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Recycling Your Fabric Scraps (Yes, Recycling!)

3/20/2017

94 Comments

 

I’ve always hated throwing away fabric. Even the little pieces. As you probably know, I have an entire Etsy shop dedicated to reusing fabric remnants! So why in the world it didn’t occur to me to recycle my fabric scraps before… I don’t know! I have no excuse! Except that maybe, just like everyone else, I didn’t really know you could! Oh I knew you could reuse fabric, and I do a lot of that. But I didn’t’ really know you could recycle it. But then I watched this video (if you haven’t seen it yet, it is worth watching!):

And it blew my mind. Zero waste. ZERO.
 
And then I watched True Cost on Netflix. Which is another eye opener. I recommend watching that too. It really got me motivated to do everything I could to lessen my negative impact in the fashion and manufacturing world.  

True Cost is a documentary that came out in 2015, about the impact the fashion industry has on the world. According to the film, there has been a 500% worldwide increase in clothing consumption when you compare it to the 90’s. There is also a huge increase in the amount of clothing that is disposed of every year. The average American wastes 82 lbs of textiles in a single year.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 85% of post-consumer textile waste ends up in our landfills, and that textile waste makes up almost 5% of all landfill space.
 
But what can I do to help this??
 
I went on a Google spree. I became obsessed! I looked up everything I could on how to recycle fabric in my area. I know that not all of these options are going to hold up everywhere, but these ideas will at least help you get started!

repurposing fabric scraps to make new beautiful products
  1. Buy more environmentally friendly, sustainable, fabrics. There are some fabrics that are less damaging to the environment than others. I won’t pretend to know enough about this to guide you. I’ve even been hearing about more small batch fabric companies, like microbreweries, but for textiles!
  2. Buy less new fabric. Eeeek. This might be a sewist’s worst nightmare. Less fabric?? It’s not as bad as it sounds! First, use your stash! I know you already have a massive amount of fabric just waiting to be used. And if you really need to buy more, be aware of what you are buying. Try looking for remnants or seconds, or using secondhand wares like curtains, or thrift store clothing as a fabric source. I can tell you that I’ve gotten gorgeous lace fabric from old curtains, for only cents on the yard. It is possible! Lastly, if you do end up picking a newly made fabric for your project, simply know exactly how much fabric you need. That way, you won’t have as much fabric waste!
  3. Create less waste. Other ways to reduce your fabric waste include things like zero-waste patterns, and ignoring grain lines. They are obviously not always an option. But don’t automatically rule them out! A Zero-waste pattern is one where all the pattern pieces fit together like a puzzle, with no fabric scraps in-between the pieces. This can often lead to your finished project being much more interesting than a standard garment. Another way to reduce the fabric scraps in between pattern pieces would be to change the layout on your fabric. Perhaps by ignoring the grain lines on your pattern pieces. It completely depends on the individual project you are working on. Sometimes the grain is very important. But, sometimes, like for a pillow, or an accent piece, it really may not matter! Also, switching up the direction of a pattern in your fabric can add a whole new level to your garment design!
  4. Repurpose your fabric waste. Even though I run a business creating things from fabric scraps, even I can’t use up every piece of fabric that comes my way. Some fabrics aren’t the right type, or size, or I simply think they are hideous. But that doesn’t mean that other people can’t still use them! After some googling, and some emailing, I’ve curated a list of people in my community that I can pass along fabric to. My list includes: a woman from Project Linus, a local Middle School that has a makers space (how cool is that??), a teacher that is helping her pre-schoolers learn how to sew, and a local 4-H group.
  5. Recycle the fabric waste. Fabric is recyclable! For real! And it is surprisingly easy to do! You just donate to Goodwill. I emailed my local Goodwill store, and also another local thrift store Mission 27, and they both let me know that they do indeed accept fabric scraps. All the textiles that they cannot resell (including these scraps) they sell off to textile recycling plants.
my recycling center for my sewing fabric scraps
With all the different people and groups I’ve reached out to about fabric scraps, I’ve developed a bit of a system in my apartment. I now have a series of containers where I separate my fabric scraps into large, small, and unusable. Once I fill up my containers, it’s time to pass them along. The unusable scraps go into a trash bag marked “fabric scraps” and get delivered to one of the thrift stores. The larger pieces go to the 4-H and Project Linus groups. And the small pieces go to the kids just learning how to sew! I have a spreadsheet complete with everyone’s contact info, and I rotate who gets the next delivery of fabric goodness.

