Fashion Design and Merchandising
37 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
FDM 052 Knit and Swim Suit Sewing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
Construction techniques to sew lingerie, bathing suits, athletic attire, and knit t-shirts. Emphasis is placed on serger and cover-stitch machine operation, fitting issues, and garment specification measurement techniques as related to knit garments for domestic and offshore production.
FDM 058 Decorative Apparel
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 4.5 Lecture, 13.5 Lab
Applied techniques of sewing embellishments on surface textures. Techniques include hand embroidery, beading, and appliqué.
FDM 080 Embroidery
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 27 Lab
Applied techniques of embroidered decorative embellishments using embroidery software and machinery.
FDM 081 Screen Printing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
Application techniques of artistic designs and patterns using screen printing techniques. Course includes digital application of artwork and preparation for printing one-color designs. Course covers care, use, and safety precautions in operating and cleaning the silkscreen unit. Recommend some Adobe Illustrator knowledge prior to taking this course.
FDM 081L Fabric Printing Lab
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 Lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: FDM 080
This course provides students enrolled in the Fabric Printing course with the opportunity for additional hours of work in the Fabric Printing Design Lab. Lab time is assigned on a space-available basis. Students completing 27 hours of lab work during the semester will receive .5 unit of credit.
FDM 082 Screen Printing Advanced Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 081
Advanced techniques screen printing using artwork with more than one color. Course includes digital application of multi-color artwork and preparation for printing two-color designs. Recommended taking FDM 081 prior to taking this course.
FDM 100 Introduction to the Fashion Industry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the development, structure, and interrelationship of the global fashion industry, including: Consumer characteristics, product design, textile and apparel production, retail merchandising, brand marketing, distribution, and promotion. An introduction to apparel business organizations, their commercial processes and career opportunities. Oral, written, and multimedia reports on current topics relevant to the fashion industry.
FDM 101 Buying and Merchandising
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 50 Lecture, 12 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to retail buying and retail principles associated with planning, buying, pricing, and merchandising is provided. Includes application of Microsoft Excel methods to create buying plans to satisfy consumer demands while aligning revenue and inventory requirements. Course develops assortment planning and inventory management, SKU level demand analysis, inventory level evaluations, open-to-buy monitoring, and sales forecasting processes.
FDM 102 Promotion and Coordination
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
A study of promotion techniques used by the apparel industry to raise awareness about goods and services for sale as well as to build brand image and recognition. Emphasis on new media including digital promotion strategies and social media. Includes promotion planning, direct marketing, public relations tools, salesmanship, and event production.
FDM 103 Fashion Selection
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will examine the interrelatedness of socio-psychological, economic, and political/religious influences on dress. Cross-cultural analysis and interpretation of Western and non-Western clothing behavior. Apparel selection is based on historical perspective, culture, and fashion trends. The fashion professional uses this information to better design, produce, and select products to meet the needs of a culturally diverse consuming population.
FDM 104 Textile Fibers and Fabrics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 9 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a study of textile fibers and fabrics, their production/development, environmental impact, selection, use and care of wearing apparel and home furnishings. The course also covers current and future textile production and how appropriate performance characteristics are incorporated into materials and products.
FDM 105A Beginning Sewing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Apparel garment construction techniques including seam finishes, edge finishes, manipulating garment fullness, and applying closures. Students will construct three full-sized garments and a compilation of construction techniques. Students will conduct and document garment fittings, alter patterns, and apply fitting alterations to the sewn projects.
FDM 105AL Beginning Sewing Laboratory
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 Lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: FDM 105A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the student enrolled in the Beginning Sewing course an opportunity for additional hours working in the Fashion Design Lab. Lab time is assigned on a space available basis. Students completing 27 hours of lab work during the semester will receive .5 unit of credit.
FDM 105B Intermediate Sewing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 105A Recommended preparation includes being able to name and sew a minimum of six different types of seams and hems without having to look them up or completion of Fashion Design Merchandising 105A, Beginning Sewing.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Follow-up of Fashion Design Merchandising 105A, Beginning Sewing. Coordination of woven fabrics and pattern fitting in construction of class projects such as pants, dress shirts, and unlined jackets. Includes intermediate sewing technique samples such as tailored plackets, various fly zipper applications, bound buttonholes, and welt pockets.
FDM 106 Couture Sewing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Couture clothing construction techniques appropriate for creating custom garments. Emphasis is placed on working with designer patterns, complex contemporary fabrics, couture sewing techniques, and embellishment techniques. Embellishment techniques include tambour beading, sequins, and heirloom techniques. Projects include a custom formal occasion garment, an heirloom embellishment, and a collection of hand sewn samples.
FDM 107 Custom Tailoring
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced sewing students will apply traditional tailoring techniques in completing a lined suit or coat, including hand pad stitching and edge taping.
FDM 108 RTW Apparel Quality and Construction Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An analysis of ready-to-wear apparel for quality evaluation of materials, construction, design, fit, care, and pricing related to consumer buying expectations. Introduction and application of garment industry manufacturing processes using production equipment to mass produce consumer products. Includes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), retail math, and Product Data Management (PDM) training. Students will learn how to take design concepts through the sourcing, costing, and production process to create a specifications/technical package. Includes concepts of sizing and principles of fit.
FDM 109 Flat Pattern Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students learn to pattern draft garments using 3D software and also export their patterns to paper to be cut and sewn into fabric samples. Includes development of the basic body sloper, collars, necklines, skirts, waistlines, sleeves, panels, and yokes. POM (Point of Measurement) specifications are discussed in relation to both pattern development and finished garments.
FDM 110 Corset Construction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 105A Recommended to have basic sewing skills before taking this course.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Class covers historical and modern corsets. Students will build a corset from start to finish, including pattern drafting, boning construction, and fitting techniques. Students will also build a bustier dress.
