Made Institute

Update: As a business owner myself, I do understand that no business or human is perfect. But I do know that a big part of customer service is making things right. And Made Institute has done just that. Based off of how they have responded to my review well as our communications behind the scenes, I would highly recommend them as their actions truly make them a stand up business for sure. Made Institute, I commend you! 🫡 Original Review: I had had big expectations for Made Institute. I was super excited about starting this class but that quickly turned into dreading the class yet I pushed thru since I paid my money. Why? Teacher was knowledgeable but moved way too quick to learn anything, gave attention to certain students, didnt respond to emails, lacked empathy, machines that never work. Spent most of your time troubleshooting the machine rather than learning then she moves on to next task without u even completing the first bc u were troubleshooting the broken machines, way overpriced sewing kit with subpar products. Class should be fun not stressful probably would have had better luck just watching youtube honestly

When I started at Made Institute, I had zero sewing experience and very little confidence in my technical abilities. But I came in with passion and this school gave me everything I needed to turn that passion into purpose. Made Institute is truly worth every penny. I say this as someone who once doubted herself but through the support of this amazing community, I found my voice as a designer. The hands-on training, one-on-one guidance, and creative environment helped me build a strong foundation in garment construction, patternmaking, and design development. I’m especially grateful to Rachel, Jackie, and Taylor. Rachel your patience and leadership made a huge difference. You genuinely care, and it shows. Rachel, Jackie, and Taylor taught me lessons that not only sharpened my technical skills but also helped me discover my design identity and shape my brand. I’ll never forget the impact you all had on my growth. Thanks to the skills and confidence I gained, I was even able to land a role at ReadyOne Industries something I never imagined when I first walked through your doors. Thank you, Made Institute, for believing in students like me and providing a space where creativity, learning, and self-discovery come

I recently attended the 4-day Couture Arts Intensive at Made Institute, taught by Made Institute’s founder and director, Rachel Ford. This masterclass is truly a transformative educational experience for any seamstress or designer who wishes to take their skills to an expert level. The 4-day intensive was taught 100% in-person by Rachel Ford herself, who has spent 20+ years in the fashion industry and 10 working for the Opera Company of Philadelphia where she mastered couture design, construction, and sewing techniques from masters of their craft. Moreover, the class was limited to a small group (the program caps at 10 students) ensuring that Rachel can give each student qualitative personal mentorship and guidance. I have studied at numerous institutions, including fashion design at one of the top Fashion schools in Paris. I currently work in the fashion industry, coordinating production for a custom bridal designer. I can say with complete certainty that Rachel Ford is the best instructor in the fields of design and couture that I have ever encountered. She gave each student attention and guidance as well as affirmation. She presented and demonstrated techniques systematically, orderly, and clearly, thereby ensuring that each and every student was 100% confident in the techniques taught. Moreover, though this was a short couture intensive for advanced sewers, Rachel always presently the full process, never assuming that her students already knew how to do something. Rachel’s years of experiences with clients, couture, and design allow her to share hard earned advise, tips, and guidance. Her loving and motivated personality, however, is what ensures that each student walks away confident in their ability to achieve their fashion and couture dreams. I am convinced this may be one of the best couture program offered this side of the Atlantic. Rachel’s knowledge, expertise, organization, motivation, and exceptional teaching skills are not merely at the core of the Couture Intensive. They are the foundation and inspiration for Made Institute. Made Institute is a one-of-a-kind fashion school, and one of the best of its kind in the US. Made Institute provides real skills in sewing and design in a professionally equipped studio environment, focused on providing personalized formation to its students at an affordable price. Anyone considering studying fashion design because they believe in the artisan skills, hands-on craft, and creativity in a supportive environment should seriously consider studying at Made Institute.

I need to write this while it is still fresh because it was such a transformative experience for me! I just finished the 4-day Couture Intensive master class taught by the founder of made, Rachel Ford. My brain is exploding from the amount of information I learned throughout this time. Rachel has such an incredible gift of teaching the techniques she has acquired over her extensive experience in couture dress making. I am a self-taught sewists and let me say, enrolling in this course was a completely invaluable experience. The amount of knowledge and confidence that are instilled in each student over the course of 4 days completely exceeds all expectations. All of the techniques, tips, and advice I've learned will forever be applied to all of my designs (not only dress making) and I can already tell that my level of sewing has improved drastically. The community that Rachel has built at Made is truly one of a kind. Everyone that I met was so supportive, helpful, and encouraging to each designer and their works. I can't recommend this enough if you are a designer looking for a space to learn, create and flourish!!

Made is such an incredible place to learn! If designing is something that you are really interested in, this is the place to be. Being here made me feel like a designer for the first time. The people are amazing & so are the vibes. I would spend everyday here if I could! Founder Rachel is so encouraging and inspiring, and she genuinely wants you to be successful. I can't wait to get back here and take more classes. I would tell anyone who is interested in designing or learning more sewing techniques to go here.