Prior to the activity kick-off, we suggest that your students review the topic ‘UPCYCLING’. 

This activity aims to unleash students’ creativity and invite them into the world of upcycling through fabric manipulation. They are encouraged to try out as many ideas as possible to discover how textile ‘waste’ can be turned into new exciting creations. In line with the ‘REMAKE’ circular strategy, the focus is on designing for low waste.

For this activity, the students can work individually or in small groups.

1. Provide each group with a selection of textile ‘waste’ which can be made up of cut-and-sew waste and swatches in various fabric compositions, textures, sizes, and shapes. Alternatively, in advance of the class, ask your students to bring in a selection of their own textile waste created from previous projects.
2. Students must create a concept for an upcycled garment design using the textile ‘waste’.
3. To bring their design idea to life, students will need to show a swatch (or multiple) made by manipulating a selection of the textile ‘waste’ available. They can choose whichever methods and techniques they like to do this (for example: patchworking, shredding, plaiting, weaving).
4. Ask the students to consider the following factors of their textile waste:
   1. What will the shape, size, colour, and thickness of the final textile be?
   2. Will the textile be suitable for use in all parts of the garment?
   3. Which techniques will be used to join the textiles together?
   4. Are there obvious composition mixes? How will this impact the recyclability of the new fabric?
5. You may choose to provide the students with an example you have created yourself.
6. After the activity, ask the students to present their work to the class, covering the following:

• • • Why did you select these textiles for your design (shape, size, colour, thickness)?

    • What techniques did you use to create them?

    • Are the textiles suitable for use in all areas of the proposed garment? For example, do they have the strength needed for areas that are hard-wearing?