Many people would only associate reusable shopping bags with zero-waste sewing projects. However, we've discovered that there's really a lot more you can sew to limit and even eliminate your waste stream.
One of the trends going around our neighborhood at the moment is “zero-waste.” The idea is a noble one, to save the planet by reducing the amount of waste we produce. This means reusing more and recycling where ever possible.
When it comes to sewing, it's not only about shopping bags, of course. We set about to collect the biggest list we could of free zer0-waste sewing projects and I wanted to share that list with you below.
I think you'll genuinely be surprised at the number of things you can sew that will help you re-use and recycle more.
So What Is The Zero-Waste Movement Anyway?
According to Planet Aid:
The zero-waste movement is a lifestyle where people aim to eliminate their trash output completely. This means no plastic, no wrappers, no garbage. While this may seem like an unrealistic task in today’s very disposable society, everyday people all over the country are showing that it can be done.
Other Ways To Help Out
You can really minimize your waste by choosing to recycle. We've written a lot and collected a lot of projects to help you re-use and recycle your old clothes. Here's another huge roundup of 100+ Ways to Upcycle and Recycle Old T-Shirts.
Zero-Waste Sewing Project Roundup
Here's the list of some of the best zero-waste sewing patterns and projects that I could find on the internet. I hope they are of value to you. Hover over the picture to show the title, click to open, or right-click and open in a new tab to keep this page open too. And don’t forget to pin it.
Zero Waste DIY Produce Bags
Perfect Baby Burp Cloth
Fabric Trash Can!
Unpaper Towels
Reusable Swiffer Mop Cover
Eco friendly Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Reusable Fabric Bags
Washable Face Wipes
Handy Mesh Shower Caddy
Velcro Sandwich Bags
Reusable Dish Sponge Pattern
DIY Sanitary Pads
Reusable Sandwich Wraps
Washable Bin Liner
Wine Bag Pattern
DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
DIY Reusable Plastic Baggies
Laminated Cotton Shower Cap
DIY Washable Baby Placemats For Clip On Chairs
Padded Carry Case
Fabric Covered Basket
Reusable Nursing Pads
Unpaper Towels Easy Sewing Pattern
Reusable Swiffer Duster Cloths DIY
Microwave Potato Bag
Hanging Mesh Produce Bags
Reusable Sandwich Wraps DIY
DIY Pan Liners from Felt
Upcycled Flannel Hankies
Plastic Bag Dispenser
DIY Reusable Oilcloth Bowl Covers
DIY Cloth Napkins
Self Binding Cloth Napkin
Reusable Kitchen Roll
Beeswax Food Wraps
Zero Waste Dish Scrubbers
Reusable Bread Loaf Bag
Family Cloth
Reusable Cotton Pads
Shower Pouf
Wash Cloth Soap Holder
Reusable Make Up Remover Pads
Reusable Bread Bag
Makeup Remover Pads DIY
Salad Bag
Thick & Thirsty Cleaning Cloths
Reusable Tea Bags
Oh Deer Washable Baby Bib
DIY Reusable Fabric Bowl Covers
Reusable Machine washable Cotton Rounds
Fitted Cloth Diaper
Reusable Cloth Pads
Best Burp Cloth Tutorial
Reusable Bag
Kitchen on the Go
Zero Waste Unpaper Towels
Farmhouse Produce Bags
DIY Zero Waste Kitchen Sponge
Holiday Gift Bag
Elastic Bowl Covers
DIY Roll Up Picnic Placemat
Toothpaste Case DIY
Reusable Fabric Sandwich
Reusable Tea Bags
Reusable Washable Table Cover
Reusable Fabric Sandwich and Snack Bags
Reusable Kitchen Cloths
Thrifty Potty Training Pants
DIY Cloth Toilet Paper
Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Reusable Swiffer Sweeper
Zero Waste Bulk Bags
Reusable Dryer Sheets
Reversible Shopping Bag Pattern
DIY Zero Waste Reusable Sponges
DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Cloths
Reusable Washable Kitchen Towel
Homemade Cloth Produce and Bulk Bags
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Instead of unsponges (which I found to take awhile to dry and could develop an odor) I cut some cotton mesh fabric into 10″x10″ squares and hemmed them. I use these for scrubbing pots and pans. They dry much more quickly than the unsponges, can be put into the dishwasher or washing machine for cleaning, last a very long time, and are compostable too.
Great Idea Mea!
Sew Sew scraps together to make dog mats for dog shelters and dog toys.
I love all your suggestions. I especially like the placemat with the pocket for utensils and napkin. These will be great when we camp and eat outside as we won’t have to worry about the napkin and utensils being knocked off the table while waiting to sit and eat. There are so many other projects I want to make as well. Thank you. I have been a long time subscriber to your site, I just love it.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Now, at last, I can designate so many old sheets and towels as “useful” ~ I esp like your mop covers, and the fabric trash cans (I have inherited embroidery hoops which I don’t use, but never wanted to throw away).
Thanks for distributing this ~ best wishes from the UK
You are most welcome!, if you make any projects from this list wold you please share on Instagram to see what you have come with?