Program Overview 

AFI’s Clothing Alterations Program provides hands-on training in professional garment fitting, alterations, repairs, and finishing techniques for women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing. Students learn the complete alterations workflow—from garment evaluation and client consultation to work-order documentation, production, quality control, and final delivery. Eligible students may advance into Education-to-Employment (E2E) opportunities where they apply learned skills to real client projects and build professional experience.

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Week 1 — Introduction to Clothing Anatomy & Alteration Fundamentals
Students develop an understanding of garment construction as it relates to alteration and repair.

• Garment anatomy and construction

• Types of clothing alterations

• Alteration tools and proper usage

• Measuring and marking techniques

• Sewing techniques used in alterations

• Evaluating construction before altering a garment

• Introduction to professional workmanship standards

Week 2 — Women's Clothing Alterations
Students practice common alterations associated with women's garments.

• Pants and skirts

• Shirts and blouses

• Dresses

• Hemming and length adjustments

• Fit and shaping adjustments

• Construction considerations and finishing techniques

Week 3 — Men's Clothing Alterations
Students practice common alterations associated with men's garments.

• Trousers

• Shirts

• Jackets and blazers

• Hemming and length adjustments

• Fit adjustments

• Construction considerations and finishing techniques

Week 4 — Children's Clothing Alterations
Students examine alteration techniques and considerations specific to children's garments.

• Common children's clothing alterations

• Hemming and length adjustments

• Fit and growth considerations

• Repairs and garment reinforcement

• Construction and safety considerations

• Professional finishing

Week 5 — A Day in the Life: Client Intake & Professional Workflow
Students learn how alteration skills are translated into professional client services.

• Customer consultation and garment evaluation

• Listening to and documenting client requests

• Fitting procedures and professional conduct

• Measurements and alteration specifications

• Determining technical feasibility

• Identifying construction issues

• Estimating labor and scope of work

• Work order documentation

• Customer property handling

• Alterations workflow and production planning

• Quality-control procedures

• Client communication and delivery expectations

Week 6 — A Day in the Life: Production, Quality & Practicum
Students apply alteration techniques within a simulated or eligible live professional workflow.

• Live workflow simulation

• Reviewing and interpreting the project scope

• Task offer and acceptance procedures

• Production planning and time management

• Adhering to project specifications

• Professional finishing and pressing

• Quality-control inspection

• Correcting workmanship deficiencies

• Final garment inspection and preparation

• Meeting customer delivery deadlines

• Practicum technique review

• Introduction to E2E client-service opportunities

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