Goodwill recycles textile fabric sewing scraps
The recap: If you are going to take one thing away from this post, it should be that Goodwill accepts fabric donations. You can literally throw your (clean) fabric into a trash bag, and drop it at goodwill next time you go shop there. That’s it. You don’t have to do any separating or spreadsheeting like I do. It is so easy that you don’t have any excuse!

94 Comments
Jon
1/21/2018 05:42:08 pm

Goodwill sells fabric scrap to factories to use as shop rags, it also takes 60-90 lb of fabric scrap to fill a punching bag! Please donate, it won't go to waste!

Reply
Madeline link
1/22/2018 06:49:35 am

Thanks for commenting Jon! I had no idea my scraps could be going to a punching bag! How fun is that!

Reply
DG DOWECK
8/23/2019 05:08:01 am

PLEASE CONTACT DG DOWECK WE HAVE SEVERAL BALES OF WASTE FABRICS YOU CAN HAVE THEM...……….

Linda

Reply
Ginger Shivers
1/17/2020 09:51:18 pm

I am looking for cotton print or solid. And african print

Mansi Sonawane
7/13/2018 11:34:38 pm

I want to sell fabric scrap .. do u accept it ?

Reply
Madeline
8/17/2018 03:17:24 pm

I do buy fabric scraps, depending on the type and size of the material. You can email me at madeline.goheen@gmail.com with details if you would like.

Reply
Dawn DePatto
1/1/2019 04:33:35 am

I am a seamstress and have all kinds of fabric scraps that I hate throwing in the trash. I would be very glad if you could use them. Do you buy per size or per pound? Thank you

madeline
1/1/2019 06:23:53 am

Hi Dawn,
Thanks for asking! I accept any and all donations of fabric, and I will recycle anything I can't use. As for purchasing scraps, I have to make sure that I can use them for my products, so I buy per size, and only if the type and color fit in with my current product needs. You can email me more information on what you have to offer at madeline.goheen@gmail.com

Cali
9/3/2020 06:07:00 am

I have several sets of gorgeous draperies (lines) that I want to offer to anyone who wants them to reuse the fabric. They were left by the prior owner of our new home. Happy to send pics to anyone Interested.

Khalid javed
6/10/2020 10:50:48 am

I worked for a ware house and they have daily tons of fabric where can I sell it ?

Reply
Rowena Arinduque link
7/1/2020 10:57:28 pm

I am willing to buy what ever scrap you have by pound or package pm me please. I will wait

Rowena Arinduque
7/1/2020 10:54:13 pm

I am willing to buy scrap from you or donation too. Pm me ynaarinduque@gmail.com

Reply
Jeanette Hackler
7/28/2020 06:45:28 pm

have boxes of fabric, all kinds, would like to give away.

Holly Anderson
8/28/2020 01:32:04 pm

Do you still want fabric scrap? I have lots! I’m in Portland, OR.

GUL U MAHENTI
10/7/2020 10:55:19 am

Hi, I have few containers of used mix clothing waste fabric.
If anyone interested please contact me at
gm3131@yahoo.com

Ronnie D Caldwell
5/12/2021 03:51:02 am

I Work at a warehouse where we have plenty of leftover scraps of fabric. Hit me back to let me know what you need

Kritika Singhal
8/16/2018 02:26:15 pm

I want to sell cloth scrap produced after making bags

Reply
madeline
8/17/2018 03:18:56 pm

I do buy fabric scraps, but it all depends on the type and size of the material. You can email me at madeline.goheen@gmail.com with details if you would like to let me know the specifics.

Reply
Maria celeste Paul
8/27/2019 12:58:51 am

we have cut pieces materials of dresses we make. Want to provide these cut fabrics..

Janiece Horn
4/23/2021 02:22:26 pm

I have several fabric remnants and scraps left from making Beatle look-a-likes of the Yellow Submarine outfits. They are satin, in peach, blue, green and deep rose. I also have some fairly large pieces of gold satin fabric. Please let me know if you have any interest. I don't want any money, but would love to be reimbursed for postage.

Rowena Arinduque
7/1/2020 10:58:38 pm

Pm me . Interested to buy

Reply
Patricia H Cox
10/27/2020 05:28:38 am

Rowena, I am interested in working with you on getting rid of my scraps. I sent you an email but maybe it ended up in your Spam. Please contact me.

mary link
9/4/2018 05:19:11 am

I'm looking for a place to recycle my t-shirt scraps. We use what we can to make donation quilts but there are still left overs.

