Creative Design: Professional

Lots of Dots – a gradable zero-waste plus size dress

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Abstract

The purpose of making “Lots of Dots – a gradable zero-waste plus size dress” was to validate the CZWBG technique for grading zero-waste garments when applied to a plus size women’s dress. The technique preserves the original zero-waste pattern; strategically placed bands of fabric or trim are inserted into seams to achieve the grading. The CZWBG technique has not yet been applied to a plus size garment where the increments between sizes are larger than between traditional “missy” (sizes 2-14) sizes. This dress design was loosely based on a bog coat, an historical garment on which many contemporary zero-waste designs have been based. The pattern development occurred within Browzwear’s VStitcher. The design was informed by current research into plus size customer needs. Features like skirt lengths at or above the knee, ¾ length sleeves, and fabrics printed with contrasting colors in geometric designs informed the design of this dress.

Keywords: zero-wasteplus size, grading, patternmaking, zero-waste, plus size

How to Cite:

Carrico, M., (2024) “Lots of Dots – a gradable zero-waste plus size dress”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17228