This course is suitable for confident beginners and up. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before we strongly recommend starting with our Absolute Beginner - Sewing Machine Basics to help you get the most out of this course. 

DATES/TIMES

Wednesdays - 16:30-19:30, October 1, 8, 15, 22 - 2025

This course is a total of 12 hours held over 4 x 3 hour sessions. Our class sizes are small so pre-booking is essential to secure your place. 

WHERE

The Cloth Lab, Storgatan 26, 21142 Malmö, Sweden.

LANGUAGE

This class will be taught in English but one of our class teachers will always be on hand to offer individual discussions in Swedish if this is your preferred language.

DESCRIPTION

Join us for a hands-on course with Birgitta Helmersson, where you’ll learn to create a zero waste garment using a pattern from her book Zero Waste Patterns. This workshop is perfect for confident beginners looking to deepen their sewing skills while exploring the innovative zero waste method.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose from one of the five block patterns in the book - the TEE, SKIRT, TROUSER, SINGLET or SHIRT - based on your skill level and confidence. Birgitta will guide you through the entire process, from drawing pattern pieces directly onto fabric using templates and instructions, to cutting and sewing your garment with minimal or no waste.

Along the way, you’ll gain essential foundational skills to continue on your zero waste sewing journey including a deeper understanding of the cutting methods, making design and fit changes to your pattern pieces, as well as some core sewing techniques including (depending on your chosen garment) sewing an elastic waistband, binding, gathering, finishing seams and hems, sewing patch pockets, and even mastering buttons and buttonholes.

During the course, copies of Zero Waste Patterns, in both English and Swedish, will be provided for you to use in class. If you wish to buy your own copy, it is available from our studio/shop after the course.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a completed garment and the confidence to continue sewing using zero waste patterns!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All sewing machines, tools and equipment. Copies of the book Zero Waste Patterns to use during the class, available in both English and Swedish. 

WHAT TO BRING

Fabric for your project, a new or second hand length of fabric around 145cm wide by 1.5 metres long, it is however most important you bring a fabric you really want to use even if it is not the exact same measurements. We can guide and help you during the class to make your fabric work for the pattern and size you choose to work with.

Alternatively you can purchase fabric from our beautiful selection of organic cottons and linens with a 20% discount during the workshops. You can see what we have available HERE and purchase at our studio during your first class. 

WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR

This class is for CONFIDENT BEGINNERS and up who want to learn how to cut and sew zero waste patterns. The Cloth Lab is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, or gender. 

FAQ

For more on our machines and equipment and general info on booking workshops you can head to our FAQ page HERE. If you have any questions about the class please don’t hesitate to get in touch via info@theclothlab.com