F-TECHNIQUE: THE DEVELOPMENT OF SQUARE-BASED PATTERN CUTTING FOR FASHION DESIGN

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This creative research project emerged from the researcher’s observation that fashion design and garment construction constitute a form of artistic expression. Such work not only reflects personal thoughts and beliefs, but also conveys perspectives on the world we live in and can be developed for commercial purposes. However, the process of creating wearable art through garment making often generates a significant amount of fabric waste from discarded cuttings and unused materials. This issue is especially pressing today, as the fashion industry is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to global warming and climate change-problems that inevitably impact humanity.

Methods: This creative research adopts the Research and Development (R&D) methodology to formulate and refine simplified garment patterns that eliminate fabric waste during the cutting and construction stages, in alignment with the principles of zero-waste design. The design process is grounded in the application of a square grid framework and the F-Technique, a methodological approach comprising three core strategies: (1) Flat – engaging with two-dimensional surfaces as foundational planes for design; (2) Fold – utilizing folding techniques to shape and structure the material; and (3) Fix – implementing methods of securing components to ensure garment integrity without generating excess material.

Key Findings: The findings of this research reveal critical advancements in sustainable fashion design: (1) the square grid proves to be an effective structural framework for developing garment patterns that are fully aligned with zero-waste design principles, offering a tangible solution to one of the most pressing challenges in the fashion industry; (2) patterns generated from the square grid can be successfully constructed into wearable garments without producing fabric waste throughout the design and production process, thus demonstrating both environmental efficiency and creative viability; and (3) the prototype pattern developed through this approach exhibits strong potential for further refinement and integration into commercial fashion systems.

Implications of the Study: The results of this research can be applied to both pedagogical and industrial contexts. In education, the findings contribute to the development of curriculum and instructional practices focused on zero-waste fashion design. Simultaneously, the research offers a foundation for advancing pattern-making processes within the fashion industry, specifically those aimed at zero-waste garment production. This approach-which seeks to eliminate fabric waste throughout the manufacturing process-is increasingly recognized as both significant and necessary in efforts to address contemporary environmental challenges.

Conclusions and Future Study: This research focuses on the creative development of prototype patterns derived from the square form, with the aim of advancing their application within industrial systems to reduce fabric waste generated during the production process. Although there remain limitations—particularly in establishing standardized proportions suitable for industrial adaptation, as well as in accommodating the varying fabric widths available on the market—the researcher contends that the conceptual framework and developmental processes proposed in this study have the potential to be expanded and applied to commercial garment production. Furthermore, this research contributes to broader efforts to raise awareness about environmental conservation, advocating for more sustainable practices in fashion as a means of extending the planet’s longevity and ultimately fostering a more livable and secure world for all.