SEWING GREEN
SEWING GREEN
August 2009
As increasingly more sewers and crafters are turning their skills toward helping the environment, green sewing ideas are in demand. I’ll be periodically writing a post on green sewing and welcome any tips you crafty people have to share. (You’ll also enter to win our monthly prize pictured here!)
Reuse – Recycle – Upcycle – Repurposed Clothing. These are some of the terms we see used in reference to green sewing. One of the best ways I know of to sew with the environment in mind is to find gently-used items and remake them into something updated and useful. With so many beautiful fabrics out there, many deserving a second life, it’s easy to sew green.
My current favorite is to find old Chintz curtains and reuse them. The floral prints that were popular last decade are not so popular this decade. But the fabrics are so beautiful and deserve an upcycle.
Here are some ideas:
Aprons, potholders, appliance covers, napkins, placemats, PJ’s, blouses, skirts, shorts, and my favorite, gift bags. (We sewer’s should never have to buy wrapping paper again.) I just open up a paper or plastic bag and use it as a pattern.
Grocery and shopping bags are another great use for fabric. Here’s a site at Tipnut with 35 Free Reusable Grocery Bag Patterns. I’m certain you’ll be able to find whatever you need!
Repurposed Clothing
Sometimes, a little embellishment is all it takes to update an old look. Sometimes remaking a garment into something totally new is the answer to an outdated garment. Check out Wardrobe Re-Fashion, a blog that’s full of ideas to recycle clothes that you already have.
I’d love to hear some of your green sewing tips!
Click here to comment on this story...
Comment on this story
Blog Archive
Fall Is The Time For Knitting And Crochet
9 November 2010
Unknown Author
Fall is the Time for Knitting and Crochet Whenever the weather turns crisp and cool, I naturally...
[read]
9 November 2010
Unknown Author
Holiday Gifts to Sew Yourself With the Holiday season quickly approaching, now is the time to...
[read]
3 August 2010
Unknown Author
Organic Fabric Organic fabrics are appearing in clothing everywhere. We’re starting...
[read]
20 July 2010
Unknown Author
I’m on Pins and Needles Pin facts. Straight pins usually measure between ½” to...
[read]
Measuring Tools And How To Use Them
20 July 2010
Unknown Author
I do love my tools, I have to admit. While it’s true that you can probably get by with...
[read]
18 June 2010
Unknown Author
Yes, pressing correctly really matters to the look of the finished garment. First of all, you...
[read]
18 June 2010
Unknown Author
No matter what your sewing skill level, you can always learn something new. Here’s a...
[read]
26 May 2010
Jo Williams
Felting is one of the all-time “Green” sewing projects. If you have old wool...
[read]
The Right Sewing Needle Makes A World Of Difference
26 May 2010
Jo Williams
With every new sewing project, you should insert a new needle. The needle should be the right...
[read]



