Creative Design: Graduate

Reimagining the Chiton: Advancing Zero-Waste Knitwear through Historical Inspiration and Digital Innovation 

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Abstract

This project reimagines the ancient Greek chiton to explore zero-waste knitwear through historical inspiration and digital innovation. Drawing from the chiton’s one-piece draped structure, the design integrates advanced knitting technologies to address limitations of traditional draped garments, such as poor fit and excess material use. Using a 14-gauge Shima Seiki computerized knitting system, the garment panels were fully fashioned without cutting, employing partial knitting and missed-stitch techniques to create sculptural pleats, controlled volume, and enhanced breathability. Inspired by the pleating of Madame Grès and the fluidity of Madeleine Vionnet’s bias-cut principles, the final design achieves both aesthetic refinement and functional shaping. The project demonstrates how cultural heritage and digital craftsmanship can converge to advance sustainable fashion, offering a contemporary interpretation of historical dress while promoting material efficiency and innovative textile construction.

Keywords: knitwear design; chiton; digital knitting; zero-waste fashion

How to Cite:

Zhao, R., Zhang, Y., Xia, S. & Liu, C., (2025) “Reimagining the Chiton: Advancing Zero-Waste Knitwear through Historical Inspiration and Digital Innovation ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21431