Thursdays Nov 7 - Dec 12 // 6pm - 9pm // 6 weekly classes // Cost: £225
Location: Studio 31 RogArt Street Campus, 4 Rogart St, Glasgow
Instructor: Cassandra Belanger, Founder of The Stitchery Studio and the Zero Waste Design Collective
In a world increasingly conscious of sustainability, zero waste sewing has emerged as a hopeful approach to the future of fashion and textiles. Join us as we explore the essentials of this innovative technique, helping you transform every scrap into something valuable.
About this Course
Led by Stitchery Founder Cassandra Belanger, this is a 6 week, in-depth introduction to creating a zero waste wardrobe.
Students will be introduced to different methods of making zero waste garments from using zero waste pattern masters developed by Danielle Elsener of Decode, the Make/Use system developed by Holly McQuillan, as well as how to work from zero waste indie sewing patterns, including Liz Haywood’s book Zero Waste Sewing and Birgitta Helmersson’s Zero Waste Patterns book. You will also be encouraged to explore reusing fabric from retired garments, sustainable fabric sources (like Bawn Textiles collection) or getting creative with fabric scraps.
Each lesson will be focused on learning a new zero waste garment by making paper or quarter scale samples as well as specific sewing techniques for making zero waste garments and accessories. You will be taught how to minimise waste in conventional sewing pattern cutting layouts and how to recycle any waste that you do create, from the smallest scrap of fabric or length of thread. By the end of the course you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to sample a zero-waste pattern along with construction techniques and you will be able to make a start on making a final version independently. We have additional sewing sessions or private tuition available if you would like extra support to make the final garment in fabric.
All body shapes and sizes welcome. We are a LGBTQI+ friendly and safe space. People of all genders, sizes, and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend this course.
Why Waste Matters
Did you know that 15 - 25% of each garment that is manufactured in industry is wasted on the cutting room floor? For the fashion industry alone, this equates to 60 billion square metres of fabric annually.
But there is hope yet! Zero waste uses design and sewing solutions that don’t create waste in the process of making textiles and clothes. Zero waste methods and techniques can be used in every aspect of sewing to better minimise and utilise waste and still create beautiful textiles from quilts to clothes. As research progresses, designers find new motivations for doing things differently, and as home sewers experiment and try new sustainable ways of making, we are finding more and more ways in which we can change the status quo.
By mastering zero waste sewing, beginners and beyond have the power to create beautiful garments with positive, real-world impacts.
Image credits above to Danielle Elsener at Decode
“I learned so much that my mind melted at times. I loved every second and will definitely be playing more with the techniques and tools in the quest for a more sustainable and conscious approach to making. If you are even vaguely interested in zero waste approaches, sustainability or sewing I would highly recommend this course. You’ll come away with a fresh perspective. And Cassandra is a great teacher!”
Skill Level & Location
It’s recommended that you have a basic understanding of how to use a sewing machine, however if you are a new sewer and you’re interested in attending this class please get in touch to discuss options. And don't worry if you might miss one or two classes: we've plenty of opportunities to catch up through our additional sewing sessions or private tuition.
We are very excited that this course will be held at The Dastardly Line, an experimental long arm quilting studio that utilises textile industry waste into reimagined designs. Conveniently located in the RogArt Street Campus, a 5 minute walk from Bridgeton Train Station. Please note that there is no class on the 17th or 24th of October.
Outcomes
A set of paper samples of different zero waste garments.
A sample book, made by you and full of the techniques you've learned as part of the course. Use this for future reference.
An understanding of how to make clothes that consider the impact on people and the planet.
An understanding of how to sew with zero waste.
Confidence in construction skills for sewing garments and accessories.
A sustainable sewing community in Glasgow.
Course cost includes:
6 x 3-hour lessons
Use of sewing machine each, but you are welcome to bring your own
Use of overlocker (shared between students)
Course cost excludes:
Cost of fabrics and haberdashery
Zero Waste pattern for individual project
About Your Tutor
Cassandra Belanger (she/her) has 13 years of experience working in sustainable design, textiles and garment construction with a Masters in Fashion + Textiles focussing on zero waste design. Her work is an invitation to a more sustainable future and education is at the centre of her creative practice. She is the Founder of The Stitchery Studio, Co-Founder of the Zero Waste Design Collective and Founding Member of Sustainable Fashion Scotland. She is the Resident Sewing Instructor at the Central Scottish School of Craft and previously a Fashion and Textile Lecturer at Glasgow West College. Her research interests centre around sustainable fashion and textile design education and fashion systems for a post growth economy. Her design and teaching practice explores issues such as zero waste, waste colonialism, transparency, feminism, sizeism, and body image. Cassandra is committed to decolonising her teaching practice.
More Info:
During class tea and coffee will be provided. Food, tea and coffee are also available for purchase from the building’s café, Garlic & Thyme.
All of our classes are suitable for over 18s, younger crafters may be accommodated if accompanied by a participating adult but please contact us before booking
If the workshop you were looking at is fully booked drop us an email and we’ll add you to the waiting list.
If you need to cancel, we need at least two weeks notice. Please read our cancellation policy before booking.
This workshop is held at Dastardly Line, Studio 31 in RogArt Street Campus, 4 Rogart St., Glasgow, G40 2AA.
Booking Your Place
Please familiarise yourself with our Terms & Conditions and Cancellation & Refund Policy below before making your booking.
Please use the Eventbrite link below to secure your place. Note: we require a non-refundable deposit of £50 to be paid at the time of booking. We will shortly get in contact by email to set up a bank transfer for the remaining balance payment of £185. All course fees are due two weeks before the course start date.
Additionally, in response to the cost of living crisis, we offer one subsidised seat per class to ease the burden on our community. If you are committed to learning and experiencing financial hardship, please reach out.
The Stitchery operates under a business model of full transparency. If you have any questions about how we cost our courses and what the breakdown of costs is, please feel free to get in touch for more information.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions please have a look at our FAQs page. If you don't find your answer in either of these places, then please feel free to contact us.
Non-Refundable Deposit
All of our courses and workshops require a deposit to book your place. Please note that the deposit is completely non-refundable.
Cancellation & Course Fees Refund
Because of the popularity of our courses and the limited number of spaces available, we've now introduced a Cancellation & Refund Policy. If you cancel your booking 14 or more full days before the start date of your course or workshop, you will be refunded the balance of your fees. This is equivalent to your full course fees minus your non-refundable deposit.
If you decide to cancel your place once the course has started, a refund is not guaranteed. In this situation we shall review the circumstances of the cancellation before deciding on appropriate solution.