Discover Charlotte’s journey and story
Cha’ coud — a passion for sewing
“It all started ten years ago, on a beautiful July day, in my grandparents’ country house. A house filled with childhood memories — a place where anything was possible, where every dream felt within reach. Where, as a child, I nibbled strawberries from the garden, picked plums, raised snails, and stained and tore my clothes from endless adventures.
It was in this house that I first touched a sewing machine — my grandmother’s. The story is a familiar one; so many of us fell in love with sewing because our mothers or grandmothers were seamstresses.
While staying with my grandparents, I asked my grandmother to teach me how to sew. I loved it right away! I started by making accessories — bags, pouches… But I wanted to go further. I saw sewing as an endless source of discovery and creativity!
That same year, for Christmas, my parents gave me my very first sewing machine.
I immediately started experimenting with garments. My mum, drawing on the strong foundations my grandmother had passed down to her, guided me through understanding patterns and reading instructions.
My first garment was a skirt. I wore it on countless occasions — I was so proud! Today, I cringe a little when I look at the finishing, but your first handmade garment is sacred!
Then everything moved very fast. I was 13, with a burning desire to grow
my creativity and my sewing skills. I wanted to make it my career — I was certain! But at that age, it’s hard to convince your parents that you’ve found your calling. Especially when it meant, in my case, enrolling in a specialised vocational school far from home.
After many conversations, they finally believed in my motivation and put their trust in me. As soon as I finished secondary school, I packed my bags for Lyon, where I spent five years studying fashion and garment making. First through a vocational diploma, where I learned all the fundamentals of sewing, pattern drafting, and textile knowledge. Then I continued with a higher technical diploma to deepen my understanding of fabric sourcing, production, and product costing — a more industrial side of the trade that goes well beyond handcrafting a garment.
Meanwhile, I started sharing my creations on a Facebook page, almost like a portfolio. And what does Charlotte do all day? ‘Cha’ coud’
During those years of study, I had the chance to work as an intern for ready-to-wear brands, bridal houses, and businesses of all sizes. This world never stopped inspiring me.
After graduating, I wanted to go further — I was still hungry to learn. There are so many fabrics, product types, structures, and quality standards to explore… A work-study degree programme with a major outdoor clothing company — me, who has never finished a hike — allowed me to continue on my path. I worked in the design office with great curiosity and discovered a very different side of the textile world. But I quickly realised that I missed the touch of femininity, the prints, and the tailored cuts…
Taking the leap!
Cha’ coud was gaining a small following on social media, and I was receiving more and more comments from people frustrated that they couldn’t make the same dress as me because… the pattern was homemade. One autumn, while I was back at my childhood country house — where all dreams are possible — I thought to myself: ‘Sell my patterns? Why not!’
The adventure began in November 2018. The Ema shorts made their debut. They were sold through a pattern retailer and did rather well. More patterns followed… I would work on new designs whenever I felt like it, whenever I had the time. I loved them, and so did others.
I completed my studies with a course in lingerie, corsetry, and swimwear. A world of fine, openwork, and stretch fabrics that had drawn me in for a long time.
The course was led by industry professionals, which made the experience feel all the more real. I loved working on a product so close to a woman’s intimacy — a craft full of small details that deserve special attention.
Over those seven years of study, I built up my skills and knowledge, crossing paths with seven different companies along the way.
Then came the moment to ask myself: ‘What now? What do you want to do? Where do you want to be?’
I wanted to learn, to understand, and to share. I wanted to try, to make mistakes, to improve. What if I took matters into my own hands? What if I truly committed to developing Cha’ coud patterns, dedicating all my time and energy to it?
So I took the plunge. I keep learning every day by setting myself new challenges: new fabrics, new cuts, new goals. I know my craft — it’s my profession, one I studied and practised for years.
I share this knowledge by creating patterns and instruction guides for passionate sewists. I experiment with new drafting techniques or finishing methods with every new design. I still make mistakes, sometimes even on the basics — but that never stops me from starting again with enthusiasm. With each new collection, I refine my instructions and the finishing of my designs.
By dedicating myself full-time to creating my patterns, I’m fulfilling all my goals! I’m living the professional life I always dreamed of. Entrepreneurship never felt like an obvious path — it’s a whole new skill set on top of my work as a fashion designer and pattern maker, one I had to learn and research. But I find this experience incredibly rewarding, and today, I know I’m exactly where I belong.
And today…
“My work is a constant source of learning and exploration. Today, I feel immense joy in sharing my world with you through my patterns — which, to me, represent the culmination of all the love and passion I pour into my craft.
I put my whole heart into designing each of these patterns. They are exactly the way I love them: feminine, sophisticated, and full of detail.
With every project, you’ll learn new sewing techniques and experience the simple joy of making your own clothes.
Don’t hesitate to share your creations on social media and tag me (@cha_coud)!
