Festive Taster: Intro to Zero Waste Sewing + Design

Explore innovative design techniques that eliminate textile waste—without compromising creativity or style.

About this Event

Taster Session // Saturday, 7th December // 10am-12pm // Cost: £40 // This workshop is part of The Stitchery Festive Open Studios Weekend

Skill Level: Complete Beginners to Advanced

Instructor: Cassandra Belanger Founder of The Stitchery, Co-Founder of Zero Waste Design Collective and Founding Member of Sustainable Fashion Scotland

Location: The Stitchery Studio, 23 Acorn Street, Glasgow G40 4AN

Workshop Info

Did you know that traditional garment production can result in up to 25% of fabric being discarded? In this hands-on workshop, join zero waste fashion expert Cassandra Belanger to explore innovative design techniques that eliminate textile waste—without compromising creativity or style.

You will be introduced to different methods of making zero waste garments from using zero waste pattern masters developed by Danielle Elsener of Decode and the Make/Use system developed by Holly McQuillan. Whether you're new to sewing and design or an experienced maker, this workshop offers a fun, practical introduction to sustainable fashion design.

Come ready to cut, create, and make the most of every inch of fabric—because zero waste starts with you.

The setting for this course is the relaxing, social atmosphere of The Stitchery Studio as part of The Stitchery’s Festive Open Studio weekend. Visit our studio, try out a sewing taster session and browse the fabrics and finds from our creative friends and neighbours.

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.

“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 workshop. You’ll come away with a fresh perspective. And Cassandra is a great teacher!”

— Student Testimonial, 2021

Skill Level

Open to complete beginners to advanced.

Outcomes

• A set of paper samples of different zero waste garments.
• An understanding of how to approach making clothes that consider the impact on people and the planet.
• An understanding of how to make zero waste garments.
• Further resources and inspiration.

About Your Instructor

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. 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, coffee and treats 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 of £15 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.

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