Sewing Sustainably

Sustainability and care of our environment has never been more important, and I feel there is somethings we can all do to play our small part in trying to reduce waste.  Sewing your own things inherently is a slower and more sustainable alternative to buying new and shopping fast fashion.  But some sewing practices still contribute to textile waste. There are several ways that you can make your sewing more sustainable:

• Use natural fibers: Natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, and wool, are more sustainable than synthetic fibers because they are biodegradable and require less energy to produce. They also tend to be more breathable, which can be more comfortable to wear.

• Buy high-quality fabric: Investing in high-quality fabric can save you money in the long run because it will last longer and require less frequent replacement. This also reduces the overall environmental impact of your sewing, as it reduces the demand for new fabric production.

• Use fabric from second-hand sources: Charity shops and car boot sales can be great sources of fabric for your sewing projects. This not only saves you money, but it also keeps fabric out of landfills and reduces the demand for new fabric production.

• Shop locally: Supporting local businesses and artisans can help reduce the environmental impact of your sewing by reducing transportation emissions. Local fabric stores may also carry a wider selection of sustainable fabric options.

• Repurpose and upcycle: Instead of buying new fabric, try repurposing or upcycling old clothing and textiles into something new. This can save you money and reduce waste.

• Use eco-friendly materials: There are a variety of eco-friendly materials that you can use in your sewing, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo. These materials are produced with a smaller environmental impact and can be a more sustainable choice for your sewing projects.

• Choose patterns carefully: Consider choosing patterns that use minimal fabric and have a timeless, classic design. This can help reduce the overall environmental impact of your sewing by reducing the demand for new fabric production.

• Use natural dyes: Natural dyes, such as plant-based dyes, are a more sustainable option than synthetic dyes. They are biodegradable and have a smaller environmental impact.

• Repair and mend: Instead of throwing away clothes that are damaged or worn out, try repairing and mending them to extend their lifespan. This can save you money and reduce waste.

• Learn about and support sustainable fashion brands: There are many sustainable fashion brands that are working to reduce their environmental impact. Supporting these brands can help drive demand for more sustainable fashion practices.

Overall, making your sewing more sustainable is about being mindful of the materials we use and the impact of our actions. By making small changes in our sewing practices, we can all help reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.