What is Zero Waste Sewing?
Zero waste sewing is the process of creating a piece of clothing or item with little to no waste. This can be done by strategically planning your pattern directly on the fabric (avoiding the need for paper!) and using all of the fabric, leaving no scraps behind. There are a ton of great zero waste patterns out there to help guide you, and come up with a brilliant garment! These designs are often boxy, using straight, rectangular pieces. Gathering and pleats can help to create shape, and the result is typically oversized.
Some zero waste patterns we are keen to try:
- Birgitta Helmerson ZW Crop Shirt
- Birgitta Helmerson ZW Block Pant
- Cris Wood Sews Envelope Dress
Sustainable Fabric Options
Another aspect of zero waste sewing? Sustainable fabric choices!
Deadstock Fabric
A lot of the fabric we sell here at Brightside is “deadstock”, meaning it came to us from a fashion brand that has overstock, or leftover fabric from production lines that they won’t be using again. We have been able to source some pretty amazing stuff and give it a second life by passing it along to sewists like you!
Thrifted Fabric
Thrift stores can be a treasure trove for fabric. There’s usually section for sewing or crafting, where you can find fabric yardage and tons of different notions and rick rack.
Repurposed Textiles
Two words – DUVET COVERS. Hit up your local thrift store and take a look at the bedding section. You’re bound to find some gems! You’ll end up with a large swath of cotton or linen for a fraction of the price of new fabric, and you’ll get at least a few garments out of it. Even better – you can utilize the existing hems to save time! If it has buttons, you can save those too and feel really good about your upcycling prowess.
Vintage table cloths can make really interesting, one of a kind garments. Look for intricate embroidery or retro floral designs for something truly unique and special!
Another idea – grab an old or thrifted mens cotton or linen shirt, and utilize the existing placket to save time on a button-front tank top. Save the scraps for a future patchwork project.
Using up scraps from other projects
Patchwork garments are super cute, and there are so many ways you can create beautiful, colourful designs with leftover fabric from past projects. For inspiration, check out these patterns:
-
Syd Graham Skyline Dress (#skylinedress on Instagram)
- Brightside Fabric Co. Flora Jacket & Vest (#florajacket on Instagram). Save your scraps to make the quilted jacket of your dreams!
- Matchy Matchy Sewing Club (@matchymatchysewingclub on Instagram) has TONS of incredibly cute colourblocking and patchwork ideas, like this FREE Craft Studio Tee Pattern
Other tips to reduce waste as a sewist
- Reuse scraps whenever you can. Try out these cute pattern weights from Twig & Tale.
- Efficient pattern cutting layouts – make sure you place your pattern pieces in ways that leave as little space as possible.
- For small pieces that cannot be repurposed, try one of these projects:
- Closet Core Pouf Pattern (free!)
- DIY dog bed Tutorial from 5 out of 4 Patterns