Design Museum Academy Adult Workshop
Workshop: 3D Pattern Cutting
Explore the boundaries of pattern cutting through the lens of architecture, sculpture, and industrial design in this workshop with Timothy O’Sullivan. Using paper and half-scale patterns, participants learn creative techniques for manipulating form and volume while developing new approaches to garment construction.
Priority booking for members. General sales from Friday 22 August.
What to expect
This one-day workshop reimagines fashion pattern cutting, taking inspiration from the many structures, everyday objects and dynamic forms surrounding us. Whether you are a fashion student, designer, or creative explorer, this session will offer a fresh perspective on how the world around us can inform and transform the way we design clothes.
Through a series of guided exercises, participants will learn how to manipulate form, volume, and space in innovative ways. Working with paper and half-scale patterns, you will explore new ways of observing and interpreting silhouette and structure, challenging the conventional and embracing the unexpected.
Participants will enjoy a visit to our exhibition Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s and get inspired to create their own radical new approaches to silhouette development.
Learning outcomes:
Learn about the creative possibilities of experimental flat pattern cutting techniques
Investigate dart manipulation techniques, tucks, pleats, and seams as sculptural tools
Explore 3D form-making inspired by packaging design, architecture, sculpture, and geometry
Create inspirational visual source material for sketchbook and design development
Please note:
Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided
This workshop is suitable for adults aged 18+
Images: Tim O'Sullivan
Tim O'Sullivan photographed by Matthew Kaltenborn
Workshop photo by Matthew Kaltenborn
Facilitator
Timothy O’Sullivan
Timothy is a Senior Lecturer in Pattern Cutting at Ravensbourne London University, and shares his passion for exploring drape and cutting techniques through his social media page. His past work as a Creative Pattern Cutter has been featured in British and Italian Vogue, on the Oscars Red Carpet, and the catwalks of London, Milan, and New York.
Book online
Booking information
Adult: £108
Early Bird Adult: £97
Student 18+: £97
Early Bird Student: £81
Members*: £86
*Please note that this benefit applies only to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not to those of additional guests.
– Early bird tickets until 15 September 2025
- This workshop is for adults 18+
Check out the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy here.
Additional information
This workshop is for participants aged 18 and over, and the content has been designed for adult learners.
If there’s anything we can do to help you take part, whether it’s around mobility, sensory access, mental health, communication preferences, or anything else, you’re welcome to share this with us at ticket checkout. This is entirely optional, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
You can bring a companion if you'd benefit from 1:1 support during the workshop. Companion places are free; please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org with your booking information so we can reserve your spot.
This session is led by up to two facilitators and has a capacity of 20 participants.
If you have any questions, or would prefer to chat to someone directly, get in touch with us at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org. We’ll do our best to support you.
Background image: Workshop image by Matthew Kaltenborn.