Reply
madeline
9/30/2018 08:14:14 pm

I'd check with your local second hand shop, and see if they take and recycle the scraps. My Goodwill does!

Reply
d brossy
2/19/2020 05:04:20 pm

Please consider donating or even, making, t shirts into diaper sewing project for Haiti and many other countries.
https://realhopeforhaiti.org/sewing/diapers/
https://www.thinking-about-cloth-diapers.com/cloth-diaper-charity.html
Please pass this on. There are several youtube videos on how to convert t shirts into cloth diapers. This could be done as a charitable event with neighbors, in churches, or other organizations.

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:20:42 pm

Thank you for sharing this suggestion! Sounds like a great project

Lauren D. Burton
9/30/2018 04:03:22 pm

We are recycling fabric samples in our showroom. They are no bigger than a square foot. Would you take them and pick up?

Reply
madeline
9/30/2018 08:13:13 pm

Are you here in Indy?

Reply
shaista parveen
10/5/2018 04:13:22 am

hi we are running an NGO. we mainly work with leftover fabric scraps, we use all the scraps we get from different warehouses and boutiques but as we are revamping our center , need someone who can make them in use, as we dnt want to throw them.

Reply
madeline
12/12/2018 06:49:05 pm

You can contact me directly at madeline.goheen@gmail.com to talk details!

Reply
Candace Seaton
12/9/2018 05:30:54 pm

Your local Senior Center may have a quilters club that would appreciate fabric scraps.

Reply
madeline
12/12/2018 06:49:56 pm

What a great idea Candace! I'd never thought of that!

Reply
Balbir
9/13/2022 02:36:32 pm

I have lots of drapry fabrics, prints some solids, I want sell

Reply
Jill Bates link
1/12/2019 06:26:39 pm

Hi, I have had a sewing business for 30 years and I have ladies formal wear and formal wear scraps I want to re-cycle. I also have vintage wedding gowns that I want to sell or donate. Would you be interested in these items or can you suggest who I should contact? Thank you.

Reply
Madeline
2/1/2019 04:51:32 pm

Hi, thanks for reaching out! I definitely take donations if you are looking for a place to give your fabric leftovers to. Where are you located? Are you in the Indianapolis area?

Reply
Katrina
3/31/2019 08:26:53 am

Great article!!! All the answers I was looking for!! Thank you!!

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:21:48 pm

Happy to help!

Reply
Mary H McCauley link
4/12/2019 09:08:37 am

I called our local Goodwill and they apparently did not get the memo.. they do NOT want fabric scraps. Is this a local decision or is my local store not aware they should take the scraps?

Reply
madeline stage link
6/15/2019 05:47:51 am

that's so interesting! maybe it is a decision made on a local level. I'll have to look into this... thanks for sharing!

Reply
Kay RolfsMassaglia
8/30/2022 01:22:41 pm

My Goodwill will not take fabric scraps either. (Philly area.) So I am at a loss where to take mine.

Paula Hebert
8/27/2019 12:33:18 pm

Just dropped off 4 bags of fabric scraps today at St Vincent de Paul thrift store. SO thrilled to not add to trash;)

Reply
d brossy
2/19/2020 05:08:26 pm

i volunteer at a st. vincent resale store and i have to tell you that they throw out some fabric *scraps* when individual volunteers deem them too ugly, useless, or whatever ideas they have. some pieces are donated to out-of-country missions but the ones they've judged not worthy go straight into trash [and we pay trash hauling by the pound! that's why am looking for someplace to donate old sheets, curtains, etc.] i hope your center specifically uses them or send them elsewhere.

madeline stage
2/23/2020 10:21:35 am

You bring up a good point D Brossy, it is best to double check with your individual thrift or resale store to make sure that they will take fabric scraps. I've learned that not all Goodwills do so, so I'm sure the same applies to St. Vincent as well.

