How can a box become a garment

This paper analyses the pedagogy connecting fashion students’ understanding of pattern making and garment construction through the project ‘How can a box become a garment’, implemented as an alternative novel approach for students new to pattern construction in how to transform 2D material into a 3D garment, creating unconventional shape and form.

Using flattened boxes as a substitute for pattern pieces and working in pairs,
students were briefed that there was no right or wrong response, but rather to
focus on creating interesting 3D form. Working with a minimum of two boxes
cut out in calico, students were encouraged to progress organically alternating
between stitching random edges together and analysing the resulting shape on a mannequin until they deemed their garment complete.

The research gathered highlights how alternative teaching approaches to creative pattern cutting can be complementary to traditional skills, in particular to students who find this area challenging.