Fabric scraps: it’s overflowing!
By multiplying sewing projects, you also accumulate leftover fabrics... which you conscientiously store at home, for want of knowing what to do with them. Here are some tips for getting rid of these pieces of textiles, which end up becoming bulky!
Reuse instead of throwing away
First of all, think about reusing them for one of your creations. For example, you could make a doll's clothing, decorate one of your creations, or even fill a cushion (we are preparing a short article on this subject ;) ).
No inspiration? Instead of throwing them in the trash, recycle them!
Textile recycling bins all over France
There are many associations or organizations (more than 500 in total!) that collect used textiles in containers all over France. Keep your eyes peeled, you are bound to have a dumpster near you ( the map is HERE)! Some of them collect fabric scraps, from a certain size.
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This is the case of Le Relais , the leading French operator for the collection and recovery of TLC (textiles, household linen, shoes) with more than 20,000 containers throughout the country. “We collect fabric scraps if they measure at least 30cmx30cm. In this case, they feed our recycling sector. Depending on their material, they can, for example, be transformed into Métisse insulation , ” explains Xavier Herrero, Development Manager at Le Relais. This thermal and acoustic insulation for buildings, made entirely of recycled cotton, protects against cold, heat and noise.
- In Lyon, the Notre-Dame des sans-abri association also accepts scraps. “We have partnerships with sewing workshops in the field of rehabilitation, who come to our workshop to collect materials ,” explains Tiang Girard, from the Communication and Collection Service.
Do not hesitate to contact the organization that manages the nearest dumpster directly to check that your fabric scraps will be welcome.
To donate, there are a few rules to follow: the fabrics must be clean and dry and placed in well-closed bags of 50 liters maximum .
Upcycling companies : making something new out of something old
Another way to give a second life to your leftover fabrics: upcycling companies , whose motto could be “nothing is lost, everything is transformed” !
In Lyon, the zero-waste product brand Kufu revalues certain fabric scraps, collected from individuals or companies, for its creations. “We reuse patterned fabrics, with a minimum size of 50cm x 50cm. People who wish to donate send their scraps to the workshop ,” explains Sabrina Grasso, founder of Kufu… who still collects more than 300 kilos of fabric each month!
Upcycling companies are increasingly numerous, all over France. A quick Google search should be enough to find one near you!
Reuse, recycling, upcycling companies… instead of piling up your fabric scraps at home, or filling our overflowing trash cans, don’t hesitate to give them away. An easy ecological and charitable gesture, and free up space to start new sewing projects!
Anouchka C.
Many thanks to Anouchka Collette, eco-responsible journalist and sewing addict for her insight on recycling. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact her via her email anouchkacollette@gmail.com
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