Crafting can be both a way to express your creativity and a chance to positively impact the environment. I prioritise sustainability in every aspect of my business, from the fabrics I choose to stock, to how I work in the business on a daily basis.
Choosing sustainable fabrics for your crafting projects can positively impact the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some steps to guide you in selecting eco-friendly materials for your sewing projects, including patchwork, quilting, English paper-piecing or dressmaking:
1. Research Sustainable Fabric Options: To make sustainable fabric choices, it's important to start by getting to know the available options.Look for materials like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and Tencel that are produced with environmental considerations in mind. These fabrics are typically grown without harmful pesticides, consume less water, and have lower carbon emissions during production. These can be quite difficult to source sometimes and can be quite expensive. If you are looking for a greater selection of patterns, it is sometimes best to widen your search to high quality 100% cotton fabrics.
2. Check for Certifications: To ensure the authenticity of sustainable fabrics, look for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex Standard 100®, and Fair Trade. These certifications guarantee that the fabrics meet specific environmental and ethical standards. A great example is the Tilda Fabrics which I stock. Not only is it beautiful, but they take their sustainability responsibility seriously - their cotton supplier is ISO9001 certified and a member of BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) and their Indian mill is SEDEX Approved and BSCI Approved. Have a look at the Tilda fabrics I have in stock . My Dutch Heritage and Dashwood Studio are also beautiful fabrics which are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified. For example, my lovely customer Sewn For You Designs, uses the Oeko-Tex® Standard fabrics as her cushions are for mastectomy and she needs to know they are of the highest standard.
3. Choose Natural Dyes or Low-Impact Dyes: To enhance the look of your projects, choose fabrics that are coloured with natural or low-impact dyes. Natural dyes are extracted from plants, fruits, and other organic materials, while low-impact dyes are made to reduce water and energy usage in the dyeing process.
4. Support Local and Fair Trade: If you want to help local artisans and fair-trade organizations, consider buying fabrics that are produced under ethical working conditions. These fabrics not only support communities but also ensure fair wages for workers, which helps in promoting sustainable livelihoods.
5. Reduce Waste with Scrap or Remnant Fabrics: You can reduce fabric waste by using scrap or remnant fabrics for patchworking projects. This not only helps the environment but also adds a distinct and diverse touch to your creations. I list remnants at the end of my bolts which can then be used for a flash of colour in your projects!
6. Consider Longevity and Durability: Choose fabrics known for their longevity and durability, ensuring that your creations will withstand the test of time. High-quality sustainable fabrics are not only better for the environment but also result in longer-lasting projects.
Get inspiration from our crafters and see what they have made with their fabric from their shop. Aren't they all so clever! The projects are all so beautiful.
Allow your crafting to show your commitment to a better future. Get in touch if I can help answer any questions. Together, we can make a difference, one stitch at a time. Happy crafting!