Dutch Couture Academy
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This fall: Creative Moulage
Are you interested in shaping your own fashion patterns in a simple way? Then discover the power of moulage or draping, the foundation of creative design!
Our “Creative Moulage” course offers you practical skills to bring new ideas to life from draping on a mannequin. You will learn not only how to capture these concepts, but also how to turn them into paper patterns, taking into account all essential aspects.
Especially for those who already have a background in fashion making! More info here (and until September 30 an attractive discount if you pay in 1 time!).
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Discover a world of unparalleled creativity and perfectly fitting designs with the Dutch Couture Academy!
👗 Have you ever dreamed of creating unique designs and perfectly fitting patterns?
🎨 Do you want to enjoy endless fun during the design process?
✂️ Do you long for a faster path to stunning results?
🌟 Look no further, because our “Design Milling” course offers all this and more.
At Dutch Couture Academy, we embrace the art of moulage design. This three-dimensional and intuitive technique brings magical transformations:
✨ Create unexpected silhouettes.
✨ Achieve the perfect fit.
✨ Add a dose of intuitive creativity to your work.
✨ See your designs come to life in real time.
But that’s not all! We have supplemented our expertise with pioneering Japanese Pattern Techniques, such as “Transformational Reconstruction,” that give designers the power to create true works of art.
At Dutch Couture Academy, we strive to balance technical skills with artistic expression. Discover your own unique style and unleash your creativity. Register now for a journey full of couture craftsmanship and inspiration! 👗🌟🧵
Moulage
Characteristic of couture are its beautiful fit and unusual lines. In the video below, Saskia explains approximately what to expect during a moulage course:
Traditional Cut
Are your clothing designs dictated by traditional cut? With the same basic elements of shoulder seams, armholes and cut seams over and over again? Transformative Reconstruction does away with this phenomenon and opens new perspectives.
Japanese Pattern Technique | TR pattern cutting
Japanese designer Shingo Sato’s techniques offer contemporary fashion makers a powerful and innovative approach to clothing design. Sato is known for his pleating techniques, which he calls “Transformational Reconstruction.” These techniques allow designers to transform and elevate existing garments into true works of art.
Sato’s techniques allow fashion makers to create new shapes and structures through bold folds, cuts and manipulations. These techniques have the potential to break traditional design boundaries and explore new aesthetic possibilities. By using these techniques, designers can create unique and eye-catching garments that attract attention and stand out from the crowd.
Shingo Sato’s techniques allow contemporary fashion makers to push their creative boundaries and create unique pieces. The use of these techniques can inspire and innovate the fashion industry.
In 2013/2014, Saskia ter Welle became the first Dutch person to train with Japan’s Shingo Sato. Her experience is that it takes spatial insight, precise cutting and sewing, and a good dose of guts to get started with this. It is a wonderfully inspiring way of working, which she loves to share with others through master classes.
Meanwhile, she has taken several courses with him (online), has applied his techniques in her own couture collections and for clients, and has taught and lectured on Japanese Pattern Techniques.
Making a Toile
TR patterning is a cool technique where you start manipulating a garment in 3D before elaborating on it in 2D. This involves starting with a toile (fitting model) that you put on a mannequin or model. The next step is to use a pen directly on the fabric to draw your design lines. When you are satisfied with the result, remove the toile from the mannequin or model and cut it according to the design lines. Now you have flat pattern pieces that are ready to be used. In some techniques, these pattern pieces are further edited in 2D before you cut the pattern pieces from the good fabric and assemble them.
Materials
For this course you will need the following materials:
- mannequin (especially important when working on your own measurements, there are some mannequins
- available in the studio for those coming by public transportation)
- firm, unbleached cotton
- fabric and paper scissors
- lots of pins
- pen and paper for notes
- long ruler and curved ruler
- pattern paper
- black and red fine-liner/marker
- masking tape 19/20 mm
Preliminary training
No special prior education is required to participate in any of these courses.
Although the courses are open to all, I expect that you already have a solid knowledge of-, and experience with-pattern drawing and/or moulage and sewing all kinds of garments. This is with emphasis for ambitious fashion makers who aspire to a higher level of pattern making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to be able to know how to draw a pattern from scratch?
While it is helpful if you have experience with pattern drawing, it is not a requirement to participate in this course. We assume that you have extensive sewing experience and an understanding of the relationship between different pattern pieces (front and back, sleeve, pockets, collars, etc.).
I am a seamstress and I make all my patterns to size; what will this course add for me?
Moulage and Japanese pattern techniques will open up a completely new world for you, where the game of creating different types of volume knows no bounds. Your creativity will definitely get a boost and you will discover new possibilities. The tasks can be worked out for you with an extra level of difficulty. You certainly won’t get bored! 🙂
I am an enthusiastic amateur/hobby seamstress: can I take this course?
Every course at the Dutch Couture Academy is basically open to everyone. We are convinced that motivation is the strongest factor in learning new skills. If you are in doubt whether your level fits this course, please send an email with pictures of your work to saskia@saskiaterwelle.nl.
Do I need any special prior training?
No special prior education is required to participate in this course. However, you are expected to know how to use a sewing machine and how a garment is put together.
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Couture training
The program of workshops, master classes and training at Saskia ter Welle is aimed at professionals in fashion seeking an opportunity to specialize in couture techniques. The courses seek a balance between technique and inspiration, between knowledge and skill and artistic expression. Discovering one’s own handwriting is seen as crucial in the distinctive craftsmanship of each student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although it is useful if you can draw a pattern, it is not a requirement to participate in this course. We assume that you have a broad sewing experience and that you have insight into the relationship between different pattern parts (front and back, sleeves, pockets, collars, etc.).
I am a professional seamstress and I create my own patterns; what does this course add for me?
With Moulage and Japanese patterning techniques, a completely new world opens up for you, where the play with creating different types of volume knows no bounds. Your creativity definitely gets a boost and you discover new possibilities. The assignments can be worked out for you with an additional degree of difficulty. You will certainly not be bored! 🙂
I am an enthusiastic amateur / hobby seamstress: can I follow this course?
Every course at the Dutch Couture Academy is open to everyone. We are convinced that motivation is the strongest factor in learning new skills. If you are unsure whether your level matches this course, send an email with photos of your work to saskia@saskiaterwelle.nl.
Do I need a special education?
No special prior education is required to participate in this course. It is, however, expected that you will be able to handle the sewing machine and that you know how to assemble a piece of clothing.
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Couture Training
