About D Sew Club

D Sew Club – The Design Studio was founded in the year 2011 by its founder Kalpana Singh. With a very simple vision – to make Sewing and Tailoring an approachable skill. Today D Sew Club not only hosts an array of classes and workshops. Whether it’s  in-room or online, for sewing enthusiasts of all levels. But is also a hub for fashion and bespoke consultation.

The Studio caters to many aspects of Garment Construction. Including providing Sewing and Pattern Drafting Lessons for all types of garments, however simple or intricate they may be.

Meet The Founder

KALPANA SINGH

Fashion Educator | Design Entrepreneur | Sustainability Advocate

Personal & Educational Background

Kalpana Singh is a seasoned fashion professional whose career spans over 20 years of design innovation, technical mastery, and educational leadership. Originally from India, Kalpana holds a master’s degree in Leather Apparel and Design Technology from the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi—India’s premier fashion institute known for its rigorous curriculum and industry integration. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Hansraj College, Delhi University, where she cultivated a strong foundation in communication and critical thinking.

Kalpana’s early career was shaped by her work with two of India’s leading footwear giants—Liberty Shoes and Bata Shoe Organisation. At Liberty, she designed and developed fashion accessories including footwear and bags, while at Bata India, she led the creation of high- performing collections for women and children. Her designs were not only commercially successful but also helped define seasonal trends across retail outlets nationwide.

In 2009, Kalpana relocated to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she began laying the groundwork for a new chapter—one that would merge her technical expertise with a passion for teaching and community empowerment.

Professional Journey & Institutional Leadership

In 2016, Kalpana founded Kalpana Singh Design Studio Sdn Bhd, followed by its educational arm, D Sew Club. Her mission was clear: to make professional garment construction accessible to beginners and intermediate learners, and to create viable career pathways for aspiring dressmakers. D Sew Club quickly gained recognition for its hands-on, industry-relevant training and was featured at Malaysia Fashion Week A/W 2017/18 and A/W 2018/19, where Kalpana’s collections were praised for their originality and craftsmanship.

In 2019, the studio was officially registered under Malaysia’s National Dual Training System (SLDN), allowing it to offer certified vocational training in Ladies Dress Making. This milestone marked Kalpana’s transition from designer to educator, and from entrepreneur to institutional leader.

Her most ambitious initiative came to life in 2023 with the launch of The International Sewing School, a full-fledged TVET institution offering SKM Level 2 and 3 certifications, advanced design programs, and international-standard training. The school is accredited under Malaysia’s vocational framework and offers students a blend of technical instruction, design development, and portfolio-building. Malaysian students benefit from PTPK loans and monthly allowances, while international students receive visa support and affordable accommodation options.Kalpana also earned her Malaysian Skills Diploma in TVET Instruction in 2024, further solidifying her credentials as a certified educator and curriculum developer.

Courses, Outreach & Digital Innovation

Kalpana’s curriculum is designed to be inclusive, flexible, and future-ready. Her offerings range from beginner-friendly part-time courses to full-time professional programs. Highlights include:

  • Complete Dressmaking Foundation: Pattern drafting and garment construction for all kinds of clothing.
  • ProThread Advanced Design Course: An 8-month program covering fashion illustration, custom pattern making, toile development, and final collection assembly.
  • SKM Level 2 & 3 Certification: Accredited vocational training with formal assessments and portfolio reviews.

Beyond the classroom, Kalpana has embraced digital innovation. She launched an online pattern shop in 2020, offering ready-made digital patterns with video tutorials. Her online courses cater to global learners, with monthly Zoom sessions and personalized feedback.

These platforms have allowed her to reach students across borders, democratizing access to high-quality fashion education.

Kalpana also leads community outreach initiatives, including sewing marathons for refugee centers and domestic abuse awareness campaigns in partnership with Women Aid Organization. Her studio’s exclusive collaboration with Singer Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. in 2023 equipped it with state-of-the-art sewing machines under an exclusive contract.

Advocacy, Recognition & Vision

Kalpana Singh’s impact reaches far beyond the sewing machine. As an educator, entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate, she has become a powerful voice for ethical fashion, inclusive education, and community empowerment across Malaysia and beyond.

Advocacy & Social Impact

Kalpana is a committed member of Fashion Revolution Malaysia, where she actively promotes sustainability, transparency, and ethical production practices. Her workshops and seminars have educated fashion brands, students, and industry professionals on the importance of circular design, responsible sourcing, and waste reduction. She has served as a guest speaker at institutions such as Sunway University, inspiring the next generation of designers to think critically about fashion’s environmental footprint.

In 2022, Kalpana represented Fashion Revolution Malaysia as a panelist at the 7th Council Meeting of the Federation of Malaysian Fashion Textile and Apparel (FMFTA). There, she advocated for systemic change in the fashion industry, emphasizing the need for vocational training, sustainable supply chains, and inclusive growth models.

Her studio also leads community outreach initiatives that reflect her deep commitment to social justice. Notable projects include:

  • Domestic Abuse Awareness Campaign in partnership with Women Aid Organization, using fashion as a medium for storytelling and healing.
  • Sewing Marathon at Jaya One Mall, where Kalpana and her team created 100 dresses in a single day, all donated to refugee centers across Kuala Lumpur.
  • Youth Empowerment Workshops, offering free sewing sessions and career talks to underserved communities and school leavers.
Recognition & Media Features

Kalpana’s work has been widely recognized across media platforms and industry circles. Highlights include:

  • Featured in The Sun Daily and China Press, spotlighting her journey from designer to educator.
  • Named among Swingvy’s 100 21st Century Women, celebrating her leadership in fashion and education.
  • Rated as the #1 Sewing Blog in India, reflecting her influence across borders.
  • Listed as one of the Top Sewing Schools in Kuala Lumpur by KualaLumpurLovers.com.
  • Exclusive collaboration with Singer Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. in 2023, equipping her studio with premium sewing machines under a brand partnership.
  • GPM Global Project of the Year Award (2023) – for excellence in sustainable fashion education
  • Certified Training Provider with JPK and HRD Corp

Her design collections showcased at Malaysia Fashion Week A/W 2017/18 and A/W 2018/19 received critical acclaim for their originality, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance.

Vision & Future Goals

Kalpana’s vision is bold, inclusive, and future-focused. She aims to:

  • Scale The International Sewing School into a regional hub for vocational fashion education, attracting students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
  • Integrate AI-driven modules into her curriculum, preparing learners for the evolving demands of fashion tech and digital design.
  • Expand her digital product offerings, including online courses, pattern shops, and virtual mentorship programs.
  • Build global student pathways through institutional partnerships, exchange programs, and international certifications.
  • Continue advocating for sustainable fashion, using her platform to influence policy, pedagogy, and public perception.