Start the one-year intensive course in Embroidery and Pattern-Making at Istituto Marangoni Firenze and explore embroidery as both an artisanal and innovative practice, from hand-embroidery stitches and decorative detailing to digital, contemporary embellishment methods.

This course introduces embroidery and patternmaking through an intensive, hands-on approach, blending Made in Italy craftsmanship with digital and 3D tools. Participants develop technical and creative skills to transform concepts into refined garments, bridging heritage techniques with contemporary fashion practice.

DISCOVER THE COURSE

This intensive programme introduces students to both embroidery and patternmaking through a fast‑paced, highly practical approach. Developed to merge traditional craftsmanship with the latest digital technologies, the course offers a complete overview of the design-to-product process.
Participants begin with essential patternmaking techniques rooted in Made in Italy know‑how, learning manual drafting, draping, and garment construction. These foundations are then expanded through digital and 3D patternmaking tools, enabling faster visualisation, fit simulation, and technical accuracy.
In parallel, students explore embroidery as both an artisanal and innovative practice. From hand-embroidery stitches and decorative detailing to digital and contemporary embellishment methods, the course encourages experimentation with textures, surfaces, and expressive motifs.
Throughout the year, participants learn to analyse style references, conduct independent creative research, and transform concepts into fully realised pieces. The programme emphasises active making, continuous practice, and a strong designer‑maker mindset.
By the end of the course, students gain a versatile technical skillset that bridges heritage artistry with modern tools, preparing them for roles in pattern development, embroidery studios, and contemporary fashion environments.

COURSE CONTENTS

The One-Year Embroidery & Patternmaking Intensive focuses primarily on two core subjects, explored through both traditional craftsmanship and innovative digital tools. These central modules are complemented by additional subjects such as Collection Design, Visual Culture, and Portfolio Development, ensuring a well-rounded creative and technical formation.
Throughout the first semester, students build solid foundations in manual pattern making and garment construction, progressively integrating digital and 3D patternmaking to enhance precision and workflow. Parallel to this, they develop expertise in hand embroidery, decorative stitching, surface manipulation, and couture embellishment, later advancing into digital embroidery applications.
A key element of the course is understanding embroidery as a structural component within garment development. Students investigate how embroidery placement influences fabric behaviour such as weight, drape, grain, and distortion, and learn how to adjust and correct patterns accordingly. Hands‑on prototyping and continuous making allow them to experiment, test, and refine both techniques.
Supporting subjects such as Fabrics and Materials, Fashion Drawing Fundamentals, and Digital Image Processing help students contextualise their work, develop aesthetic awareness, and structure creative concepts. In the final phase, dedicated classes on portfolio preparation guide them in assembling a professional body of work that showcases both technical skills and personal creative identity.
By the end of the programme, participants are equipped with an integrated skillset bridging artisanal expertise, digital innovation, and contemporary design practice.

IM LABORATORIES

Istituto Marangoni provides students with state-of-the-art design resources, equipping them with the essential tools for their academic journey and future professional careers in embroidery design and technical development.
Students will gain expertise in 3D design, through CLO3D, alongside internal and external rendering tools to create high-end, photorealistic design visualizations. They will also explore lighting simulation tools, and digital moodboarding techniques.
Graphic and branding software, such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, will be strategic assets to develop captivating presentations about embroidery projects.

EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Craftsmanship & Digital Know‑How
The One-Year Embroidery & Patternmaking course provides students with advanced technical skills in both artisanal and digital making. Through an intensive academic structure, the programme includes key subjects such as hand embroidery, couture embellishment, manual and digital patternmaking, fabric manipulation, and 3D prototyping. Students learn to design and construct garments using a contemporary blend of traditional Italian techniques and innovative technological tools.

The City Of Florence
Florence’s unique cultural and artisanal landscape enriches the learning experience, inspiring students to develop a refined sensibility toward craftsmanship, materials, and decorative arts. Partnerships with local ateliers, textile archives, and cultural institutions allow students to experience first-hand the heritage of Italian fashion making. Studying in Florence provides a fully immersive environment that connects historical craft traditions with forward‑looking design perspectives.

Innovation Through Practice & Research
The educational approach promotes active experimentation, teamwork, and interdisciplinary dialogue across design, textiles, and visual culture. Methodological research, collection design, and portfolio development are integrated throughout the programme, encouraging students to build a personal creative identity supported by solid technical foundations. The course fosters continuous innovation in both content and teaching methods, preparing students to engage confidently with contemporary fashion studios and the wider industry.

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