Beginner : Sustainable Sewing: Wednesdays - May 7, 14, 21, 28

*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 introduction to sustainable sewing!

In this workshop, you’ll learn to create and transform garments using second-hand textiles through techniques like patchworking, mending, upcycling, and re-purposing vintage fabrics. You’ll also gain insight into minimal-waste and zero-waste sewing and pattern-cutting methods.

Once you’ve learned the foundations, you’ll begin your own project—whether designing a new piece from scratch or breathing new life into an existing garment. Your project will be tailored to your skill level, experience, and creative vision. Participants are encouraged to bring second-hand textiles or old, damaged garments to deconstruct and reimagine. You’ll also have access to our fabric library, filled with high-quality remnants and off-cuts from our production at The Cloth Lab, including organic cottons and European linens.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the skills and confidence to continue your sustainable sewing journey—whether through making, mending, or upcycling.

WHATS INCLUDED

• Access to our fabric library of high-quality remnants and off-cuts (organic cottons, European linens, and more).
• All sewing tools and equipment, including sewing machines.*

*You are welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you prefer. Please let us know in advance so we can accommodate this in the class setup.

WHAT TO BRING

• We encourage you to bring some second-hand textiles and/or old or damaged garments to be cut up and re-purposed.

WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR

This workshop is open to all skill levels and is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable sewing techniques like upcycling, re-purposing, and zero-waste design. Whether you sew at home, study fashion or textiles, or work in the industry, this class will help you deepen your knowledge and skills in sustainable making.

You'll have the chance to start your own project, tailored to your experience level and personal goals.

The Cloth Lab is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, or gender. Our patterns are unisex and designed to fit a variety of body shapes.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Birgitta Helmersson is a designer, pattern maker, and seamstress with over 20 years of experience in fashion and textiles. She is known for her innovative work with zero waste pattern-cutting and her craft-based approach to working with vintage and repurposed textiles. Birgitta is the author of Zero Waste Patterns (Quadrille / Penguin Random House, 2022) and founded her self-titled brand in 2013. She is also the co-founder of Helgrose (since 2018), a unisex workwear brand using a zero waste production model, and co-founder of The Cloth Lab (since 2025), a creative hub dedicated to Making Without Waste through workshops, patterns, fabrics, and clothing.

WHEN

This is a workshop held over 4 sessions. Each session is 3 hours long (a total of 12).

Wednesday's: 16:30 - 19:30 ,  May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 2025

WHERE

The Cloth Lab, Storgatan 26 Malmö, Sweden

FAQ

• SEWING MACHINES: In keeping with our ethos all of our in-house sewing machines and overlockers are second hand and of various models. All machines are of a high quality and are serviced regularly. Having access to different models is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of how to use a sewing machine. If you do not yet own your own machine this is also a great opportunity to try out some different models and brands before choosing to buy your own.
• EQUIPMENT: We have ample scissors and equipment in our studio available for you to use when you are here (if you choose to not bring your own) including both left and right handed scissor options.
• A simple fika (tea, coffee, and snacks) will be provided at each session.
• If you’re attending an intensive weekend workshop, there will be a 45min lunch break in the middle of each day. Feel free to bring your own lunch or explore one of the many great restaurants nearby.
• Traveling to Malmö? Find our recommended hotels and restaurants HERE.
• All bookings are final and we cannot offer refunds however if you are not able to attend we are happy to help you try and fill your spot by advertising it for you, so long as you can provide at least  3–4 weeks notice. If we are able to fill your spot you will receive a refund minus a 10% transfer fee.
• If you have any questions about the class please don’t hesitate to get in touch via info@theclothlab.com