Sustainable Sewing
Sustainable Sewing: Create with Care for the Planet
Over a decade in the sewing industry, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than a million creators bring their ideas to life while exploring innovative ways to reduce waste and make more mindful choices. Sustainable sewing isn’t just a trend; it’s a meaningful shift toward creating with intention, preserving resources, and cherishing the art of making.
Our Sustainable Sewing guides are here to inspire and empower you to sew with a planet-friendly approach. From upcycling projects and fabric care tips to eco-conscious materials and waste-reducing techniques, you’ll discover practical ways to sew responsibly without compromising on creativity.
9 Tips For Extending the Life of Rotary Cutter Blades
Rotary cutter blades are indispensable for sewists and quilters, but they can dull quickly without proper care. This guide offers nine practical tips to extend their lifespan, including using a cutting mat, avoiding cutting over pins, investing in high-quality blades, and proper storage. Implementing these strategies will save you time and money while ensuring precise cuts for your projects.
Make an adjustable bag strap: Free sewing tutorial!
Create a custom adjustable bag strap with our step-by-step tutorial. This guide covers materials, assembly, and tips for sewing a functional strap, complete with sliders and clasps. Whether you’re crafting a new bag or upgrading an old one, this project is simple, practical, and perfect for sewists of all skill levels.
Reusable Gift Bag Sewing Tutorial
How will you be wrapping your Christmas gifts this year? Will you be on ‘bin bag duty’ again collecting all of the used wrapping paper & throwing a glitter & foil mountain out to landfill? Or will you be getting your Christmas All Wrapped Up with our Sew Your...
What’s the best wadding for a hot water bottle cover?
Choosing the right wadding for a hot water bottle cover is essential for insulation and comfort. This guide explores the best options, including heat-resistant materials like Insul-Bright, and tips for sewing a durable and cozy cover. Protect against heat while ensuring a soft and snug finish for your hot water bottle project.
How to Enlarge A Collar With A Collar Expander – No Sew! Care & Repair Series #4
In this installment of our Care & Repair Series, we introduce a simple, no-sew solution for tight collars: the collar expander. These handy devices temporarily increase your shirt’s collar size, enhancing comfort without permanent alterations. Easy to use and transferable between garments, collar expanders are available in various sizes and finishes to match your shirts. They can also be used on skirt or trouser waistbands. Remember to remove them before washing your garments.
Free Peg Bag Pattern & Sewing Tutorial
Our “Free Peg Bag Pattern & Sewing Tutorial” provides a detailed guide to crafting a practical and stylish peg bag. Designed for confident beginners, this project takes approximately an hour to complete and results in a 30cm x 30cm bag (excluding the coat hanger). The tutorial includes a free downloadable pattern, a list of required materials—such as 40cm of cotton fabric for both the exterior and lining, 1m of 25mm bias binding, and an optional ODIF Odicoat fabric coating gel for water resistance—and step-by-step instructions. By following this guide, you can create a functional accessory to keep your clothespins organized, making laundry tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
How to repair a trouser pocket: Care & Repair Series #3
In this installment of our Care & Repair Series, we provide detailed instructions on repairing damaged trouser pockets using two methods: sew-in and iron-on. The sew-in method involves trimming the damaged portion, aligning a replacement pocket, and stitching it in place for a durable repair. Alternatively, the iron-on method offers a no-sew solution by attaching a replacement pocket with adhesive tape, ideal for quick fixes. Both approaches are beginner-friendly and can be applied to various garments, including skirts and jackets, helping you extend the life of your clothing.
Washable & Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial
We're always looking for new ways to go zero waste here at Plush Towers & one item we have been keen to ditch is the plastic waste-bin liner and we have been looking for a reusable alternative... As the world, quite rightly, moves away from single use plastic bags...
How To Use Waistband Extenders – No Sew! Care & Repair Series #2
Waistband extenders offer a simple, no-sew solution for tight waistbands. Perfect for trousers, skirts, and jeans, these handy tools attach easily to existing fastenings, giving you extra comfort without altering your garment. Learn how to use button or hook extenders and explore tips for discreet adjustments to keep your clothes fitting perfectly.
Free Tea Cosy Pattern
clip small V shaped notches in the seam allowance
How to Repair Bra Hooks: Care & Repair Series #1:
In this tutorial, we guide you through the process of replacing damaged bra hooks, a common issue that can lead to premature disposal of bras. By carefully removing the old hooks and sewing in new ones, you can extend the lifespan of your bras, contributing to sustainable fashion practices and saving money. This beginner-friendly repair requires minimal sewing skills and tools, making it accessible for anyone looking to maintain their lingerie.
Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads
As we all start to look at simple ways we can reduce our waste, the bathroom is a great place to make some simple swaps! Did you know that disposable make up remover pads can often contain plastic?! Switching to reusable cotton pads is a quick and easy swap to help...
Sew A Spa Set Series #5: Make An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff
Make your own eco-friendly shower puff with this easy sewing tutorial! Swap out disposable options for a reusable, sustainable alternative. This project is beginner-friendly and a great way to use up fabric scraps while adding a handmade touch to your self-care routine. Reduce waste and pamper yourself sustainably!
Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover
Discover how to craft a cozy hot water bottle cover with this free pattern from Plush Addict. Ideal for beginners, the tutorial provides step-by-step instructions to create a functional and stylish accessory, perfect for keeping warm during chilly nights. Personalize your cover with your choice of fabrics and designs to add a unique touch to your comfort essentials.
