiques
Upcycling / Redesign
Transform thrifted or existing garments into something new
Bridal
Wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and bridal party attire (if applicable)
Browse the Marketplace
How to Get Paid
Your path from studio to paycheck:
1
Set Your Services + Starting Prices
Define what you offer and your rates for each service
2
Publish Your Portfolio + Turnaround Times
Show your work and let clients know your availability
3
Accept Commission Requests
Receive and review client requests through the app
4
Collect Deposit + Contract
Secure a deposit and sign a contract before starting any work
5
Track Fittings, Deliverables & Final Payment
Manage the project from first fitting to final handoff
6
Get Reviews + Build Repeat Clients
Earn reviews, referrals, and a loyal customer base
Create Your Designer Profile
Program Options
Choose your entry point and register:
Stitch & Sew — Adults
$300 — 10-week sewing + construction course (15+)
Register
Stitch & Sew — Youth
$150 — 10-week course (14 & under)
Register
Pattern Making Workshop
Hands-on pattern reading, modification, and drafting
Coming Soon
Collection Building Lab
Plan and create a 3-8 look capsule collection
Coming Soon
Designer Business Bootcamp
Pricing, contracts, client workflow, and marketing
Coming Soon
Fashion Week Designer Showcase
Show your collection at Peoria Fashion Week 2026
Register
Classes in This Track
4 classes — $300 total
1
Stitch & Sew — Adults
Sewing Fundamentals (Ages 15+)
$300
10 weeks · Ages 15+
2
Collection Planning
From Concept to Collection
Dates & times TBD
3
Fitting Techniques
Perfect the Fit
Dates & times TBD
4
Fashion Sales
Sell Your Designs
Dates & times TBD
Ready to Launch Your Design Career?
From first stitch to first sale — your design journey starts here. Register today and build a brand that gets paid.
Register Now
Fashion Week Showcase
Questions? Email thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com
PEORIA Fashion Week
April 2-4, 2026 Four Points by Sheraton 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
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