A Pattern Maker is the engineer that cooperates with the Footwear Designer. He can select or develop a last following the drawings and specifications of the designer. He examines shape, volume and construction. A well-proportioned pattern can be developed and transformed into mock-ups. The final prototype will be the reference used to define the quantity of the components and materials needed to develop the technical sheets that will be used for production. In today’s industry this process is unimaginable without the knowledge of Computer Aided Design, used for making patterns, 2D and 3D design, planning the supply chain, merchandising and production. Polimoda offers this programme for those who need to expand their knowledge and techniques prior to admission to the undergraduate, graduate or Masters courses or pursuing a professional career. During the first days of the course you will become accustomed with all the equipment, tools and machinery of our laboratory. You will immediately start practising artisan and leather sewing techniques in the presence of our masters and technicians, who will exhibit the process of creation step by step. During the four week program, through demonstrations and hands on practice you will be guided through the basic concepts of the construction of different styles of footwear. Starting with an analysis of the proportions of the shoe, each student will create different types of insoles, heels and outsoles. The course will also be dedicated to introducing vital modern day computer programmes such as Adobe Illustrator, Elitron and Solid Thinking used to create 2D and 3D representations of footwear. After a short introduction into these programmes, you will start working on spec sheets and will be taught how to make precise technical drawings, a must-know in the industry for any leather technician / footwear technologist. Furthermore, a look into the merchandising plans used in today’s fashion companies will be provided, explaining and analysing them together and consequently, applying them to your personal final project.

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