Inside NTU’s CLO3D Summer School: Teaching Digital Fashion Design from Scratch

In July 2025, I had the privilege of teaching CLO3D for Digital Fashion Design as part of Nottingham Trent University’s Summer School,  a short course that was open to the public. Over five immersive days (7–11 July), I worked with a small but wonderfully diverse group of learners, guiding them from absolute beginners to confident CLO3D users capable of creating their own digital garments from scratch.

What made this week particularly rewarding was the variety of backgrounds in the room. Two fashion students joined us,  one aiming to enhance her NTU degree work and final collection, the other, a Fashion Marketing student from another university, seeking to start her own business. We also welcomed an educator, keen to explore CLO3D’s capabilities to better inform her students, and a CAD technician, with no fashion experience but an interest in bridging the gap between fashion and interactive media.

What We Covered: From Fundamentals to Advanced Techniques

The course ran from 10am to 4pm daily, combining structured demonstrations, hands-on practice, and tailored one-to-one support. Over the week, we explored topics such as:

• Navigation, Simulation, and Arrangement tools for setting up garments in the 3D workspace.
  
• Sewing Techniques (Free Sewing, Segment Sewing, M:N Sewing) to bring digital patterns together.
  
• Materials, Textures, and Topstitching — including adding fabrics, prints, and realistic detailing.
  
• Pattern Editing & Creation: Darts, fullness, pleats, folding, pressure, elastic, extraction, and the 3D Pen tools.
  
• Advanced Functions like Particle Distance, Superimpose, Buttons, Zippers, and AI Pose Generator.
  
• Rendering & Animation for professional presentation, including turntables and still images.
  
• Exporting Patterns for printing and integration into physical workflows.
  

Learning Outcomes: Skills Gained by the End of the Week

By the end of the Summer School, each learner could:

1. Navigate the CLO3D Interface confidently, using tools and shortcuts for efficient garment creation.
   
2. Construct Digital Garments with accurate sewing and pattern editing techniques.
   
3. Apply Realistic Textures & Materials using advanced fabric libraries and texture mapping.
   
4. Edit and Manipulate Patterns for complex shaping using fullness, darts, pleats, and more.
   
5. Render and Animate Designs for compelling digital presentations.
   
6. Plan & Execute an Independent Project, consolidating learning into a self-directed final garment.
   

All four learners completed their own final garments, adding prints, colour, and even drafting patterns from scratch, proof of just how much can be achieved in five focused days.

Highlights from the Week

One of my favourite parts of teaching this cohort was watching their individual creativity unfold. Each exercise file became a springboard for personal touches, from bold fabric prints to complex pattern manipulations.

Some standout learner feedback included:

“I’ve learnt how to design and create my own patterns digitally, I’ve enjoyed all of it, it’s been fun and has gone so quickly!”
– Sienna Stones, Student

“The content was well-structured, and I just wished we had more time to practice everything! I’d love to see a short course on digital grading in the future.”
– Chloe Horridge, Student

“Laura was incredibly skilled, well prepared, and made everyone feel supported throughout. The sessions were clear, well-paced, and the teaching environment was excellent.”
– Hannah Phipps, Fashion Tutor

Teaching Mixed-Level Groups: My Approach

A key challenge in this course was balancing the needs of learners with very different starting points, from zero fashion background to experienced students. My approach was to:

• Provide 1-to-1 support during practical exercises.
  
• Adapt content in real time to suit different goals.
  
• Offer personalised advice based on their intended use of CLO3D.
  

Check in frequently to make sure no one was left behind.

Tips for Anyone Preparing to Learn CLO3D

From both my teaching and professional experience, I recommend:

• Have the right tech setup – a capable computer and updated system will make the experience smoother.
  
• Be open-minded – flexibility helps you adapt to the way CLO3D approaches garment creation.
  

Don’t fear mistakes – perfection doesn’t teach you anything; experimentation does.

My Takeaway as an Educator

While this course provided a solid blanket coverage of CLO3D’s core and intermediate features, it reinforced my belief in the power of tailored training. Role-specific learning, for designers, pattern makers, or product developers allows for even deeper skill-building. That said, the variety in this group sparked creative crossovers between industries, which is always exciting to witness.

Want to Learn CLO3D?

I offer bespoke CLO3D training for individuals, brands, and educators, both online and in-person. Whether you’re looking for a complete beginner’s introduction, advanced mastery, or role-specific workflows, I can help you get there.

📩 Get in touch to discuss your learning goals.