weaving with waste
Just a simple plain weave bag using new cotton warp and an old semi synthetic dooner cover for the weft. The dooner cover was gifted to me when the kids were born.
The Beauty of Repurposing Fabric
I rarely get excited about new “stuff.” The older I get, the more I find myself disappointed by things that are thinner, smaller, more expensive, and lacking in longevity. Enshitification—named Collins Dictionary's Word of the Year in 2023—perfectly captures this decline of once-great platforms or services.
There’s something magical about using what I already have, especially when it comes to fabric. Old sheets with holes, worn-out garments, kids' stained clothes, or woolens that accidentally shrank in the wash—all these pieces carry memories. They’re more than just fabric; they’re reminders of the past, connections to moments and people that matter.
Repurposing these items into something new through weaving is both creative and personal. When I weave old fabric, I’m not just making a rug or a bag; I’m preserving memories. The faded sheets remind me of my mother, the shrunken sweater of a dear friend (Julie), and the stained kids' clothes of chaotic happy days.
Weaving with waste is an act of sustainability. By transforming discarded materials into something useful and beautiful, I’m challenging the throwaway culture. It’s a small but meaningful act of resistance against fast fashion and mindless consumption.
So, the next time you’re about to toss out old pajamas or a worn-out t-shirt, think about what it could become. Weaving with waste isn’t just about recycling—it’s about creating something new from something old and finding beauty in the memories we hold onto.
Tips for Weaving with Fabric
Separate stretch from non-stretch and synthetic from natural fabrics for best results.
Non-stretch fabrics (like sheets, business shirts, and other garments) work best as the warp.
Stretch fabrics (like t-shirts and activewear) are ideal for the weft.
Non-Stretch Fabric
Wash and iron the fabric if needed.
Fold in a way that creates the longest strips possible and cut 2cm wide strips. It works well weaving with bias strips or straight strips.
Use a sewing machine to connect each strip. I sew each strip end together in a big row without cutting the thread till the very end, hang it on an open hook and cut each row as I wind it on the shuttle. It keeps it from knotting up
Use them as either warp or weft.
Stretch Fabric
Wash and iron the fabric if needed.
Cut 2cm strips starting from the hem and cutting around the garment like a spiral. Doesn’t need to be perfect.
Wind the strip onto a shuttle and weave your weft, being careful to leave ample slack, as pulling too tightly will shrink your finished piece.
Things to Consider
Non-stretch synthetics may fray a lot—decide if you want a neater project or an organic look.
Small or fine knits work well, but chunky knits (like a sweater) won’t.
Consider the fiber’s properties—cotton is absorbent, while synthetics dry quickly. If you’re making a bag, it might not matter as much.
If you’re worried about warp breaking or fraying, try using tapestry yarn instead.
Make sure you have enough fabric to complete your project. Estimate how many picks it will take to cover a certain number of centimetres.
So, before you discard those worn-out pieces, remember they have the potential to become something beautiful again. Weaving with waste isn’t just about recycling—it’s about preserving memories and creating something new from something old.
