Sewing - All levels

Zero waste cropped shirt

Do you want to become more sustainable with your sewing?

Are you looking for ways to use up pieces of fabric and reduce waste?

During our one-day workshop you will learn all about zero waste sewing and make the cropped shirt pattern by Birgitta Helmerson.

This pattern creates an oversized cropped shirt made using Zero Waste Pattern Cutting. It has a dropped shoulder, neck band and button front closure. The length of bodice is easily adjustable to your preference. The width of the garment is variable depending on the fabric width you use. It also comes with 2 simple hack options which you can choose to use atfer the class on another version.

What is zero waste sewing?

ZERO WASTE PATTERN CUTTING is a bit like a puzzle. It is a method of pattern drafting where you design a garment to fit into a specific width and length of fabric leaving no waste during the cutting and sewing process.

These sewing patterns are unique in that they use a PAPERLESS method, meaning that no printing of large pattern pieces is required. Instead of using full scale paper patterns, pattern pieces are instead drawn directly onto the fabric with the help of instructions and small templates.

The size one range requires 90cm of fabric and size two range requires 1m of fabric making this an excellent option to use up leftover pieces of fabric or fabric bolt ends from the g&g shop.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your sewing skills and add a timeless staple to your wardrobe!

Width
Running Time
9.30am - 4.00pm
£110

About this workshop

In this class you will learn about the concepts and techniques used for zero waste sewing patterns. Some advantages of zero waste sewing are:

1. More flexibility. This method allows for easy changes such as using different fabric widths and making simple fit and design changes yourself. Using patterns that fit into a zero waste square or rectangular block is a very efficient way to work. It means that it is easier to patchwork together remnants or use left over fabrics you already have lying around.

2. An easy way to learn to self draft your own patterns. Working this way will help you to start building a toolbox of skills, and you will learn an alternative method of self drafting your own sewing patterns, which are super easy for beginners to understand.

3. Less fabric and paper waste!

Further Information

  • The concept of zero waste sewing
  • How to draw your pattern pieces directly onto your fabric with the aid of a cutting plan and small templates.
  • How to sew buttonholes ( you can omit the buttonholes if preferred and just sew on the buttons to create a faux button placket)
  • How to sew French seams or use the overlocker to finish your seams
  • How to make the cropped shirt top larger or smaller by choosing a fabric with a wider or narrower width.

Level 4 - Level 6 - please click here to read the description of these levels to ensure it is suited to you.

  • 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (fabric & notions)
  • 10% off full priced fabrics purchased on the day of your course
  • PDF copy of the instructions will be emailed to you (there is no actual pattern included with this project. This PDF sewing pattern uses zero waste pattern cutting and comprises of instructions to draw shapes directly onto your fabric. With the exception of some small templates, there are no pattern pieces to print out and tape together.)
  • Printed version of the small templates required for the class
  • Use of all machines, tools and equipment
  • Tea/coffee and biscuits (please bring a packed lunch or visit one of the lovely local cafes for your 30 min lunch break)
  • Fabric :
  • 90cm of fabric for size One range and 1m of fabric for size Two range. Please see photographs of size charts in the photo gallery above. Get in touch if you need help with this. *These measurement are based on using a fabric that is 145cm / 57 inches wide. You can make this top larger or smaller by choosing a fabric with a wider or narrower width.
  • Fabric type: Ideal in a woven linen or cotton
  • A matching thread
  • 3 buttons (depending on your chosen garment size) approx 20mm / 3/4 inch in size.
  • If you are using very lightweight fabrics you will need some lightweight fusble interfacing too.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with us, and a member of the team will be happy to help you.

* Please note - we would recommend you pre-wash your fabric prior to attending the workshop! Pre washing advice can be found in Lauren's blog post here*

Alison Ivens

Alison has always been crafty and over the years has tried her hand at all sorts, including jewellery making, felting and paper crafts, but over the last few years she has found her passion in sewing and crochet.

After finishing a Fine Art Printmaking degree and Masters in Gallery Studies Alison spent 18 years working as Museum Manager and Curator in a small Lichfield museum, and while this was an important part of her past, she is now enjoying the opportunity to talk dressmaking with our lovely customers.

When she's not at the shop Alison is a mum to two children who, along with her husband, benefit from her dressmaking. Her wardrobe is very eclectic and her favourite pattern is animal print, which she considers a neutral!

Dates & Times

  • 9:30am £110