ZERO WASTE
Zero waste pattern cutting is a bit like a puzzle. It is a method of pattern drafting where you design a garment to fit into a specific width and length of fabric leaving no waste during the cutting and sewing process.
ABOUT THE STUDIO
We work exclusively with zero waste techniques, such as zero waste pattern cutting and re-purposing waste fabrics and second hand textiles. All garments are designed and developed in-house in our studio/store in Malmö Sweden. We use a mixture of carefully sourced natural fibres, predominantly organic cottons and European linens, as well as second hand and vintage fabrics.
SEWING PATTERNS
Many designs are available to purchase as sewing patterns. These sewing patterns are unique in that they use a PAPERLESS method, meaning that no printing of large pattern pieces is required. Instead of using full scale paper patterns, pattern pieces are instead drawn directly onto the fabric with the help of instructions and small templates. By using this method it is easier to work with different fabric widths and make simple design and fit changes to the pattern yourself.
PDF patterns are available online and as no large pattern pieces are required these patterns only require minimal printing, which you can do using a home printer on A4 or US Letter Paper size. We also have some patterns made up into paper workbooks, these are all printed and assembled on-demand in our studio in Malmö. The Paper Workbook version of these patterns are a cleverly designed folder, a zero waste layout on A2 card, that opens up to include traceable templates and a handy storage sleeve to hold the instruction booklets and templates.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
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. She is the author of Zero Waste Patterns (Quadrille in 2023) which is available in English, Swedish and French.
Photo by Emli Bendixen for Zero Waste Patterns, 2023.
