About this course

Led by Stitchery Founder Cassandra Belanger, this is a six week, in-depth introduction to making 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.

The first half of 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. The second half will be a time where you can work from a zero waste sewing pattern of your choice and make a garment for yourself.

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. By mastering zero waste sewing, beginners and beyond have the power to create beautiful garments with positive, real-world impacts.

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.

“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!”

— Student Testimonial, 2021

Skill Level

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.

Outcomes

A set of paper samples of different zero waste garments.
A zero waste garment made by you, to fit your body and in the fabric and style of your choice.
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:

Each student will have access to a sewing machine in class, you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
6 x 2.5-hour lessons
Use of overlocker (shared between students)

Course cost excludes:

Cost of fabrics and haberdashery
Zero Waste pattern for individual project

Booking Your Place

To book your place on this course, you will pay a non-refundable Booking Deposit of £50 + fees through Eventbrite which goes towards the total course cost. The remaining balance of £185 is due no later than 14 days PRIOR to course start. Once you’ve booked a place on the course, you will receive the details to bank transfer the final amount. We divide course costs in this way to avoid additional external fees. Please familiarise yourself with our Terms & Conditions before making your booking.

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.

NOTE: You can pay by PayPal or any major debit/credit card. You do not need a PayPal account to make a booking. Simply click on the link which says "pay with a debit or credit card". It looks like this. Please note that deposits are non-refundable.

About your Tutor

Cassandra Belanger (she/her) has 14 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 available.
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.

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.

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.

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.

Making a Zero Waste Wardrobe

In a world increasingly conscious of sustainability, zero waste sewing is 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.