Tracey Theobold link
6/20/2019 10:40:16 am

We are a event company that make tablecloths for our clients weddings, BP and always have material left over, Satin Polyester, lace and so on, If you look on Instagram you will see our set ups, and you will see a lot of the tablecloths we made... I hate to throw away any of the fabric I have asked drama schools to donate but unsuccessful, please let know if you are willing to buy

Reply
madeline stage link
7/26/2019 04:45:13 pm

I take donations, but usually don't buy fabric unless something in particular catches my eye. I'd be happy to take a look at what you have though, along with pricing info. just shoot me an email at madeline.goheen@gmail.com

Reply
Terry
7/7/2019 06:49:06 am

THANK YOU sooooo much for posting this!!! What a stress relief :-) It never felt right to me to throw fabric away either and I am helping a family member down size and get rid of clutter. I have a resource in Colorado where I live, but was feeling helpless in Maryland and knowing that Goodwill and others will take fabric scraps too is awesome!

Reply
madeline stage
7/26/2019 04:55:03 pm

so glad I could help! I'd love to know what your resource in Colorado is, so I can pass the info along to anyone who asks.

Reply
Ann
10/23/2019 03:17:58 pm

I am a seamstress in Northern Colorado. I would love to know your resource in Colorado.

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:17:06 pm

I don't currently have a resource in Colorado, but if you find one please share!

Angela Waterford link
7/11/2019 05:15:36 am

I've been looking for ways to recycle fabric so that I won't throw it out. Thanks for adding that doing this will help me to lessen my negative impact on the environment. I think I'll buy some swatch memos since I have options to choose from various fabrics that I can reuse, so I'll make sure to get some from a good store.

Reply
DG DOWECK & CO LTD
8/2/2019 06:01:03 am

we have lots of fabric waste if you would like it you can have it for free!
this is off cuts of twill & poly cotton all colours.
if you would like any more information please e mail me.
Regards
Linda

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:24:02 pm

Hi Linda,

I'd be happy to contact you if you let me know what email would be best

Reply
Angela Cronch
8/22/2019 07:53:53 am

Wanting Fabric scraps to make quilts for needy children.
Please send to
P.o.BOx 66
Cave Spring, Georgia 30124

Reply
Joy McAuley
10/1/2019 04:04:24 pm

I have scraps. Email me if interested. Great stuff for crumb quilts.

Reply
Angela Cronch
5/20/2021 11:44:44 am

Accepting fabric scraps to be used in quilts for needy children. Angela Cronch 2159 Sunset Drive Paducah Kentucky 42003

Jeanette Hackler
10/7/2019 06:45:17 am

Do you still take fabric scraps and if so what kind? Would like more info about quilt projects.

Reply
Mary link
10/7/2019 06:57:48 am

I have a lot of t-shirt material. We try to make as many donation quilts as we can. Would you be interested in t-shirt fabric?

Reply
Rowena Arinduque
5/22/2020 10:58:44 am

I will take anything and everything that you could give me. Thank you !

Mary
2/23/2020 10:20:51 am

Are you still accepting fabric scraps to make your quilts for needy children? If so, I will mail you a box of polar fleece and cotton scraps.

Thank you for your good work on behalf of children.

Reply
Rowena Arinduque
5/22/2020 11:00:56 am

Please think of me too. I need your fabrics too. Thank you

Angela Cronch
5/20/2021 11:39:59 am

Yes accepting all fabric scraps Angela Cronch 2159 Sunset Drive Paducah Kentucky 42003

Nancy Staley link
7/24/2020 12:36:30 pm

Home seamstress but have bags of scrap, you still accepting them?

Reply
Angela Cronch
5/20/2021 11:42:58 am

Yes accepting fabric scraps for childrens quilts Angela Cronch 2159 Sunset Drive Paducah Kentucky 42003

Angela Cronch
5/20/2021 11:38:18 am

Change of address. I take all fabric scraps for childrens quilts please send too Angela Cronch 2159 Sunset Drive Paducah Kentucky 42001.

Reply
Carolyn B Hallam
3/30/2022 08:52:41 am

Are you still accepting scraps

Jodi
9/20/2019 03:35:29 pm

Madeline, I’m in N Colorado. I called my local GW store and they accepted my fabric pieces (I had 2 large garbage bags full). I am so glad I found your blog! I was ready to toss them in the trash.

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:24:59 pm

Yay! Good to know!

Reply
Rowena Arinduque
5/22/2020 11:03:16 am

Please don’t throw your scrap. I can used it and make it for others. Please think of me . Thank you.

Reply
Kathy W
7/3/2020 01:44:35 pm

I have fleece, felt, and cotton. Send me an address and i will send.

Nancy Staley link
7/26/2020 01:21:38 pm

Where are you, I’m happy to ship you my scraps. Do you have types or a size that you don’t want?

