Zero Waste Patterns offers a modern approach to sustainable sewing. Using natural fabrics and core sewing techniques, learn how to stitch without waste and make a scandi-style collection of 20 garments.
Zero waste pattern cutting is a bit like a puzzle. You use a pre-determined length of fabric end to end by strategically planning your pattern pieces so that everything is used and then draw them onto the fabric. By using this unique "paperless" method you can eliminate both textile and paper waste from your sewing projects and take the fear out of learning to self draft and sew your own clothing.
This book includes 5 simple zero waste pattern blocks-a t-shirt, skirt, singlet, shirt, and trousers. These can then be used to make a further 15 projects by making simple changes or mixing and matching your blocks into new designs, and comes with pattern layout instructions and templates to make sizes UK 6-30/US 2-26.
Once you have mastered the 5 blocks the possibilities are endless.
Paperback
Birgitta Helmersson is Swedish-Australian designer working with zero waste pattern cutting and circular design models. Her self titled brand was originally founded in Melbourne in 2013, and in 2018 she re-located to Malmö Sweden with her family, where she co-founded a second brand, HELGROSE, a unisex workwear inspired brand made using a zero waste production model. She also co-founded THE CLOTH LAB in 2025, a creative hub dedicated to sustainability, exploring upcycling, re-purposing, and zero-waste techniques, offering workshops, books, sewing patterns, fabrics, clothing, and home furnishings—all designed with the core philosophy of Making Without Waste.
Birgitta has over 20 years experience working as a designer, seamstress and pattern maker in both fashion, and costume for theatre.
Birgitta Helmersson Swedish-Australian designer
Based in Malmö Sweden, Birgitta Helmersson has over 20 years of experience working as a designer, seamstress and pattern maker in both fashion, and costume for theatre.
