Stockholms Tillskärarakademi: Craftsmanship, sustainability and digitalisation in the textile industry
By Malin Norman | Photos: Stockholms Tillskärarakademi
The Academy of Cutting and Tailoring, Stockholms Tillskärarakademi, has a long history, deep traditions and extensive experience, yet remains highly relevant today. As a leading school in pattern construction, sewing, tailoring and design, it continues to play an important role in the textile industry’s sustainable development.
Founded in 1913 by Elvira Harms, a driven entrepreneur with a passion for craft, Stockholms Tillskärarakademi offers both basic and more advanced educational programmes and courses in textiles, design and fashion.
“Our school is still driven by that same joy of developing, preserving and teaching craftsmanship, design, sewing and construction to our students,” says Annika Westborg Arenander, director and principal. “Aimed at both beginners and professionals, we have a number of different programmes and shorter courses. Regardless of what you choose to study, you will learn the skills while we give you the tools and opportunities to develop your creativity.”
Sustainability integrated in the teaching
Fashion design needs a sustainable approach and at Stockholms Tillskärarakademi, sustainability has long been an integral part of the educational content – with a conscious commitment to providing the knowledge needed to challenge and change the industry.
“The textile industry is undergoing an exciting development and it’s important for us to be a part of that,” says Westborg Arenander. “By including circular design, digitalisation and materials knowledge in our programmes and courses, students are given the tools to understand and work based on the changes currently taking place in the industry, not just in Sweden but globally.”
For instance, students can learn about 3D visualisation in fashion. “New digital working methods to reduce material use during the production process are absolutely necessary for a more sustainable fashion industry,” emphasises the principal. “3D visualisation in pattern construction is quite remarkable. By creating digital prototypes you can see the fit, material and pattern change. It gives a realistic overview, and you can see if something works or not, before actually making the garment. How amazing is that?”
Material knowledge and the art of repair
Working with sustainability and digitalisation does not mean moving away from craftsmanship, however. Westborg Arenander explains: “By combining traditional craftsmanship with new technology and circular thinking, students are prepared to step into an industry in rapid change.”
It is clear that understanding materials, the design process, practical skills and repair is central to making more sustainable choices. For instance, the course Tailor – Women’s and Dressmaking emphasises artisanal methods and long-term durability, which is in line with promoting reuse and repair.
Thanks to close collaboration with business communities, relevant partners and guest lecturers in the industry, the school maintains high quality and relevance, and provides insights into sustainable working methods in practice. One example is reSTArt, a remake project in the undergraduate Pattern Design and Design programme, where unsaleable garments from Oscar Jacobson’s Sustain store are redesigned and returned to the shop floor with a new expression.
A bright future in the textile industry
Having educated the Swedish textile industry for more than 100 years, Stockholms Tillskärarakademi remains a relevant partner. If you dream of a future in the fashion industry, this is where to start your career.
With the school’s programmes and courses as a base, there are a number of different professional roles in the fashion industry available, depending on study area. Graduates have gone on to work as pattern designers, buyers, fashion designers, stylists and women’s tailors.
“Our teaching aims to give students an understanding of the development of the textile industry and the opportunities that come with the transition,” adds Westborg Arenander. “Whether they work with new materials, digital tools or classic craftsmanship, they should be able to navigate an industry where sustainability is a basic requirement.”
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