Expanding Creativity Through Pattern Making: Lea Neuhaus

For Lea Neuhaus, one short course wasn’t enough. After starting with Making Latex Clothes at Central Saint Martins, she returned to explore Experimental and Explorative Approaches on Pattern Making Level 1 followed by Level 2.

With each course, Lea discovered that the more she learned about pattern cutting, the more creative and technical she could be in her designs. We caught up with Lea to hear about her experience, how these courses shaped her approach to clothes design.

You’ve completed three short courses with us! Which ones did you take, and what motivated you to keep returning to UAL Short Courses?

I first attended the Making Latex Clothes Short Course a year ago, followed by Experimental and Explorative Approaches on Pattern Making Part 1 six months later, and I have now completed Level 2. The first course was recommended by a former participant, and since I was eager to learn more about latex garment construction, I decided to come to London for it.

That experience was transformative—not only did I gain technical skills, but I was also immersed in an incredibly creative environment. That inspiration led me to return for further courses, as I wanted to expand my pattern-making knowledge and explore more experimental approaches.

What inspired you to continue to Pattern Making Level 2 after completing Level 1?

At university, I had only learned traditional 2D pattern-making techniques using blocks, with a strong focus on technical accuracy. However, Level 1 introduced me to a more intuitive and creative way of working. It taught me how to break away from rigid rules and experiment with shape and form directly on the mannequin. That shift in perspective was invaluable, and I wanted to build on that experience and push my creative boundaries further in Level 2.

What skills or techniques were you looking to develop further in Level 2?

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Part 2, except that it involved working with jersey fabric, whereas Part 1 had focused on woven calico. Since I frequently work with jersey, I knew this course would be beneficial in expanding my creative approach to stretch fabrics. Beyond that, I approached the course with an open mind, knowing that I would gain invaluable insights just as I had in the first course.

How have these courses contributed to your creative growth, both personally and professionally?  

Through these courses, I’ve learned not to be confined by traditional pattern blocks or technical constraints. While technical knowledge remains essential, I’ve discovered that breaking the rules can open up new creative possibilities. The hands-on experimentation encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and explore unconventional methods. This has fundamentally changed the way I approach garment design—I now see more possibilities and am more willing to take creative risks.

How has completing Pattern Making Level 2 influenced your confidence and overall approach to fashion design?

Before these courses, I never considered myself to be on the creative side of fashion—I was always more focused on technical aspects like pattern drafting and sewing. However, these experiences showed me that creativity and technical skill are not separate but rather intertwined. Now I feel more confident in trying new techniques, and I’ve even started experimenting with fabric manipulation, something I had never considered before. This has expanded my design vocabulary and given me a new appreciation for creative pattern-making.

Are you ready to gain hands-on fashion making skills?

Explore our short courses and gain the skills to take your next steps forward.