April 11, 2023

Quilters are some of the most resourceful, green people we know! We are always saving up scraps and asking other quilters for ways we can reduce, reuse, and recycle quilting and sewing materials. We never want to throw anything away if we don’t have to!

In recognition of Earth Day and being green, here are a few ways that we choose to reduce, reuse, and recycle to demonstrate our support for the environment!

Upcycle Fabric Scraps

Do you have tiny leftover scraps that you just can’t bear to throw away? Do you have a stray block or two sitting around, and you don’t know what to do with them? Don’t let those scraps go to waste! There are plenty of ways to upcycle small fabric scraps!

Give crumb quilting a try! Those itty bitty fabric scraps are just itchin’ to become a mosaic masterpiece. Watch our free triple play crumb quilting tutorial with Jenny, Natalie and Misty to learn more about this scrap busting technique (shown above).

Try free pieced log cabin blocks using fabric scraps and leftover strips with our tutorial inspired by the historical quilters of Gee's Bend.

You can even use your leftover strips to create a reusable shopping tote.

Make a new pincushion for your sewing space. (Make a whole bunch and give ‘em to your quilting friends!) Upcycle a mason jar to create a pincushion with storage.

Repurpose Found Fabrics

Found fabric is fabric that you can find . . . anywhere! Make a trip to your closet, a loved one’s storage room, or the closest thrift store. Or, have a stash swap with friends, and start cutting and stitching the fabric back together to create something new and beautiful!

Jean quilts are great found fabric quilts! Take some old jeans, cut them up, and you’ll have a quilt that will last! Bust these out during a camping trip, outdoor sporting event, picnic, or outside playtime. A denim quilt is perfect for staying warm and dry; the sturdy material won’t pick up dirt and debris as easily as other fabrics. It’s the perfect outdoor blanket! Try a denim strip quilt (shown above) or a denim snowball quilt. Click here for more tips and tricks from Jenny for working with old jeans.

Creating a T-Shirt quilt is another way to upcycle your found fabrics. They’re a great way to preserve memories and make wonderful graduation or wedding gifts. Learn more about creating these keepsake quilts with our Tackling T-Shirt Quilts class or grab a Step-by-Step T-Shirt Quilt Kit.

Repurposed Items

Many items around you can be repurposed into something new. The possibilities are endless!