FDM 111A Fashion Illustration Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Application of the basic techniques of drawing fashion and garment flat trade sketches, graphic art prints, and all-over repeat tile prints. Emphasis on current fashion industry design software Adobe Illustrator with some Photoshop and 3D software. Pencils, markers, and watercolors are also incorporated.
FDM 111AL Computer Fashion Laboratory
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 27 Lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: FDM 111A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the student enrolled in the Computer Fashion Illustration course an opportunity for additional hours working in the Fashion Computer Lab. Lab time is assigned on a space available basis. Students completing 27 hours of lab work during the semester will receive .5 unit of credit.
FDM 112 Intermediate Flat Pattern Making
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 109
- Transfers to
- CSU
A continuation of FDM 109 Flat Pattern Techniques, this course covers intermediate pattern drafting techniques not covered in FDM 109. Students learn to draft patterns for garments using 3D software and also export their patterns to paper to be cut and sewn into fabric samples. Includes development of patterns for various pants (culotte, trouser, slack, dungarees/overalls) and a tailored jacket. Other drafting techniques include various plackets, bias cut dresses, inserted and accordion pockets, various sleeve shapes, kimonos, dolmens, drop shoulders. POM (Point of Measurement) specifications are discussed in relation to both pattern development and finished garments.
FDM 113 Fashion Draping
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: FDM 105A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Basic techniques of draping flat fabric into three dimensional garment styles on the dress form to create first patterns. Students are required to sew their sample garments.
FDM 114 3D Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will teach students how to create 3D garments in Clo3D/Marvelous Designer. This course will take students with no knowledge of 3D software to developing designs, doing fittings, and creating renders. By the end of the course, students will also develop a portfolio of several projects.
FDM 114C 3D Design- Swimwear
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will teach students how to create a swim bra with underwire and swim bottoms with elastic in Clo3D/Marvelous Designer. This course will cover pattern creation, flattening techniques to create underwire, and seam stitching and puckering details related to swimwear. Students will render the final design and export a tech pack with a schematic render, POM (point of measurements), and a BOM (bill of materials).
FDM 114D 3D Design- Denim
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will teach students how to create a 3D denim bottom garment in Clo3D/Marvelous Designer. This course will cover pattern creation, fabric texture, and seam stitching and puckering details. Students will render the final design and export a tech pack with a schematic render, POM (point of measurements), and a BOM (bill of materials).
FDM 115 3D Design- Intermediate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
3D simulation allows the creation of garment styles with intricate and realistic details and fit. In this class, students will design a variety of garments with complicated pattern pieces and sewing construction by creating patterns or importing pattern files in AAMA/ASTM .dxf format. Students will utilize the fitting tools in 3D to improve garments and create visual presentations for retailers. Students will also create a natural simulation environment to display and merchandise collections. This course also covers fabric creation including seamless repeats and utilizing maps to create realistic fabrics in 3D software.
FDM 117 Digital Machine Knitting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to programming and operating industrial digital knitting machines. Students learn stitch programming, machine operation, and yarn applications to create knit structures and advanced techniques, including shaping, jacquard, intarsia, and cables. The course emphasizes technical proficiency and creative design, culminating in a professional sample book for portfolio development.
FDM 125 Visual Display Merchandising
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
The course focuses on visual merchandise techniques and materials in relation to the elements and principles of design and how they relate to the retail environment.
FDM 136 Introduction to Stage Costume
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- THTR 174
Students will study costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated. (Same as THEA 136).
FDM 140 Fashion E-Commerce
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to apparel retailing with an emphasis on Fashion e-Commerce. Includes concepts of the organization, development and management practices of the apparel retail sector. Topics include types of apparel retailing, multi-channel retailing, apparel consumer behavior, retail marketing and pricing strategies, logistics, retail operations management, and analytical software. Learn how to create and manage an e-Commerce store. (Same as Entrepreneurship 140 Fashion E-Commerce.)
FDM 212 Advanced Draping
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fashion design draping techniques further practiced in designing a four piece collection. Students are required to sew their sample garments.
FDM 213 Apparel Line Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Instruction on designing a fashion line using industry production techniques and equipment. Techniques include computer sketching, computer pattern drafting, garment construction, catalog creation, and online portfolio development. This is a capstone class and should be taken student's final semester.
FDM 214 Tech-Packs for Manufactured Apparel
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 111A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction and application of garment industry manufacturing processes using production equipment to mass produce consumer products. Includes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), retail math, and Product Data Management (PDM) training. Students will learn how to take design concepts through the sourcing, costing, and production process.
FDM 215 Intermediate Computer Fashion Illustration
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 111A Suggested to take FDM 111A before taking this class
- Formerly
- Computer Fashion Illustration
- Transfers to
- CSU
Intermediate computerized fashion illustration is taught using computer software. Software programs include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, embroidery software, and 3D software. Emphasis on the design of a garment collection and textile print designs using intermediate software illustration techniques and the pen tool. Recommended to take FDM 111A beforehand, or have strong knowledge of Adobe Illustrator's pen tool.
FDM 216 Computerized Garment Pattern Drafting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FDM 109
- Transfers to
- CSU
Computerized apparel pattern drafting is taught using 2D and 3D design software as tools. Students will create original garment designs, draft the patterns on the computer, and virtually sew them up on the 3D software using an avatar fit model to create a sample line video. Instruction also includes pattern size grading, point of measurements (POM), and marking.
FDM 299 Work Experience - Fashion Design
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54-216 Lab
- Advisory
- 12 units of Fashion Design Merchandising courses completed with C or better.
- Formerly
- Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students' major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, Section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.