Zero Waste Patterns: 20 Projects to Sew Your Own Wardrobe

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I also think that zero waste design can be an awesome intellectual challenge. It’s a very different way of looking at shapes and it does become creative problem solving at its best.

My Pattern Project dress takes a painstaking four hours to sew, although a professional could make it in an hour. The experience gives me a new appreciation of the skilled stitchwork of millions of unthanked garment workers around the world. “The more you make for yourself, the more you realise the time and effort it takes to make things – and how cheap things are on the high street, compared with how long it takes,” says Azmi. “The value people place on fashion has been diminished because of cost.” The value people place on fashion has been diminished because of cost Atia Azmi

Reusable Sewing Projects for Cleaning

I’m not decrying ‘zero waste’ as a promotional tool for wiser fabric choices, better pattern design and more awareness of the issue of fast fashion and landfill. I think as Sewers we should be aware of all of this and more. We should be reusing our failed attempts, repurposing our older clothes and generally not buying so much. Fabric, just as much as fast fashion, is a terrible lure….I know it’s effects. Many pattern designers – myself included – are influenced by design philiosophies and styles. Zero waste is no different, really. From my own zero waste experiments, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how economical zero waste patterns can be. I’ve found they all use less fabric, often significantly less. When we use don’t waste any fabric, we get the full use of what we do have. The theme was ‘Reduce Reuse Recycle’ and all nine contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a zero-waste pattern for a pair of trousers, upcycling tote bags into a wearable garment, and a made-to-measure outfit using secondhand crocheted blankets to fit a model. Take a look at our sewing pattern suggestions below, we’ve tried to find the exact patterns used but where we haven’t been able to we have plenty of suggestions so that you can recreate these looks at home for your handmade wardrobe. Kate also talks through her favourite pattern options from the episode on YouTube in our special mid-week sewing bee vlog.

Images with automobile license plates that are prominent and easily read (pictures with license plates that have been fuzzed out or that otherwise cannot be read are acceptable). I actually found Cindy through TikTok last year, and was intrigued by the concept of a ‘bog coat’. This ancient way of making clothing has been given a new twist through Cindy’s patterns, which you can find on Etsy.Sewing can be an expensive hobby, but it is a great skill to have if you wish to live frugally. One of my favourite things to do is reuse old sheets or bedding covers to make new clothing. And in this instance it is great to use patterns that can use the whole of the fabric and not leave any waste at all.

The obvious benefit of zero waste patterns is, of course, no scraps. At the beginning of 2020, I decided I would only make zero waste patterns from now on. The following year I reviewed how much scrap fabric I was generating. In fact, I was still creating scraps, but they were all of the rectangular useable type. They were the ends of pieces of fabric I already had or where I’d bought fabric online and had to buy in quarter-meter increments. Remnants are only waste if we don’t use them, but these are all very useable. Using a Zero Waste Sewing Pattern In both the sewing books, the patterns are for a range of sizes though some patterns will have limitations, and the books outline this. These books are wonderful ways to get into zero waste sewing, and once you've sewn one up, you'll begin to understand the process to be able to adapt or even create a zero waste sewing pattern yourself! What I do know is that now I have at least ten of these projects ear-marked on my list to make soon! The designer needs to be the patternmaker as well, or have a knowledge of patternmaking, and experience with cutting layouts is also needed. Zero waste sewing patterns have the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry, combining sustainability and size inclusivity in an inspiring way. By adopting these patterns, we can contribute towards reducing fabric waste and offering clothing options that cater to a diverse range of body shapes. Let’s embrace zero waste design principles and start sewing our own zero waste clothing on our way toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.This is a 'one size' pattern which comes in two size ranges. Due to the zero waste nature of this pattern some design details may change between sizes, select your size to see more. Sewing Level: Beginner