LANGUAGE

The 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 sewing experience 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 three different patterns—the TEE, TROUSER, 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, finishing seams and hems, sewing patch pockets, and even mastering buttons and buttonholes.

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

THE BOOK Zero Waste Patterns

This workshop is based on Birgitta Helmersson’s book Zero Waste Patterns. The book includes 5 base patterns and a further 15 projects using these patterns in various ways. It is an innovate approach to sewing where there are no large paper pattern pieces but instead draw your lines directly onto the fabric with the help of instructions and small paper templates. The book includes an array of sizes suitable for up to and beyond a hop of 150cm

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• You will receive a copy of Zero Waste Patterns (You can choose a copy in either English or Swedish) *If you already own a copy of the book we are happy to refund you for this after booking the workshop (289 SEK / €26). Send us an email to info@theclothlab.com
• All fabric and trims to make your garment will be provided. You can choose from our selection of core fabrics in organic cottons in various colours.
• All tools and equipment will be provided including sewing machines.*

*you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you prefer, if so please let us know in advance so we know how much we need to set up prior to the workshop.

WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR

This class is ideal for confident beginners and beyond who want to build a strong foundation in zero waste patterns. The Cloth Lab is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, or gender. The patterns used are unisex and designed to fit a range of body shapes, accommodating hip measurements up to and beyond 150 cm.

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 2 sessions. Each session is 6.5 hours long (a total of 13 hours) and includes a lunch break.

Saturday/Sunday 10:00-16:30, June 28th and 29th

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.
• Travelling 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