Knitting, traditionally linked to winter clothing, has evolved into a year-round fashion trend that combines heritage with innovation. While knitting generally generates less waste compared to traditional fabric-cutting methods, leftover yarns from production are often underutilized due to mismatched colors, thicknesses, and design requirements. This underuse presents an opportunity to address sustainability challenges in the fashion industry through zero-waste design, which aims to use all available materials without generating scrap. The goal is to develop an environmentally responsible design process that maximizes material utility while minimizing waste. This research explores sustainable knitwear production through collaboration with an experienced entrepreneur in Bangkok, Thailand, who has over 15 years of expertise in design and production. The study focuses on identifying best practices for developing innovative, sustainable textile design concepts, emphasizing the repurposing of waste materials from the knitting process. Qualitative research methods, including questionnaires and collaborative textile design development, were employed. The findings reveal three key insights: (1) the zero-waste design concept is the most effective way to minimize post-production waste while aligning new textile designs with sustainability principles; (2) three textile prototypes were developed using leftover yarns of varying colors and thicknesses, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into marketable designs through optimized pattern design; and (3) these prototypes offer practical insights into how designers and production teams can manage waste materials effectively and anticipate future design opportunities. This research highlights the significance of zero-waste practices in knitwear production and provides a strategic framework for fashion brands pursuing eco-friendly practices.

Authors:
Atthaphon Ponglawhapun, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Patcha Utiswannakul, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Pawee Paithoonrangsarit, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Atthaphon Ponglawhapun's research interests center around the intersection of culture and fashion design, with a particular emphasis on Fashion Trend Forecasting, Fashion Marketing, and Cultural and Design Research in Fashion.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/atthaphon-p/

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