ABOUT THE COURSE
Eleven weeks. A certificate. And the skills to back it up.
The Certificate Program is the most comprehensive course The Altered Thread offers — and the only one that results in an official credential. Over eleven Sundays, Shanti leads a small cohort of six students through the full arc of professional garment construction: pattern drafting, precision fitting, tailoring, couture finishing, and a portfolio final garment of your own design. This is not a class where you follow along and complete a set project. It is a structured program where you develop real technical mastery, receive direct professional feedback, and leave with both a finished portfolio piece and a Certificate in Prof
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN & MAKE
Skills, techniques, and finished projects.
SKILLS COVERED
Advanced pattern drafting and grading from personal measurements
Professional garment construction and precision fitting techniques
Tailoring methods for structured woven garments
Couture finishing: hand-stitched hems, bound buttonholes, and fine linings
Working with specialty and high-end fabrics: wool, silk, structured interfacing
Fitting a garment on a live body and executing corrections at each stage
Constructing a portfolio-ready final garment from concept through completion
PROJECTS YOU'LL COMPLETE
Tailored jacket or structured blazer
Custom-fit dress or coordinated skirt set
Portfolio final garment of the student's own design and fabric choice
Materials note: All machines are provided. Day-one materials — including drafting paper, basic notions, and muslin for initial fitting work — are included in the tuition. Students are responsible for fashion fabric for the portfolio final garment. A comprehensive materials and fabric sourcing guide is provided at enrollment.
STUDENT POLICY
What you need to know before enrolling.
01
Registration & Payment
Course fees are non-refundable once the program begins. Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to the start date are eligible for a full refund. Two payment options are available: pay in full at $1,595 (saving $100) or a 3-payment plan at $565 per month. Contact us before enrolling to arrange the payment plan. Prerequisite: Sewing 102 or a demonstrated intermediate level of garment construction experience. If you are unsure whether your background qualifies, contact us before registering and Shanti will assess your readiness directly.
02
Attendance
This is a certificate-bearing program — attendance is taken seriously. Each session introduces technical content and hands-on construction work that cannot be replicated outside the studio. Consistent attendance across all eleven sessions is required to receive the certificate. We cannot offer makeup sessions for missed classes. If an emergency arises, contact the instructor immediately. Students who miss more than two sessions may not be eligible for certification and will be advised individually on next steps.
03
Materials & Equipment
All industrial sewing machines and studio equipment are provided. Day-one materials are included in the tuition — you will have everything you need to begin on the first session. Students are responsible for sourcing fashion fabric for portfolio projects. A detailed fabric guide — including recommended textile types, approved New York area sources, and estimated yardage per project — is provided upon enrollment. Bring all portfolio fabrics to the instructor for review before cutting begins.
04
Studio Safety
You will be working on professional-grade industrial equipment throughout the program, including tools used for tailoring and couture construction. All students must follow the step-by-step safety guidance provided by the instructor at all times. A standard liability waiver is signed at the first session.