About
Founded in 2025 and based in Malmö, Sweden, The Cloth Lab is a creative hub dedicated to sustainable textile and garment design. Rooted in our core philosophy of Making Without Waste, we offer a welcoming and inclusive space where learning, creativity, and community come together. Whether you're here to develop new skills, refine your ideas, or simply explore innovative approaches to making, our experienced and engaging team are here to guide and inspire you.
At The Cloth Lab, reducing waste is at the heart of everything we do. Through workshops, events and innovative products, we explore ways to design and produce clothing and textiles with minimal waste. Our focus is on upcycling, repurposing, and zero-waste techniques—encouraging a more mindful approach to fashion and fabric use.
WHAT WE OFFER
WORKSHOPS
From beginner-friendly sewing classes to in-depth zero-waste and sustainable fashion workshops, we offer a range of courses designed to reduce textile waste. All our workshops incorporate this philosophy in some way, whether through garment care, upcycling, repurposing, or sewing with zero-waste patterns.
Workshops are available in both English and Swedish, with a teacher always on hand to assist in either language.
We also welcome suggestions for new workshops—if there's something specific you're interested in learning, let us know at info@theclothlab.com.
Our workshops are held at our studio/store: Storgatan 26, Malmö, Sweden.
Travelling to Malmö for a workshop? Check out our local recommendations for hotels and places to eat HERE
SEWING PATTERNS & BOOKS
Our selection of sewing patterns and books are centered around our core philosophy, Making Without Waste. We carry patterns and books from our in-house brands, Birgitta Helmersson STUDIO and Helgrose.
FABRICS, CLOTHING & HOME FURNISHINGS (COMING SOON)
We will soon offer a carefully curated collection of organic cottons, European linens, handcrafted patchwork textiles, vintage Scandinavian fabrics, as well as clothing and home furnishings crafted using zero-waste pattern cutting and repurposed textiles.
Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when we launch.
CONSULTING
We provide consulting and workshops for businesses, designers, and organizations looking to reduce or eliminate textile waste.
We also collaborate with local councils and government initiatives to develop educational programs that engage the public in sustainable fashion. These initiatives focus on teaching about emerging textile laws, encouraging responsible consumption, and empowering individuals to repair and care for their own clothing.
For inquiries, reach out to info@theclothlab.com
WHO'S BEHIND THE CLOTH LAB
BIRGITTA HELMERSSON
Birgitta Helmersson is a designer, pattern-maker, and seamstress known for her innovative approach to zero-waste pattern cutting and craft-based methods using fabric offcuts and repurposed second-hand and vintage materials. She founded her self-titled brand in 2013 in Melbourne, Australia, before relocating to Malmö, Sweden, where she co-founded Helgrose.
She is the author of the best-selling book Zero Waste Patterns (Quadrille/Penguin Random House, 2023), which has been translated into Swedish and French. Her zero-waste sewing patterns have been sold worldwide and translated into Japanese. Alongside her design work, she has led workshops and lectures on sustainable fashion and zero-waste design in Sweden and internationally. Her work has been featured in fashion and sewing publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times Travel, Frankie, and Peppermint Magazine.
At The Cloth Lab, Birgitta works as an educator, designer, and maker, bringing her experience in fashion and textiles to develop engaging workshops, innovative designs, and thoughtfully crafted products.
SAM GROSE
Sam Grose is a maker, and photographer with a background in the culinary world. Originally a chef by trade, he worked in kitchens around the world before shifting his focus to textiles and design. His experience as a chef informs his approach to making—rooted in resourcefulness, craftsmanship, and an appreciation for process-driven work.
Originally from the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, Sam relocated to Malmö, Sweden, in 2018, where he co-founded Helgrose. He has worked extensively with craft-based techniques, including appliqué and patchwork using remnants and offcuts, as well as natural dyeing with food waste and organic materials.
At The Cloth Lab, Sam works as a co-designer, maker, and in-house photographer, combining his passion for sustainability and craftsmanship to bring a fresh perspective to textile creation and visual storytelling.