Developing a framework for sustainable apparel design: Upcycling knitwear

The purpose of this study was to document the development and implementation of a new sustainable apparel design framework through a line of women's knitwear. Specifically, it integrates strategies of upcycling post-consumer recycled (PCR) clothing, minimum waste, and computer-aided design (CAD). The design process was grounded in the context of sustainable design movement. The framework was developed based on Cradle to Cradle Apparel Design (C2CAD) by Gam, Cao, Farr, and Heine (2009) and an apparel design framework by Lamb and Kallal (1992). The presentation includes in-depth explanation of the sustainable design framework with descriptive and visual examples for each phase. The significance of using this method in apparel design courses provides instructors and students with valuable tools to communicate and enhance sustainable design outcomes.