Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Outcomes of Implementing Zero-Waste Pattern Cutting in Fashion Design Courses

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Abstract

Along with increasing students’ awareness of environmental problems and social issues in the fashion industry, introducing sustainable practices into selected fashion merchandising and design courses has been explored by a number of studies. However, there are few studies which have explored ways in which sustainability practices have been implemented in product development and pattern making courses. Literature about how zero-waste pattern cutting (ZWPC) has been implemented in these types of courses is exceptionally rare. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating the ZWPC concept in two levels of existing design courses in an effort to increase students’ awareness of sustainable fashion design practices. To realize this purpose, the project based learning (PjBL) approach was employed as a framework, as previous studies suggested that PjBL is an effective tool for teaching sustainability concept to existing courses. Though this project is related to a design specific pattern cutting project, students’ awareness of sustainable fashion and lifestyle overall increased after completing the project(s). While students’ level of skills demonstrated little significant change, students’ exposure to the topic influenced their sustainability practices (or interest) which supports why projects like this should be developed and evaluated.

How to Cite:

Gam, H. & Banning, J., (2018) “Outcomes of Implementing Zero-Waste Pattern Cutting in Fashion Design Courses”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 75(1).