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Introduction
Introduction
Since people started making textiles, we've also been finding clever ways to make sure these labor and material-intensive items last as long as possible, or are turned into useful items after they become to damaged to continue using in their original form.
This page explores some of the inventive techniques and traditions of zero waste with textiles.
Zero-Waste Clothing Designs
Zero-Waste Clothing Designs
Adjustable Clothing
Adjustable Clothing
Using adjustable designs means that even if you lose or gain weight or if your children inevitably grow, then the same piece of clothing can continue to be used, even when fixed-dimensional clothing would have to be replaced.
Sakiori
Sakiori
This Japanese tradition uses strips of fabric such as kimonos, T-shirts, pants, socks, and even reusable nappies/diapers, then weaving them into new fabric on a loom.
Sakiori: Woven in Respect - Zero Waste Life 15:05 minute video.
Zero-Waste Patterns
Zero-Waste Patterns
2:47 minute video shows how to put together the "Make/Use wrap dress design by Holly McQuillan": https://makeuse.nz/make/wrap-dress/
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
Books
Books
Restyle & Restitch for Little Ones shows you simple ways to turn old adult clothing into free or affordable baby clothing. The Swedish author provides pretty photos showing where pieces were cut from, traceable patterns in the back pages, the front pages are full of useful tips for total beginners and intermediate crafters. If you don't understand any of the instructions, look for step-by-step guides online as there are many with photos as well as videos that are great at demystifying sewing terms and techniques. One of the bags is sewing machine free, and several ideas in this book could be sized up for older children of even adults.
Patterns
Patterns
Make/Use "is an open source system for making user-modifiable, zero waste garments. Make/Use provides a user-centred toolset that helps consumers gain agency in the making and ongoing use of the clothing they wear."
Yarn
Yarn
7:12 minute video shows you how to turn tiny scraps into a whole new skein of yarn including how to connect the pieces and create a colour fade effect, as well as a demonstration on how to knit or crochet with the chained yarn to create a new project.
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