Decode Zero Waste Shirt
Posted: July 15, 2020 Filed under: Decode, Independent Patterns, Zero Waste | Tags: Decode, Independent Patterns, Zero Waste 27 CommentsWell I finished this shirt well over a week ago (closer to two) and have been waiting for The Management to put it on for photographs. I’ve finally given in and you’re getting flat pictures. Sorry.
The kit arrived from Danielle Elsenor at Decode complete with fabric and buttons, booklet to explain the process, and an A3 poster of the design.I couldn’t wait to start but knew I would need to concentrate with this.
This was just a trial in stash fabric to check I had it right before I cut the very special hand screen printed fabric from Danielle. The pattern PDF looks different to most as you get the lines only – not the gaps. Much less paper wasted in printing but it’s a little confusing until you move your brain into the right place. Simple once you’re there but rather than taking the option of drawing the pattern right into the fabric I drew into the pattern paper cut to the correct size. Just as well. I made a really silly error and needed to do a bit of paper rearranging and sticking.
It’s great when you settle the piece(s) onto the fabric and they are just like a jigsaw – but with huge pieces. Even better is the fact that there are no odd shaped pieces of scrap left over. The way the pieces are organised to fit is genius. There were elements I wouldn’t have come up with myself (like cutting the sleeves down the middle and fitting them together to save space round the sleeve head) but will be looking at when I next use my own patterns as I’m sure some of the ideas here can transfer.
The shirt was easy to sew together, and everything fitted together with ease (great pattern cutting Danielle). It really didn’t take long to sew at all. I tried it on before the buttons/holes were done but sadly this is just a bit too oversized for me despite thinking it would be right. It fits him perfectly. Sorry you can’t confirm that 🙄.
The pocket is almost invisible in this print, and the fact that the sleeves are split doesn’t really show at all . In my opinion this is a winner.
I will definitely be looking more closely at my patterns to see where I can reduce waste even if I can’t go zero waste with all of them.
The Material Lady 
fab!
Ta missus 😊
Wow!
I want to check this out more thoroughly – thanks for the info, Kim. 😘
The pre order is closed now but I’m sure she’ll still be selling the pattern later. It comes up quite large though 😉
Thank you for these details, Kim!
What a great idea. I’ve just cut out a jumpsuit and was getting really stressed at how much fabric was going in the bin.
I’m fascinated by the pattern cutting process. I’ve bought Liz Haywoods book so look out for more of this stuff!
It’s good to do something different, out of comfort zone. Nice one!
Too true M!
That looks fabulous. Really interesting cutting xx
It’s really fascinating to see how she managed to get all the pieces into a regular shape.
Ooh, this looks so interesting! Zero waste is definitely a concept which can be used on a lot of patterns, I’ve done it with a couple now. I’m intrigued by the split sleeve. I’ve also never heard of this pattern maker so am off to investigate, thanks Kim!
I have you to thank for sending me down this rabbit hole!
Cutting the sleeves in half means that one can be turned upside down, separated, and settled in top of the other to loose a load of waste. Genius idea 😁
I just did this with a tiny pocket made from an armscye! Thanks for the idea.
Thanks so much for showing us – I coveted one of these but thought I lived too far away to order one.
I think Danielle and her generation are going to be the change-makers in the fashion industry.
I think so too!
Don’t know if you’ve seen news of the Covid outbreak in Leicester that has exposed garment factories where the workers were in poor conditions and being paid below minimum wage? A number of stores have removed the brands thought to be involved. I’m hoping fast fashion has had its day which will hopefully enable designers and cutters to be more thoughtful with resources.
That’s so clever!
Isn’t it just!
What a cool way to save fabric and cut down on waste! Thank you so much for sharing!!!! Also, the straight of grain is perfect on the sleeves!!!
I really believe this should be a consideration when making patterns after I heard how much fabric was wasted in garment manufacturing world wide. The world can’t afford for us to be so wasteful!
That is so clever, and I love reducing waste. I bet it looks good on as well.
It does! I’m intending to resize it to fit me so hopefully not too long before I can show that.
What a cool idea! That’s some genius pattern cutting–and it fits! When I think of “zero waste,” I think of the Bog Jacket type thing that weavers make–a useful garment, but you wouldn’t really want a closetful.
Exactly! But things appear to be moving on from those styles now 😊
Wow!
It does seem a bit space age doesn’t it?
I’ve got the pattern but not the kit for this – what yardage did the pattern fit on? I’m also so excited to try!