Modelism (pattern-making)
Learn pattern-making, assembly, finishing and alteration techniques, and carry out all the steps involved in making a custom-made or mass-produced garment.
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Training location
For all people, regardless of region or country of residence, who can participate 100% in person in Agde
Prerequisites
Brevet des collèges
Sewing basics
Proficiency in french, english, or italian
Accessible to all
Accessible to students with a disability after assessment of their ability to adapt to material and technical constraints
Course overview
The pattern maker creates the patterns designed by the designer. They develop the pattern in different sizes and to measure. An essential link in the design studio, they are the mediators between the original idea and the actual production of the garment. Patternmakers have creative, technical and organizational skills. They know anatomy, and are precise, meticulous and exacting in their work to guarantee production quality.
On the other hand, the seamstress carries out all or part of the assembly and finishing operations for textile items on various sewing machines and by hand, according to the deadline imposed by the customer. Seamstresses need to be self-reliant, efficient, disciplined, precise and meticulous. They can also progress to the position of workshop or production manager, and coordinate a team. Upon completion of your training, you will be able to join a sewing workshop or set up your own design/sewing workshop.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, you will have learned :
- techniques for taking measurements
- to create a custom pattern or one for industrial production
- different sewing and assembly techniques
- to master finishing methods
- touch-up techniques
Outline and content
We have designed a comprehensive training program based on 80% practice and 20% theory, along with a 2-month internship:
Year 1 (510 hrs + internship):
- Pattern-making:
basic pattern drafting
flat pattern drafting (level 1) - Cutting and fabric preparation
- Fitting preparation and garment construction
- Industrial machine sewing
- Hand sewing
- Quality control
- Fashion Intelligence: from trend analysis to go-to-market (AI)
- Graphic design and 3D CAD
- Textile technology
- Project (competition entry)
- Languages
- Company internship (2 to 4 weeks)
Year 2 (510 hrs + internship):
- Pattern-making:
flat pattern drafting (level 2)
draping
3D CAD and grading - Alterations clothing
- History and sociology of fashion
- Languages
- Final pattern-making collection project
- Company internship (4 to 6 weeks)
Registration fees include: enrollment, ESDMI rulers, technical sheets, muslin, mannequin, basic fabric and haberdashery. Feel free to contact us to discuss the various financing options that may be available.
Course access
Entry is possible at any time of the year, following an interview to establish the candidate's profile and needs.
Duration and schedule
Training takes place over a total of 1,020 hours spread over 2 years, excluding school vacations (except for the internship period).
- permanent entry / exit
- small groups
Classes are held during the following hours:
- monday, tuesday, thursday and friday: 9h to 12h and 13h30 to 16h30
Technical resources
Professional sewing workshop equipped with:
- technical platform comprising industrial flatbed stitchers, automatic thread cutters and industrial overlock machines
- semi-industrial machines for a wide range of jobs (coating, collar-binding, buttonhole, hemming, zigzag, triple-feed, chainstitch, embroidery, etc.)
- ironing equipment
- high tables for cutting
- male/female mannequins and one adjustable female mannequin (size 38 to 52)
- technical and pedagogical pattern sheets based on Rosa Addabbo's method (square, parrot, light table, etc.)
- Theory classroom with an interactive screen and video projector
- Haberdashery and fabric room
- Break room
Evaluation methods
At the end of each module, a test of theoretical and practical knowledge will be given and at the end of the practical course, a customized creation will be produced.
Supporting special needs
Our courses are accessible to people with reduced mobility, sensory impairments or any other disability. Please contact us to discuss any possible accommodations if necessary.
Performance indicators
Learner satisfaction rate: 94% | Success rate: 90% | Dropout rate: 5% | Professional integration rate: 85% | Number of trainees: 21 | Data last updated: 27/04/2026