Developing a zero-waste pattern drafting method suitable for mass production

Abstract

The fashion industry is well known for being one of the most polluting industries worldwide, and its contribution to textile waste and apparel consumption has grown in significance over the years. The development and integration of zero-waste patterns in designing sustainable apparel represent a promising approach that supports reducing pre-consumer textile waste and optimizing fabric consumption. Moreover, it encourages society to step into a new era of the garment industry, by shifting the regular way in which consumers are currently perceiving apparel items: a trend, rather than a need – based on a survey conducted in 2023 by the author. The study focuses on the design principles and techniques of zero-waste patterns and their impact on fabric utilization. For this study, the patterns have been digitally drafted and nested, testing the requirements given by the chosen fabric and waste minimization. To acquire a specific image of the result, consisting of the garment item, has been virtually simulated. This method of obtaining the product’s prototype aims to highlight and encourage the paradigm shift concerning digitalization that needs to take place within the manufacturing industry. The results of the study demonstrate that zero-waste patterns can reduce fabric consumption and significantly reduce pre-consumer waste, but their drafting methods are highly related to the design process and the chosen fabric’s characteristics, such as usable with or print artwork.

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