What are the unique challenges that designing zero waste sewing patterns for children throws up? And the ways in which it might actually be easier? In this episode, Liz Elliott, the designer behind Thread Faction Studio, gives us a fascinating insight into her business and processes. We also discuss navigating life when your role as a parent and as a business owner are entwined. 

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Find Liz’s patterns on her website, Thread faction Studio, plus follow her on IG @threadfactionstudio

Sew 4 Bub was Liz´s first blog where you can still access some free patterns.  

Like every ZW pattern designer, Liz was inspired by The Zero Waste Fashion Design book by Holly McQuillan and Timo Rissanen.

See the ZW pattern look book on Thread Faction Studio website. 

I’ve previously made the ZW Utility Jumpsuit pattern (my version) and the ZW Cap Sleeve Tee pattern (my version).

Image source: Thread Faction Studio.  

Liz is a big fan of previous-guest Birgitta Helmersson’s book, Zero Waste Patterns

Listen to my conversation with another Australia-based ZW pattern designer, Liz Haywood:

Ep. #31: Exploring Zero Waste Design with Liz Haywood

Find some of Liz’s previous ‘Hatchlings Patterns’, including grow-with-me baby/toddler styles, in Liz´s Etsy shop.

Listen to previous guest Alexis Bailey talk about her ZW pattern journey:

Ep. #74: Recognition and Responsibility with Alexis Bailey


I spoke about ZW sewing patterns on a reel made by Fabric Godmother in advance of a sewing class I taught that focused on Birgitta Helmersson’s ZW Cropped Shirt pattern.