How to Recycle Your Fabric Scraps and Me-Made Clothes: Sustainable Solutions for Home Sewists
In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of textile waste, we as home sewists can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices. We know we need to lead by example and contribute to a greener future so let's delve deeper into why and how home sewists can prioritise recycling our fabric scraps and me-made clothes.
Maximising Resources: Home sewists understand the value of every scrap of fabric. By incorporating recycling practices into our workflow, we can maximise the use of materials, reducing waste and minimising the environmental footprint of our projects.
Look for zero and low waste and re-fashion projects. I’m excited to try some of the ideas in Portia Lawrie’s book - The Re:Fashion Wardrobe
Setting an Example: As advocates for conscious consumption, home sewists can inspire others to embrace sustainable fashion practices. By showcasing our commitment to recycling and upcycling, we demonstrate that creativity and environmental advocacy can go hand in hand.
Can you organise a mending meet-up or clothing swaps event to introduce non-sewists to the wonderful world of sewing clothes you love?
Supporting Community Initiatives: Engaging with local textile recycling programs and community initiatives allows home sewists to contribute to collective efforts in reducing textile waste. Whether through donations, workshops, or collaborative projects, we can amplify the impact of our individual actions within our communities.
Exploring Innovative Solutions: TerraCycle's specialised recycling services offer home sewists an opportunity to recycle hard-to-recycle items, such as sewing notions like buttons, trims etc and fabric remnants. By participating in TerraCycle's programs, we can explore innovative solutions for disposing of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Preserving Craftsmanship: By recycling me-made clothes, home sewists preserve the craftsmanship and sentimental value of our creations. Rather than discarding garments that are no longer worn or needed, we can repurpose them into new designs or donate them to charitable causes, ensuring that their efforts continue to be appreciated and enjoyed. We can also enhance and breathe life back into our damaged clothing by adding visible mending techniques such as embroidery, sashiko, painting, patching and appliqué.
Embracing Circular Fashion: Embracing a circular approach to fashion, home sewists can extend the lifespan of their garments through repair, alteration, and repurposing. Lucky sweater is a platform where makers can swap their me-mades and keep fashion circular.
Educating and Empowering Others: Through blogs, social media, and community workshops, home sewists can educate and empower others to adopt sustainable practices in our sewing projects. By sharing tips, tutorials, and resources on fabric recycling, we foster a culture of creativity and environmental responsibility within the sewing community.
We as home sewists have a unique opportunity to lead the way towards a more sustainable fashion industry, little by little. By prioritising fabric recycling and embracing eco-conscious practices in our sewing projects, we can make a significant impact on reducing textile waste and promoting a circular approach to fashion. With creativity, and collaboration, home sewists can inspire positive change and pave the way for a greener future.
As creators of me-made garments we are also unavoidably creators of fabric scraps and occasionally me-made garments we no longer need! But how do we move these on fairly and in the most environmentally friendly way?
How to recycle Fabric Scraps…
Here are some great solutions for Home sewists to recycle fabric scraps effectively:
Sorting and Storage: Sort fabric scraps by type and size to facilitate reuse and recycling. Store scraps in labeled containers or bins for easy access. In my studio, I have a cotton and natural fibre bin synthetic bin.
I also have a box label up as twirling fabrics which I use for any test runs of pattern and techniques. Any old bedding, large fabric scraps and damaged material goes in here ready to be used.
Upcycling Projects: Turn fabric scraps into new creations through upcycling projects such as bolster cushions, patchwork quilts, fabric baskets, or reusable shopping bags.
There are some amazingly creative patchwork garment ideas shared on Instagram that I really want to explore. Start a Pinterest board and collect ideas for when your scraps bin is full.
Donations: Donate excess fabric scraps to schools, community centres, or crafting organisations that can use them for educational or artistic purposes.
Textile Recycling Programs: Get a terracycle box and research textile recycling programs offered by local organisations. These programs may accept fabric scraps for recycling into new materials such as insulation or industrial rags.
Composting: Natural fibre scraps, such as cotton or linen, can be composted to enrich soil and reduce organic waste.
By implementing these ideas, we can minimise waste and make a positive impact on the environment while continuing to enjoy our creative pursuits.
For some ideas and discussion around how to “Move On” your me-made clothes check out the week 1 post in the Sew Your Own Style programme.
I’d love to hear how you factor recycling into your sewing practices? Message me to let me know!
