Creative Design: Professional

Save the Fabric to Save the Planet: A Mass-Producible Zero-Waste Childrenswear Ensemble

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Abstract

The goal of this design scholarship was to create a mass-producible zero-waste childrenswear garment ensemble. A key component of mass-producibility is being able to grade the pattern. The Carrico Zero Waste Banded Grading (CZWBG) technique (Carrico, 2019) uses inserted fabric strips to grade zero waste patterns into a range of larger sizes. Mass-producible patterns create garments that can be sewn efficiently in a factory. This research shows that simple patterns allow grading to be accomplished with only additions at the edge, making them good candidates for the CZWBG technique. By adding grading strips to the garment edge, the pattern pieces for the size 3 tee and jogger were successfully “grown” into a size 12. These patterns and grading technique could be adopted by childrenswear retailers in place of existing methods for producing similar garments, reducing fabric waste and the related environmental damage.

Keywords: zero waste, childrenswear, mass production

How to Cite:

McKinney, E., (2024) “Save the Fabric to Save the Planet: A Mass-Producible Zero-Waste Childrenswear Ensemble”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17209