For detailed instructions and to download the free pattern, visit the full tutorial on the Creative Rehab (formerly Plush Addict) Blog
Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier
Free Peg Bag Pattern
Reusable Fabric Gift Tags
Reusable Fabric Gift Tags
How to make reusable Christmas bags: Sewing Tutorial
How will you be wrapping your Christmas gifts this year? Will you be on ‘bin bag duty’ again collecting all of the used wrapping paper & throwing a glitter & foil mountain out to landfill? Or will you be getting your Christmas All Wrapped Up with Reusable...
DIY Happy Birthday Bunting Tutorial: Free Templates Included
Create festive, reusable Happy Birthday bunting with this simple DIY tutorial. A fun, eco-friendly project to brighten up any celebration year after year!
How To Sew A Waterproof Mattress Protector
This tutorial guides you through creating a waterproof mattress protector designed to fit atop your main sheet, facilitating quick bed changes. Combining absorbent bamboo velour, breathable waterproof PUL fabric, and decorative quilting cotton, the protector offers comfort without the rustling noise of traditional plastic covers. The project is suitable for confident beginners and includes tips for sewing with waterproof fabrics, such as using a walking foot to manage fabric slippage. By following this guide, you can craft a machine-washable mattress protector that enhances sleep quality and simplifies nighttime routines.
How To: Make Reusable Makeup Remover Pads and Waterproof Bag
This tutorial guides you through creating reusable makeup remover pads and a waterproof bag to store them. Reusable pads are an excellent alternative to disposable wipes, reducing environmental impact and saving money. The pads are made using cotton fabric and bamboo velour or towelling, known for their softness and absorbency. The accompanying waterproof bag, crafted from PUL fabric, features two pockets to separate clean and used pads, ensuring convenience and hygiene. By following this guide, you’ll contribute to sustainable living while enhancing your sewing skills.
Sewing supplies made from recycled & sustainable materials
Make your sewing projects greener with eco-friendly supplies! From Gutermann threads made of recycled plastic bottles to biodegradable quilt wadding, this guide highlights sustainable materials for sewists. Learn how to incorporate recycled and sustainable fabrics and tools into your crafting while reducing waste and supporting the environment.
Fabric Guide – Using Eco Bamboo Fabrics
Our comprehensive guide explores the world of eco-friendly bamboo fabrics, renowned for their softness, strength, and sustainability. Learn about various types, including bamboo towelling, velour, French terry, and jersey, each offering unique properties suitable for a range of sewing projects. Understand how bamboo’s natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial qualities make it an excellent choice for reusable items like cloth nappies, wipes, and loungewear. Enhance your sewing endeavors with this versatile and environmentally friendly material.
Upcycled Denim Bag Tutorial
If you have some tired looking jeans, their destination doesn’t need to be the charity rag bag yet. Give them a new lease of life with a transformation into this fabulous handbag using this upcycled denim bag tutorial. Treat yourself to a new bag - from old jeans!...
15-Minute Upcycled Fabric Tray Tutorial
Transform fabric scraps into a handy and stylish tray with this 15-minute upcycling tutorial. Ideal for organizing small items like jewelry, keys, or sewing tools, this project is perfect for beginners and a great way to repurpose leftover materials. Add a touch of eco-friendly creativity to your space today!
15 Minute Napkin With Mitered Corners
Elevate your holiday table with reusable Christmas napkins! This sewing tutorial guides you through creating festive, washable napkins that are both stylish and sustainable. Perfect for adding a handmade touch to your celebrations while reducing waste. Customize them with your favorite seasonal fabrics for a unique and eco-friendly holiday décor.
Reusable Christmas Cracker Sewing Tutorial
Create festive reusable Christmas crackers with this easy sewing tutorial! Perfect for eco-conscious holiday celebrations, these crackers can be customized with your favorite fabrics and filled with personalized surprises. Make your holiday table unique and sustainable with this beginner-friendly project.
Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 6: Stay Dry Fabrics
In “Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 6,” we explore stay dry fabrics, essential for keeping moisture away from your baby’s skin in cloth nappies. Learn about popular options such as microfleece, known for its softness and excellent moisture-wicking properties, and suedecloth, a thinner alternative that effectively keeps the inner layer dry. Understand how these synthetic fabrics are designed to draw moisture away, ensuring your baby’s comfort.
Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 5: A Guide To Plush and Outer Fabrics
In “Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 5,” we delve into selecting the ideal outer fabrics for cloth nappies. Discover the benefits of using plush and minky fabrics, known for their softness and aesthetic appeal, and how they can be combined with other materials like PUL to create both functional and visually appealing nappies. This guide provides insights into fabric properties, sewing tips, and creative ideas to help you craft the perfect outer layer for your cloth nappies.
Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 3: An Absorbent Fabrics Guide
In “Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 3,” we delve into various absorbent fabrics essential for cloth nappy making. Discover the benefits of bamboo fabrics, known for their exceptional softness and absorbency, outperforming cotton by three times. Learn about different bamboo fabric types, including bamboo fleece, stretch terry, velour, and towelling, each offering unique properties for nappy inserts and boosters. Additionally, explore manmade absorbent fabrics like Zorb, engineered to absorb up to ten times its weight in liquid, providing high-performance options for modern cloth nappies.
Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 2: PUL Fabric
In “Cloth Nappy Fabrics 101 Part 2,” we delve into the specifics of PUL fabric, a waterproof yet breathable material essential for cloth nappies. Explore how PUL serves as an outer or hidden layer to prevent leaks while ensuring comfort. Gain insights into its composition, properties, and application methods to enhance your nappy-making projects.
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