Date of Defense

4-27-2021

Date of Graduation

5-2021

Department

Family and Consumer Sciences

First Advisor

Mary Simpson

Second Advisor

Benson Roberts

Abstract

This creative project encompasses the creation of four zero-waste garments. Zero waste design is a technique which involves designing in a way that produces little to no byproduct. The intent of this project was to create garments that are functional, marketable, and contribute to the sustainable fashion movement.

There is currently a serious push in the fashion industry for brands to contribute to a circular economy. This can be done in a multitude of ways: upcycling, recycling, using natural textiles, or utilizing zero waste design. Textile waste is one of the most important issues regarding the fashion industry. There are two main categories of textile waste: pre-consumer waste and post-consumer waste. Pre-consumer waste is waste that is produced during the manufacturing process of the raw materials, and post-consumer waste is the waste produced after an individual uses a product: for example, donating old clothes. This project addresses both post-consumer and pre-consumer waste.

Historically, many garments used to be created with a zero-waste mentality because of the value of the fabric. An example of this is the Japanese Kimono, which is a design featuring eight different pieces cut from a single piece of cloth, sewn together to produce no fabric waste. These garments take inspiration from the traditional Kimono sleeve.

One skirt and three tops were created throughout this project. The first top was constructed from one yard of satin paisley fabric. The second top was made from about a yard and a half of scrap shantung, and the third from a linen/cotton blend and scraps from a previous project. The wrap skirt was made using only leftover scrap linen/cotton fabric, using a patchwork technique. This project shows the creative process of creating the first two tops with photos and descriptions of the steps taken. The traditional apparel design process was altered to account for the zero waste method.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Additional Files
THESIS PRESENTATION.pdf (13923 kB)
Defense Presentation
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