Membership Benefits

• Networking opportunities via Chapter and National events, and on-line via e-mail discussion forums
• Education and training at annual National Educational Conference
• Advice from over 400 colleagues whenever you need help - to find a product, vendor, technique, machine recommendation, client solution, or just about any dilemma facing business professionals
• Client referrals from national website
• Master Certification Program participation at discounted rates
• Vendor discounts
• Learn professional, best business practices for our trade
• Camaraderie of others with sewing and design interests
• Monthly online newsletter -- Click here for a sample issue of Perspectives
• Participate in annual Threads Challenge
• Participate in Members' Showcase/Runway Show at annual Conference
• Stay on top of industry issues and news
• Access sample contracts, business plans, creative links, and more in Members Only content of website
• Raise your confidence and professional profile

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Membership Categories

ASDP has five different membership categories for you to choose from:

FORMAL

• If you own or are employed in a sewing or design-related business, including: custom clothiers, dressmakers, tailors, sewing contractors, pattern makers, designers, bridal specialists, alteration specialists, authors, artists in wearables, costumers, instructors and retailers
• While our primary focus is on sewing and design for garments, you may also join if you own or are employed as a home decorating specialist and/or wardrobe, color and image consultant
• Individuals must own or have been employed in an established sewing or design-related business for a minimum of six months
• Proof of business ownership is required, in the form of a Federal Identification Number (FEIN), State Sales Tax License Number, or Business License Number, along with two business references

INTERN

• If you are in the developmental stages of a sewing or design-related business
• You must re-qualify each year for this particular membership category

STUDENT

• If you are enrolled as a full or part-time student, in a recognized program of study related to sewing and design, and do not currently own a sewing or design-related business. To qualify, programs of study must lead to a certificate, associate, bachelors or advanced degree
• You must provide evidence of enrollment in a qualified program along with your application, and also each year you renew
• When you complete or otherwise end your study program, you must apply for a different membership category

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

• If you are a public, private or proprietary school, college, or university that offers comprehensive programs in a sewing and design related field that lead to certificate, associate, bachelor and/or master degrees
• This membership entitles your school to designate one person to represent the institution

RETIRED

• If you are a retired owner or employee of a business that meets the qualifications defined under Formal membership

• For Friends of the Association who have an interest in sewing and design but who are not in business
• May attend national conference at member rates, and join/participate in Chapters

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

• In addition to National membership, individuals may choose to also join one or more Association Chapters within their geographic area; national membership is required for Chapter membership
• Annual Chapter dues vary by chapter and membership category, but typically range from $15-50 per year
• Chapters hold periodic meetings which allow for local networking and coverage of a variety of business and technical topics, as well as fabric/material sourcing outings and attendance at exhibits of interest.  See Chapters for more information on Chapter activities and current locations.

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Apply Now

You can apply for membership online or by mail.  Please select the appropriate membership category to apply; application to chapters is included in each of these forms.