Learn High-Demand Skills

And Retain Them Forever

Do you want to learn professional sewing, tailoring, and alteration techniques from a master? Our founder, Eric W. Stiles, has been teaching for over 30 years and has shared his wealth of talent in training classes offered through more than 60 colleges in the US and Canada.

While E.W.S. Fashion Design Academy was first based in Chicago, IL, but now he is in Oak Park, IL, and we now offer online Sewing Classes, Tailoring Lessons, and more on a worldwide scale.

Learn Tailoring Lessons and Sewing Classes from the very best. Mr. Stiles has had his talents and teaching skills featured in over 50 different newspaper publications, including Crain's Chicago Business and twice in the Chicago Tribune.

Most recently he and E.W.S. Fashion Design Academy were highlighted in a special ABC Channel 7 Chicago News segment with Leah Hope, titled "Back To Basics: Sewing To Save Money". What more do you need to know? Read on to see what previous students have to say about our academy.

Student Testimonials

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Individualized Teaching Style

“I started with EWS in October of 2010. Still going strong! I have completed 3 /4 of the curriculum. I have learned how to draft patterns, how to fit, how to drape, and needle skills. When I first called to get info, I wanted to know how the class room was set up and the teaching style. I asked Mr. Stiles if I had to wait for a beginner to learn how to thread the bobbin. To my delight, the teaching style was based on the individual person. I had been taught by a tailor and was sewing for 40 years prior to meeting Mr. Stiles, but I needed a refresher course and found the world in his class.

I asked Mr. Stiles if I had to wait for a beginner to learn how to thread the bobbin. To my delight, the teaching style was based on the individual person. I had been taught by a tailor and was sewing for 40 years prior to meeting Mr. Stiles, but I needed

a refresher course and found the world

In his class.

Class rooms were never overcrowded and everyone worked on different projects according to their skill sets. When I started, there were classmates who started a couple of years before.

Being in the classroom gives you more! I enjoy listing to the experiences of the teacher and my classmates. I am currently in draping and soon to start the men's overcoat.” —Ellise H.

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“I Wear Everything I Sew!”

“I have attended EWS ACADEMY for several years and have been so intrigued in the many techniques of how to assemble pockets into a garment and taught the skills of pattern making. Individual attention and encouragement from Mr. Stiles is a great asset in accomplishing your particular project. I finished many projects from designing a skirt, pants, a shirt, a jacket, and I am now working on designing a dress. Surprisingly, I wear everything I sew! Thank you, Mr. Stiles, for awakening my creativity and my love for sewing!” —Mildred C.

Enroll Today

We welcome sewers in all stages of development: non-sewers, beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Our live and online Classes will help you build self-confidence and enhance your skills. Contact E.W.S. Fashion Design Academy to learn more about our design, alteration, and tailoring lessons.