As with most hobbies, sewing can generate a lot of waste. Sewing is also not the cheapest hobby to get into since you need so many supplies and materials. Fortunately, with the right mindset, and a few helpful tips, you can transition your favorite hobby from wasteful to sustainable, and even save some money along the way!
Use Zero-Waste Patterns
Imagine cutting out a sewing pattern and having no leftover pieces of oddly-shaped fabric. That’s what it’s like when you use a zero-waste pattern! Zero-waste patterns are specially designed to use every piece of your yardage so that there’s no leftover fabric to discard.
Here are a few that I want to try out:
ZW Workwear Jacket by Birgitta Helmersson
Modern Bog Jacket by The Sew Sew
Save and Reuse Scraps
Whenever I do have scraps of thread, fabric, binding, or ribbon, I save them all in a paper bag. Then whenever I need a small piece to use for a pocket, I can pull out a scrap to use. Recently, I even made some little cat toys that I filled with catnip and fabric scraps to make them plush. It worked great!
Choose Natural Fibers
Fabrics made from natural fibers are naturally occurring from animal fur, plants, and seeds. These fabrics include cotton, linen, hemp, silk, wool, Tencel, and many more. Natural fibers won’t leech any microplastics when washed (like polyesters) and can break down overtime in compost (yay!). These fabrics also tend to get softer over time which is an added bonus!
Get Thrifted or Secondhand Supplies
In my town, there’s an amazing store called Reconsidered Goods, where people donate art/craft supplies and they’re resold for super cheap. Whenever I need basic supplies like thread, small amounts of fabric, binding, buttons, or other notions, I always check there first to save money and get something that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. If you don’t have a store like that near you, consider going to a thrift store and repurposing bedsheets as fabric, or reusing the buttons on something that no longer fits you. Buy Nothing groups are another great way to get second-hand sewing supplies.
