Fashion Tech Lab

Course Description

Fashion Tech Lab is an intensive one-day program where you work with modern production technologies and AI-assisted design processes in a professional context.

The course gives you hands-on experience of how digital tools and physical production can be integrated into a contemporary design process. You will work with 3D printing, laser cut, textile printing and large format pattern production and gain insight into the workflows used today in accessories, apparel, prototyping and small product series.

You choose which technologies you want to work with. You can immerse yourself in one specific method or get a broad introduction to several during the day. No prior knowledge of 3D modeling, AI or the machines is required. The course is designed so that both beginners and more experienced participants can work at a relevant level.

Yield

During the day, you will be introduced to a structured process from idea to physical prototype.

For example, you can:

Develop a 3D model based on a sketch or concept using AI that you can print
Understand how a digital file is optimized for 3D printing
Working with shape, volume and detail in physical material
Prepare and produce laser-cut textile elements or prototypes in acrylic/wood
Develop graphic textile prints via DTF technology
Print full size patterns from CLO or Adobe Illustrator

The focus is not just on using the machines, but on understanding the connection between digital file, material selection and physical result.

You will gain insight into both creative and technical aspects of digital fashion production.

Target Group

Fashion Tech Lab is for people who want to develop their technical skills. This includes:

Creatives without technical experience who want to realize their own ideas
Designers and students without access to professional equipment
Entrepreneurs and upcoming brands looking to test product ideas before investment

There will be thorough and individual guidance for all students.

Course Certificate

Once you have successfully completed our course at SAFD, you will receive a course certificate confirming your completion of the course and its modules. This certificate will strengthen your CV and expand your career opportunities, and it will symbolize your dedication, skills and knowledge of the course’s professional content.

Teacher

Mats Beckman

Mats has been working with production processes in the fashion industry for more than a decade and has launched several fashion companies. Mats is also an award-winning designer and has received much recognition for his previous work.

Technologies and Tools

In the Fashion Tech Lab course, you will work with a range of modern production technologies and tools used in today’s fashion industry. Each technology opens up different design and production possibilities and provides insights into how digital files are transformed into physical form.

Textile Printing (Direct to Film)

DTF stands for Direct to Film. It is a modern textile printing technology where the design is first printed on a special film and then transferred to textile using heat and pressure.

The process takes place in three steps:

The motif is printed in reverse on a film
A powder adhesive layer is applied and cured
The motif is heat pressed onto the fabric

DTF differs from traditional transfer by providing high color saturation, flexibility and durability on both cotton and synthetic materials.

Our textile printer works with OEKO-TEX certified colors. This means that the ink is tested for harmful substances and meets international standards for textile safety. This makes the technology relevant for both prototyping and smaller productions with a focus on responsibility and quality.

Lasercut

Laser cut is a precision-based cutting technology where a concentrated laser beam is used to cut or engrave materials with high accuracy.

The technology is widely used in fashion, set design and product design and can be used for:

Cut out details in garments
Pattern-based textile structures
Applications and overlays
Prototypes in acrylic, textile or cardboard
Surface engraving and marking

You’ll learn how to prepare vector files correctly and understand how different materials react to heat and cutting. Work on precision, file setup and the connection between design and production.

3D Print

3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology where a physical object is built layer by layer from a digital 3D model. Instead of removing material as in traditional machining, the mold is gradually built up in plastic material with high precision.

In fashion and product development, 3D printing is used for example:

Accessories and jewelry components
Specially designed buttons and details
Bag components and buckles
Structural experiments
Rapid prototyping

In the course, you will work on generating or adapting a digital 3D model, including via AI, and learn how to optimize the file for printing. You’ll be introduced to concepts such as mesh structure, scaling, tolerances and material behavior to understand how digital geometry translates into physical form.

Large Format Printing

Large format printing makes it possible to print full-size digital designs and patterns directly from programs like CLO or Adobe Illustrator.

This creates a direct link between digital construction and physical testing.

The technology is used for:

Full size patterns from 3D design software
Constructions and adaptations
Quick test of fit
Prototype development
Documentation and archiving

You’ll gain an understanding of scale, file layout and precision in the transition from digital construction to physical material.

Questions and Answers

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive from our students – both Danish and international.

We recommend that you read this section carefully before signing up. If you still have questions, you are always welcome to contact us – we are happy to help!

info@safd.dk

+45 33 13 09 26

What language is taught?

Classes are held in both Danish and English. We have participants from both Denmark and abroad, and it’s fine if you only understand English. The teachers make sure everyone gets the information they need.

How do I sign up and how do I pay?

To sign up, click the “Enrollment” button and fill out the form. Once you have signed up, you will receive a confirmation email.

Payment is made at registration and can be made with VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Maestro, Apple Pay and Google Pay. All prices are in Danish Kroner (DKK). If you cannot use one of these payment methods, please contact us for an alternative solution.

Do I need to bring my own materials and tools?

You will receive a material list after registration. Some courses require specific materials (e.g. fabric, sketchbooks or drawing tools) that you need to bring or buy yourself. Any additional costs over and above the course fee will be clearly stated.

Sewing machines will be available for all participants.

What level are the courses adapted to?

Our courses are designed to cater to different experience levels – from beginners to more advanced participants. Each course has its own target group, and we recommend that you read each course description carefully to find the course that best suits your needs and ambitions.

In all courses, we emphasize thorough individual guidance so you can develop at your own pace – whatever your starting point. If you have previous experience in the field, the teachers will help you deepen and refine your techniques.

Do you offer help with accommodation?

We do not provide accommodation for our students, but we recommend using platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com or similar short-term rental services. In addition, we have gathered advice and useful links for housing in Copenhagen here.

What is the typical age of the participants?

Most of our students are between 18 and 35 years old, but we welcome all participants over the age of 16 – regardless of age, background or experience.

Our courses attract a wide range of people, both from Denmark and abroad. From young people considering a future in fashion and design, to students, entrepreneurs, career changers and passionate hobbyists or designers.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment where diversity is a strength – both academically and socially. Many of our participants say that it’s the mix of age, nationality and experience that makes the courses extra inspiring and educational.

So whether you’re 17 or 57, if you want to learn, be creative and develop your skills, you’re more than welcome.

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary from course to course, but places are limited and fill up quickly. We recommend that you register as early as possible. You can find the exact dates on the individual course pages.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Unless otherwise stated in the course description, you can withdraw and get your course fee back up to 14 days before the course starts. After that, the registration is binding and the amount is non-refundable.

In the unlikely event that a team is not created, we will of course refund the full amount.