In this blog article, we take a closer look at the topic of sustainable fabric selection.
Choosing a good fabric makes a big difference when sewing, especially when it comes to sustainability. High-quality fabrics ensure that your hand-sewn clothes are not only comfortable but also long-lasting – without losing their shape, even after many washes. Quality fabrics are also particularly resistant to pilling, so your favorite piece retains its beauty and brings you joy for a long time.
Pure cotton, hemp, linen and wool last for many years with good care and can be recycled.
Synthetic fabrics are often considered environmentally unfriendly : most synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or acrylic are made from petroleum. Toxic chemicals and high temperatures are used. This causes greenhouse gas emissions and destroys the environment.
When washing synthetic clothing, Tiny plastic fibers (microplastics) that enter rivers and oceans via wastewater. Synthetic materials are not biodegradable and often remain in the environment for decades. In landfills or in nature, they decompose very slowly – if at all.
We have provided detailed information on the sustainability of individual fabrics in our blog article " Which fabric is the most environmentally friendly ?"
Have you ever felt that way? After the first wash, the side seam of your shirt twists – annoying! This doesn't happen with hand-sewn clothes if you use high-quality fabrics. But how do you recognize good quality?
Make sure the texture is even and the pattern is cleanly printed. You can check, for example, along the selvedge to see if the pattern is distorted.
Test the fabric on sensitive skin areas and do not buy any itchy fabric .
Odor : If the fabric smells chemical , it may have been treated with undesirable additives.
Material composition : Natural fibers are generally of higher quality than synthetic materials.
Quality seals such as the GOTS seal can help with shopping.
With high-quality fabrics, your sewing project will not only be more beautiful but also more durable.
If you would like to read more about fabric quality, check out our blog article on fabric quality .
Deadstock fabric is unused or surplus fabric from overproduction, canceled orders, or manufacturing errors. Instead of being thrown away, it can be reused, saving resources and reducing textile waste.
BUT: not all deadstock fabrics are sustainable and/or biodegradable.
For more detailed information, see our blog on deadstock fabric/overhang production.
Buying sustainable fabrics can take a lot of time and effort. Certifications can help you make sustainable choices.
The GOTS seal is one of the strictest certifications in the world. Fabrics with the GOTS seal must be made of at least 70% organically produced natural fibers. The ecological standards include strict regulation of the use of harmful chemicals to minimize environmental impact. Social standards guarantee fair working conditions, including minimum wages, prohibition of child labor and protection of workers.
The OEKO-TEX Made in Green seal focuses on chemical-free products and transparency for customers. This certificate verifies the presence of approximately 1,000 harmful substances. Social standards must be maintained through fair wages, regular working hours, and workplace safety. Transparency: Traceability and transparent supply chains.
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 seal does not verify ecological sustainability, but merely guarantees that the fabric is free of harmful substances. Environmental and occupational health and safety in fabric production play no role . It is expressly NOT a certificate for organic fabrics!
Fairtrade Certified Cotton is a label for fairly traded cotton. It ensures that cotton farmers receive fair prices and can work under better social and environmental conditions.
You can find more details in our blog .
Sewing your own clothes is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Conscious fabric selection plays a crucial role.
The quality of the fabric plays a major role in how long your sewn garments last. Sustainable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, and recycled fabrics are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Surplus fabrics from industry (deadstock/overhang production) can be reused to reduce textile waste.
When it comes to fabric quantity, we can shop more consciously - excessive fabric purchases can be avoided by shopping project-based and reducing impulse purchases.
Certificates such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX Made in Green and Fairtrade help to identify sustainable fabrics.
Every little change in fabric purchasing contributes to greater sustainability!
