sustainability

Textile Glossary

Zero Waste Cutting

Definition

A pattern engineering approach where garment pieces are designed to interlock on the marker like a jigsaw puzzle, eliminating fabric waste entirely. Conventional cutting produces 15-20% waste; zero-waste design reduces this to near zero. While true zero-waste is impractical for all garment types, the principle drives innovation in marker making, modular design, and using offcuts for smaller components like pockets, facings, and trim.