School of Atelier

Textile & Garment Construction — Womenswear Focus

Built for the Industry — By the Industry

Program Overview

The School of Atelier at Creaton House is dedicated to the mastery of textile knowledge, garment construction, couture techniques, and handcraft, with a primary focus on womenswear. The program is studio-led and inspired by the working methods of fashion-house ateliers, where precision, discipline, and excellence in making are central to professional practice.

Students are trained in an immersive atelier environment that emphasizes hands-on learning, repetition, and refinement—preparing them for real-world workroom and couture settings.

Instruction & Faculty

Teaching is led by highly experienced seamstresses with over 20 years of professional experience, having worked within ateliers across France, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States. This international background ensures students receive authentic, industry-grounded training aligned with couture and luxury fashion standards.

Learning Outcomes

Garment Construction

Construct womenswear garments to a professional atelier standard using precision sewing and couture techniques

Textile Mastery

Demonstrate a strong understanding of textile behavior and material application

Professional Fitting

Execute professional fitting, alterations, and high-level finishing

Couture Techniques

Apply couture handcraft techniques used in fashion-house ateliers

Studio Practice

Work confidently within a studio-based, professional atelier environment

Technical Translation

Translate design intent, patterns, and technical instructions into finished garments

Quality Standards

Maintain discipline, quality control, and craftsmanship ethics expected by the industry

Couture, Bridal & Occasion Wear

Garment Construction

Construct womenswear garments to a professional atelier standard using precision sewing and couture techniques

Textile Mastery

Demonstrate a strong understanding of textile behavior and material application

Professional Fitting

Execute professional fitting, alterations, and high-level finishing

Couture Techniques

Apply couture handcraft techniques used in fashion-house ateliers

Studio Practice

Work confidently within a studio-based, professional atelier environment

Technical Translation

Translate design intent, patterns, and technical instructions into finished garments

Quality Standards

Maintain discipline, quality control, and craftsmanship ethics expected by the industry

Career Pathways

Graduates are trained as professional garment makers with industry-relevant technical, precision, and craftsmanship skills in high demand across the global fashion sector.

Core Atelier & Workroom Roles

Atelier Assistant

Hands-on roles within professional ateliers and sample rooms focused on garment construction and finishing.

  • Atelier Assistant

  • Garment Maker / Couture Seamstress

  • Sample Machinist / Sample Room Technician

  • Workroom Technician

Bridal & Special Occasion Roles

Specialized positions working with luxury bridal and eveningwear garments requiring advanced fitting and finishing.

  • Bridal & Eveningwear Specialist

  • Luxury Alterations & Fit Specialist

Product Development & Brand Support Roles

Technical and development-focused roles supporting design, sampling, and production processes.

  • Product Development Assistant

  • Technical Sewing Specialist

Creative & Special Project Roles

Project-based and creative roles across media, performance, and editorial contexts.

  • Costume and Editorial Maker (film, theatre, exhibitions, fashion editorials)

Freelance & Independent Pathways

Self-directed career routes for graduates seeking autonomy and bespoke practice.

  • Freelance Couture Seamstress / Garment Maker

  • Independent Atelier or Studio Owner

  • Custom Womenswear and Made-to-Measure Specialist

Emerging & Future-Focused Roles

Roles aligned with sustainability, customization, and evolving industry practices.

  • Repair, Restoration & Circular Fashion Specialist

  • Made-to-Measure and Custom Fashion Specialist

Global Career Readiness

Graduates are prepared to work within couture houses, luxury fashion brands, bridal studios, sample rooms, independent ateliers, and creative industries worldwide, supporting sustainable, long-term careers.

Graduate Salary Expectations

Indicative salary ranges reflecting current industry standards across major fashion markets, including the UK, United States, and Europe. Salaries vary by location, experience, employer, and freelance or employed status.

Graduate Roles & Career Opportunities

Entry-Level Roles

Atelier Assistant

Garment Construction Assistant

Couture Sewing Assistant

Workroom Assistant

Sample Room Assistant

Mid-Level Roles

Garment Maker

Couture Seamstress

Senior Sewing Technician

Sample Machinist

Atelier Technician

Advanced & Specialized Roles

Senior Atelier Seamstress

Couture Garment Specialist

Womenswear Construction Specialist

Sample Development Specialist

Bridal & Occasion Wear Specialist

Independent & Freelance Pathways

Freelance Couture Seamstress

Bridal & Special Occasion Specialist

Custom Garment Maker

Alterations & Fit Specialist

Independent Atelier or Studio Owner

Program Structure

Role

UK (Annual)

US (Annual)

Core Atelier & Workroom Roles

Atelier Assistant

£24,000–£30,000

$30,000–$38,000

Garment Maker / Couture Seamstress

£26,000–£34,000

$32,000–$42,000

Sample Machinist / Sample Room Technician

£25,000–£32,000

$30,000–$40,000

Workroom Technician

£26,000–£36,000

$34,000–$45,000

Bridal & Special Occasion Roles

Bridal & Eveningwear Specialist

£28,000–£38,000

$38,000–$50,000

Luxury Alterations & Fit Specialist

£30,000–£42,000

$40,000–$55,000

Product Development & Support Roles

Product Development Assistant

£25,000–£33,000

$34,000–$44,000

Technical Sewing Specialist

£26,000–£36,000

$35,000–$48,000

Freelance & Independent Pathways*

Freelance Couture Seamstress / Garment Maker

£30,000+ / $40,000+ (project-based)

Independent Atelier or Studio Owner

£35,000+ / $45,000+ (varies widely)

Made-to-Measure Specialist

£28,000–£40,000+ / $38,000–$55,000+

*Freelance and independent income varies significantly based on workload, clientele, and location.

Program Length & Structure

Flagship Program

12-Month Full-Time Diploma

Foundation Option

6-Month Foundation Certificate in Atelier Practice

Advanced Extension

Master Atelier Extension (18–24 months total)

Weekly Commitment

20–25 studio hours per week plus independent practice

Tuition & Fees

United Kingdom

£14,500 – £18,500

12-month full-time diploma

United States

$20,000 – $26,000

12-month full-time diploma

International Students

$22,000 – $28,000

12-month full-time diploma

Flexible payment plans are available. Limited merit-based and need-based scholarships may be offered each year.

Who This Program Is For

The School of Atelier is designed for students who wish to become professional garment makers, couture seamstresses, and atelier specialists. It is suited to those who value precision, discipline, and craftsmanship and who seek direct pathways into the fashion industry.

About Creaton House

Creaton House is a fashion education institution committed to industry-led training, craftsmanship, and professional excellence. Our programs are designed in close alignment with real fashion-house practice—preparing graduates for meaningful, skilled careers in the global fashion industry.