Knitting design/maille

The Executive Master in Knitting Design/Yarn is a one-year program dedicated to the craft of knitting.

This original training, both in its approach and in the selection of its instructors, allows participants to acquire in-depth knowledge of all aspects of knitting — from research to prototype creation — across diverse fields such as fashion, design, and visual arts. To achieve this, a series of practical and theoretical courses, workshops, and lectures are offered.

It is aimed at anyone interested in knitting, its learning, and revitalization, but more specifically at stylists, textile or object designers, and visual artists who wish to deepen their knowledge, as it constitutes an essential complement to their academic and professional training. It will give them access to many very specialized professions.

The program brings together specialists in the field (textile designers, stylists, artisans, visual artists, technicians, etc.), covers a wide range of techniques (from traditional hand knitting to automated machines), and emphasizes a transversal and experimental approach.

The goal is to explore knitting as a means of expression and communication, to bridge industrial techniques and artisanal processes, and to make the various professions in knitting accessible.

The Executive Master in Knitting Design/Yarn offers a one-year program of training, research, and creation totaling 900 hours of courses, equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.

The year is divided into three parts:

• The first part is dedicated to learning techniques.
• The second part is devoted to a collaboration with a company.
• The final part is focused on a personal project.

From mid-September to mid-June, you will be offered:

• Training on hand and industrial machines, aimed at acquiring technical mastery that promotes autonomy and creativity.
• Learning the industrial language.
• Learning artisanal techniques: darning, knitting embroidery, crochet, etc.
• Experimental work around materials, shaping, and finishing.
• Broadening creative possibilities by exploring different techniques and mixing approaches.
• Opening up to an ecological and sustainable approach.

There will also be lectures and workshops. Various experts are invited to intervene, providing participants with the broadest possible view of the opportunities offered by knitting.

This is an advanced professional training program. Upon successful completion, the Executive Master awards a certificate worth 60 ECTS credits.

The application period runs from May 1st to June 30th.

If the maximum number of applications is not reached by June 30th, we will accept applications until August 30th.

The smooth running of this Master’s program depends on a small group of highly motivated students.

We select a maximum of 10 students per academic year.

This Executive Master is open to anyone holding a Bachelor’s degree (BAC +3) or who has gained professional experience in this field.

Admission is based on an application file including a CV, a motivation letter, a portfolio, and the registration form downloadable from the website. After selection based on the application, there will be an interview either in person or online, depending on the candidate’s availability.

The application file should be sent by email to: c.desrues@arba-esa.be

The registration fees for the 2025–2026 session are €4500 for both Belgian and international students.

This amount includes tuition fees, participation in various workshops, conferences, visits, courses, and studios, access to the library and Wi-Fi. It also covers all the specific materials needed by participants (one knitting machine per person, various industrial machines, threads, etc.).

Payment should be made to the following account with the reference: Last Name + First Name – "knitting-design" registration 25-26.

BE26 0016 7333 0529 BIC GEBABEBB

Lili Desrues 
Coordination artistique et pédagogique

Laetitia Sedziejewski 
Coordination administrative

Justine Van Impe
Technique et technologie / Maille

Cyril Bourez
Suivi artistique Maille / Atelier

Chloé Houyoux
Technique et technologie / Tricot industriel
Histoire de la maille

Contact : em-maille@arba-esa.be

2014 : Maison Ullens Muscollection
2015-2016-2017 : Bellerose
2018-2019-2020 : Essentiel
2019 : EMKD & ISAC: Slug’s garden
2021 : Emmanuèle Phuon Chorégraphe
2022 : Maison Ullens
2023 : Lainamac - structure de valorisation des laines locales