The Comprehensive Garment Making Masterclass

6-hour weekly sessions for 6 months, with the option to pause and resume later! New batches start on the first or third Tuesday of every month.

• Discover the Art of Natural Dyeing: Learn how to extract dyes from natural materials such as flowers, leaves, roots, and bark.

• A comprehensive understanding of the various stages involved in block printing, including block creation, color mixing, and printing.

• Hands-on experience with three different hand-printing methods that involve wooden blocks: Sanganeri, Bagru, and Dabu.

• Create intricate and detailed embroidery designs using specialized techniques like goldwork and stumpwork.

• Develop pattern making skills by understanding and working with sizing charts and grading increments manually.

• Gain hands-on experience with a variety of garment construction techniques and tools.

• Leave the class with a portfolio of completed projects that demonstrate your advanced skills and knowledge in garment making.

• Learning about the different methods for digitizing your designs and preparing them for production or further manipulation.

• Develop essential skills such as drawing techniques, figure drawing, and garment rendering.

Module 1: Natural Dye (~2 weeks)

In this module, we cover the fundamentals of natural dye extraction and mordanting, as well as various techniques for dyeing different types of cellulose fibers. You will gain knowledge in crucial areas such as scouring, the use of mordants, the role of tannins, pH adjustments, and record-keeping.

Our experienced masters will guide you through the process of creating a rainbow of colors using simple and sustainable ingredients found in nature, such as flowers, leaves, roots, and bark. You will have ample opportunity to experiment with different natural dye materials and techniques throughout the course, resulting in a series of beautifully dyed samples to take home and showcase your newfound skills.

Module 2: Block Print (~2 weeks)

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the various stages involved in block printing. You'll learn about block creation, color mixing, and printing, and get hands-on experience with the three different hand-printing methods that involve wooden blocks: Sanganeri (using synthetic, water-based colors), Bagru (using natural dyes), and Dabu (using mud-resist).

Throughout the class, you'll discover the distinctive features that set each method apart and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of block printing. You'll have the opportunity to engage in each of these areas, allowing you to explore the nuances and intricacies of the process.

At the end of the session, you'll have a firm grasp of the block printing procedure and will have created your own exceptional hand-printed products to take home with you. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, this class is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and unleash your creativity.

Module 3: Embroidery (~8 weeks)

Learn the skills and techniques necessary to create intricate and detailed embroidery designs by hand, one-of-a-kind pieces that are works of art in their own right. You will learn a variety of techniques, such as stumpwork, goldwork, chip work, couching, beadwork, silk shading. You will work on a variety of materials and will create work from pre-existing patterns. This is a unique and rewarding experience that will allow you to learn a beautiful and highly specialized craft, allowing you to showcase your creativity and skill.

(In this module, in addition to a skilled embroidery master, you will be guided by an embroidery designer who will provide individualized instruction and feedback.)

Module 4: Surface Design (~2 weeks)

In this module, you will learn how to create beautiful surface designs using traditional hand-painting techniques. We will start with the basics of design theory and explore color, texture, and pattern. You will learn how to use watercolor, acrylics, or other mediums to create your own unique design elements.

We will cover a variety of techniques for creating different design elements, such as florals, geometrics, or abstract motifs. You will also learn how to create textures and experiment with different painting tools to create a variety of effects.

You will also learn about different ways to digitize your designs, such as scanning or photographing them, to prepare them for further manipulation or production.

By the end of the class, you will have a solid understanding of how to create beautiful and unique surface designs using traditional hand-painting techniques, and be ready to take your skills to the next level.

Module 5: Garment Design & Stitch (~10 weeks)

This module equips you with the essential skills, including drawing techniques, figure drawing, and garment rendering, to produce fashion illustrations by hand as well as utilizing digital sketch tools. This comprehensive approach empowers you to create a preliminary blueprint for your garment, paving the way for its realization.

You'll learn how to create beautiful, functional garments from start to finish. You'll start with the basics of fabric selection and pattern layout, then move on to sizing and drafting patterns that fit your body perfectly. From there, you'll learn a variety of construction techniques and tools, including how to use a sewing machine, serger, and iron, and how to sew different types of seams and finishes.

Location & Details:

- Location: Creatis, Bagru (Print), Sanganer (Print)

- Dates: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

- Time: 11 am

- Minimum participants: 1

- Fee: Per module, as indicated