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Short course

Sustainable Pattern Cutting and Draping Short Course

Sustainable Pattern Cutting and Draping Short Course | On campus
Explore zero-waste pattern cutting. Learn techniques to eliminate textile waste and create eco-friendly designs. Reduce waste and create consciously.

Next start months
December 2025
July 2026
August 2026
Tutor(s)
Anja Petra Mai
Price
From £840.00

Course description

Course overview

This practical workshop explores different sustainable and zero waste design and pattern cutting techniques. Zero-waste is a design technique that eliminates textile waste at the design stage. It has been estimated that 15% of textiles intended for clothing ends up on the cutting room floor.

You will also be covering other approaches to sustainable pattern cutting using draping and fabric manipulation techniques. You will also be re-purposing existing clothing and draping on the stands and will be looking at techniques for deconstruction, re-styling and adapting existing garments to create new styles. You will also research in the library and each student will make a mood board and use this to create their own designs with guidance from their tutor.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for anyone, aged 18 and older, interested in sustainable pattern cutting and draping, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge. Any previous pattern cutting experience and an ability to sew will be helpful.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Sustainable pattern cutting
  • Zero waste pattern cutting draping
  • Fabric manipulation techniques
  • Repurposing clothing in new ways

Learning outcomes

  • Understand four different approaches to sustainable pattern cutting and draping
  • Apply some of the newfound techniques into your own final garment presentation at the end of the course
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

  • Fabric scissors
  • Fine steel pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Wrist pin cushion
  • Red and black markers
  • Propelling pencil and eraser
  • Paper scissors
  • 1-3 vintage hand garments (a vintage item that has been handled or owned previously - preloved) for upcycling exercises (not needed until day 4)

Tutor

Anja Petra Mai

Anja Mai has been working as senior pattern cutter for over 20 years. Previous clients include Shelley Fox, Clements Riberio, Ralph and Russo, Victoria Beckham, Emilia Wickstead and Roland Mouret, where she was the head pattern cutter. She now teaches pattern cutting on the BA course at Westminster University and UCA Epsom.

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