Since the traditional curriculum is easy to form a “knowledge island”, resulting in student non-proficiency in mechanical design , the “Ability-Knowledge-Course” matrix is constructed, and the framework of mechanical design curriculums is established. Then the teaching reform practice is carried out and the teaching mode to improve students’ mechanical design ability is explored. With relevant theoretical courses as the support and practical courses as the carrier, the students’ mechanical design ability of “having knowledge-using knowledge-innovating knowledge” is promoted step by step. Teaching methods are also reformed and practiced, including online independent learning, offline communication and discussion, and after-class project practice. Moreover, the capstone experience course is initiated and practiced. As a result, the mechanical design curriculums have made a concerted effort to comprehensively improve the students’ two-way deductive ability from the “abstract” knowledge to the “concrete” mechanical equipment so that they could transform knowledge into ability with practice and learning. To our delight, students have made great achievements in various competitions and academic research, which are the good results of the teaching reform.