COUTURE MASTER SEWING CLASSES: (BEGINNER: Standard & Intensive)

With Emmy Award–Winning Designer Gustavo Apiti

Sewing and garment-making skills are rapidly declining across Washington State, creating a growing gap in our creative and fashion workforce. In response, Emmy Award–winning fashion designer Gustavo Apiti is giving back to the community by sharing his professional couture expertise to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of skilled makers and designers.

The Couture Master Sewing Classes are professional, hands-on training programs designed for youth and adults who are serious about mastering couture-level sewing, garment construction, fitting, and finishing in an authentic atelier-style environment. The program combines creativity with discipline, craftsmanship, and the real-world techniques used by luxury fashion houses.

In March 2026, we welcomed our first cohort of eight students, all of whom began the program with little to no sewing experience. Through structured instruction, hands-on practice, and personalized mentorship, they made remarkable progress. By the end of the Beginner Program, students had successfully learned essential sewing techniques and were confidently constructing skirts and other garments while developing a strong foundation in couture craftsmanship.

Building on the success of our inaugural class, our vision for 2027 is to expand the program and empower even more youth and adults with valuable sewing and garment-making skills. Our goal is not only to preserve the art of couture but also to create educational and career pathways that strengthen Washington State’s creative economy, encourage entrepreneurship, and equip future generations with lifelong, income-generating skills.

Class Start Dates:

• Beginner Couture Sewing Class: Starts Feb 13th

• Intermediate Couture Sewing Class: Starts May 8th

• Advanced Couture Sewing Class: Starts August 7h

Students may book their upper-level classes in advance by visiting our other class listings on Eventbrite to secure their spot early.

Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 10 students per age group to ensure focused instruction and personalized guidance.

• Group A: Ages 10–17

• Group B: Ages 18 +

Participants

Will Learn:

Sewing machine mastery, Atelier discipline, Precision garment construction, Textile knowledge, Fabric behavior, Body measurements, Proportions, Fit analysis, Couture fitting, Silhouette perfection, Professional alterations, Fittings, Couture hand-finishing techniques, Draping, Patternmaking, Corsetry foundations, Structural garment construction, Bridal couture techniques, Ceremonial garment design, Creation of a runway-ready couture garment, Conceptualization, Design, and Execution of a mini couture collection

This class is ideal for beginners, emerging designers, and creatives seeking to develop strong couture foundations in a supportive, studio-based setting. Hands-on instruction, Small group learning and Certificate of completion included.

The professional rate for couture-level training of this caliber is valued at $80 per hour.

In alignment with our mission to empower both youth and adults in our community, Gustavo Apiti has intentionally reduced the instructional rate to $60 per hour for this program.

BEGINNER ATELIER – Group A: Ages 10–17

Foundation of Couture Craftsmanship

Duration: 10 Weeks

Program Price: $1800

Schedule: 1 Day/Week | 3 Hours/Class

Hours: Sundays 12:00 pm-3:00 pm

Prerequisite: None

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Understand sewing machine operation and safety

• Execute basic hand stitches and seam finishes

• Identify fabrics and understand fabric behavior

• Construct simple garments with accuracy

• Learn atelier etiquette and workflow basics

Core Topics:

• Sewing tools & machine mastery

• Hand stitches & seam finishes

• Fabric grain, cutting & marking

• Basic garment assembly

• Pressing & finishing fundamentals

Projects:

• Sewing samples

• 1–2 beginner garments or accessories

Assessment:

• Skill demonstration

• Project completion

• Instructor feedback

BEGINNER ATELIER – Group B: Ages 18+

Foundation of Couture Craftsmanship

Duration: 10 Weeks

Program Price: $1800

Schedule: 1 Day/Week | 3 Hours/Class

Hours: sundays 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Prerequisite: None

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Understand sewing machine operation and safety

• Execute basic hand stitches and seam finishes

• Identify fabrics and understand fabric behavior

• Construct simple garments with accuracy

• Learn atelier etiquette and workflow basics

Core Topics

• Sewing tools & machine mastery

• Hand stitches & seam finishes

• Fabric grain, cutting & marking

• Basic garment assembly

• Pressing & finishing fundamentals

Projects

• Sewing samples

• 1–2 beginner garments or accessories

Assessment

• Skill demonstration

• Project completion

• Instructor feedback

BEGINNER ATELIER – INTENSIVE (Age: 18+ only)

Professional Couture Foundations – Accelerated & In-Depth

Duration: 10 Weeks

Program Price: $3000

Schedule: 1Days/Week | 5Hours/Class

Hours: Saturdays 9:00am-2:00 pm

Admission: Open (high commitment required)

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Master machines quickly and accurately

• Develop precision sewing at speed

• Understand professional atelier workflow

• Produce garments under deadlines

Advanced Topics

• Industrial & domestic machine mastery

• Couture hand stitches (advanced)

• Fabric grain control & cutting accuracy

• Measurement systems & standards

• Pressing, finishing & productivity

Projects

• 1-2 finished garments

Assessment

• Speed & precision

• Technical consistency

• Professional conduct

N.B.: We understand that work schedules vary. If this schedule doesn’t fit your availability, please reach out to us. We’ll be happy to discuss possible scheduling options that work best for you.