Nishtha
9/25/2019 06:17:51 am

Visit karana.official (instagram) for amazing clothing and accessories made from fabric leftovers.

Reply
Jennifer Serr link
10/6/2019 03:27:55 pm

You just made my day! I had no idea Goodwill took fabric scraps! YAY!
I love what you are doing btw. Great work and thanks for sharing!
jennifer

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:25:38 pm

Happy to share!

Reply
Rani
11/30/2019 06:27:01 am

Thank you for this information! I'm also in Indianapolis, and I frequent both Goodwill and Mission 27, so will be able to take my scraps there. Yay!

Reply
madeline stage
2/21/2020 06:17:57 pm

So glad I could help!

Reply
Rowena Arinduque
4/25/2020 05:11:21 pm

Hello , I am interested too in taking fabric remnants of whatever kind . Please email me @ ynaarinduque@gmail .com so that I could give you my address where you can send it. I could make apron, hair scrunches, quilt blankets, pillows for anyone. Please get in touch yna . Thank you.

Reply
Dexter
5/7/2020 09:19:37 am

Just sent you an email! :)

Reply
Mary GARDELLA link
5/12/2021 04:14:56 pm

I have tons of t-shirt fabric scraps that would make beautiful quilts. I've made many myself but business is overwhelming right now, I don't have time to fill orders and make donations quilts. email me if you want!

Reply
Patricia H Cox
10/4/2021 12:40:24 pm

I would like to hear from Rowena Arinduque to see if I can help her out with her request for fabric remnants. Thank you.

Reply
Tammy Carney link
5/14/2020 04:18:09 pm

I have lbs and lbs and lbs of unused beautiful spandex solids and prints that I would love used. What can I do to make this a win for everyone?

Reply
madeline stage link
7/24/2020 05:37:48 pm

Hi! I'd love to talk specifics with you via email. contact me at Madeline.goheen@gmail.com

Reply
Angela Cronch
5/20/2021 11:48:00 am

Accepting fabric scraps for making quilts for needy children. Angela Cronch 2159 Sunset Drive Paducah Kentucky 42003

Reply
Btysun link
7/1/2020 10:29:48 pm

I appreciate your information. Thank's for sharing with us.

Reply
Linda Alford
12/30/2020 06:17:29 am

I have clothing fabric yardage that I need to get rid of. Where are all of the people commenting residing? I'm in Austin Texas. I can take pictures of the fabrics and give yardage. Very nice sheer prints, dress weight prints, knits & pants weight fabrics.

Reply
Marina (NMPL) link
4/18/2021 02:34:30 am

Oh, it's so lovely) Especially about the small pieces of fabric for the kids) I wish you success!

Reply
Hellery
5/12/2021 03:24:42 pm

Who can sponsored me any kind of fabric? Please

Reply
Lamis
7/14/2021 07:25:31 am

I have leftover fabric

Reply
Suzanne G
5/19/2021 08:39:09 am

Another good way to use fabric bits (as long as they're washable) is to make dog and cat beds for your local SPCA. (Call and ask them first) An easy way to do it is stuff an old pillowcase with scraps and sew up the end. And of course, you can always use some of that ugly fabric to make the case. My quilting group saves our scraps just for this purpose.

Reply
madeline
9/14/2022 02:25:42 pm

yes this is a great idea!

Reply
Angela Cronch
5/20/2021 11:50:18 am

New address for fabric donations for needy childrens quilts. Angela Cronch 2159 Sunset Drive Paducah Kentucky 42003

Reply
Lamis Nasir
5/27/2021 03:29:25 pm

I have a lot of fabric pieces if Anyone interested to get it Or if there’s a place I can drop it thank you

Reply
Robin link
7/12/2021 06:24:20 pm

Mostly in the third world countries these fabric scraps are used or repurposed as a rug or a quilt which most rich countries don't see it useful and ends up in the landfill.

Reply
Rhoda Houge
10/8/2021 06:40:58 am

I have lots of T-shirt scraps from making diapers. If you know of a contact in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota, I would love to donate them. Thanks to all of you who are doing your best to recycle!!

Reply
Chance Cook link
11/10/2021 04:22:49 pm

I'd like to get some more environmentally friendly fabrics. That would help me feel better about wearing certain clothes. So I'll do my research before buying something.

Reply



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    madeline stage

    creative business owner. designer. hoosier. crafter. runner. sewer. swing dancer. outdoor enthusiast. entrepreneur. wife.  material hoarder.


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