Welcome back!
Happy Earth Month! I suppose that sounds like an unusual greeting coming from a longarm quilter, but quilting … sustainable quilting … shares a role and responsibility in safeguarding our environment for future generations.
We know quilters have always been pretty resourceful. Our antique heirloom quilts were often made of repurposed fabric and scraps. And the quilters making those quilts knew how to make do with what was available to them.
So, what exactly is sustainable quilting? And why is it important to today’s quilters and the environment? Ready to explore?!
Sustainable Quilting
Sustainable quilting is more than just repurposing fabric and using scraps. It’s about making a difference as quilters. The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to waste and pollution. So, our job is to be aware and make conscientious choices!
I’ll break sustainable quilting down into three categories: fabric choice, fabric use and supporting practices. You might be surprised by how much you’re already doing! And you might find an idea or two that can increase your sustainability efforts.
Fabric Choice
By far, the most popular fabric used in today’s quilting is cotton. And while cotton is generally thought of as a good choice from an environmental standpoint, it still raises sustainability issues due to the conventional production methods used to make it.
More sustainable options include organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and with more sustainable farming practices. Hemp requires less water and fewer pesticides. And bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is relatively easy to cultivate, also using less water.
To ensure you’re purchasing more environmentally friendly products, look for third-party verified sustainability certifications. Two of the most common are:
- Global Organics Textile Standard (GOTS) – One of the most trusted certifications for organic textiles. The product’s organic status is confirmed at every stage of production. All aspects of manufacturing are considered. And social considerations are considered, including ethical labor practices.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 – This certification signifies that each component of the product tests safe from harmful substances. Products with this certification are considered safe for human use.
Also consider extending your sustainability choices through to the completion of your quilt as well. How about using the same fabrics for your quilt back and binding? And consider using batting made from organic cotton, wool or bamboo.
Fabric Use
Fabric use can be looked at from a few different perspectives when it comes to sustainable quilting. Consider:
When you make a quilt, do you try to maximize the investment you’ve made in the fabric?
Do you reread the pattern to make sure you understand the cutting instructions? Do you make sure your cuts make the most efficient use of the fabric? As you’re piecing and when you’re trimming, do you save the excess fabric to be used in future projects? (Bonus fabric, right?!)
Do you try to minimize the amount of fabric and trimmings ending up in a landfill?
If you’re quilting with 100% cotton, you’re using one of the most biodegradable fabrics, but you still want to limit how much ends up needlessly in the garbage. Here are some options for using your scraps:
- Embrace scrappy quilting
- Experiment with improv quilting (See Sustainable Quilting Through the Art of Improv)
- Sew leftover fabric into napkins, placemats, table toppers, gift bags and grocery bags
- Use or donate scraps for stuffing (e.g., some animal shelters take excess fabric and batting for stuffing pet beds and other comfort items)
Do you shop your stash before buying fabric?
It’s so easy to add to our fabric collections. Beautiful, new lines are continually introduced. But one way to support sustainable quilting is to be mindful of what and how much you buy. Shop your own stash before you add more fabric!
I saw this tip recently, and it applies so appropriately here … wait a day before making a purchase! Waiting gives you the chance to ask: Do I really need this, or do I just want it?
Do you consider upcycling or repurposing other fabrics in your quilting?
If you’re into art quilting or want to add a unique, personal touch to your quilt project, consider incorporating t-shirts, old jeans, used clothing, sheets, tablecloths and other linens into your quilting projects.
Not only does upcycling or repurposing reduce waste, but it also allows you to create a quilt integrating different patterns and textures … a quilt with its own unique story to share. (Hmmm, doesn’t that sound like some of the quilts we’ve inherited?)
Supporting Practices
Fabric choice and use are a huge part of sustainable quilting, but there’s even more you can do to make a difference!
Recycle what you no longer want or can’t use.
Consider tapping into your quilting community and make this fun! Are there other quilters you can share and swap with? Or find an organization that can use your extras and donate to them … possibly a local school or community center.
Need help trying to decide what to keep and what to recycle? Try this tip. Divide your fabric or other items into three piles:
1. Love it, need it – keep. These are the items you use regularly, have plans for and love.
2. Occasionally used – maybe keep. These are the items you might use, but they’re not essential.
3. Rarely used – time to go. These are the items you haven’t used in ages and probably never will.
If you need to buy, consider buying secondhand.
Check out thrift stores and rummage sales when you’re looking for that ‘special touch.’ New-to-you fabrics and supplies can find new life in your quilting projects!
Inventory your quilting fabrics, patterns, notions and supplies.
Okay, this one sounds a little anal, but it rings true for me personally. I find it so frustrating to discover I already have a cut of that cute fabric or a copy of that pattern. What a waste! (And it just reinforces that I’m not even aware of what I have, and that I have enough!)
Mend rather than replace.
Rather than discarding damaged quilts, clothing and other items, mend or repair them if possible. Try to extend the item’s lifespan rather than adding it to a landfill.
Create donation quilts.
Share the comfort of quilting! Donation quilts honor our past as quilters while supporting our communities.
Adopt mindful quilting practices.
Life is busy. The world is noisy. Let your quilting help you to intentionally slow down! Disconnect for a bit. Enjoy some quiet contemplation. And reconnect with your creative side. When you do, you’re nurturing yourself and tending to your own well-being!
Invest in high-quality tools, fabrics and supplies.
When you invest in high-quality fabrics and supplies, you increase the chances of your quilts lasting longer. Similarly, when you invest in high-quality tools and machines (like APQS and Handi Quilter), you reduce the need for frequent repair and replacements, reducing waste.
Support ethical brands and companies.
Part of sustainable quilting is also considering the social and ethical aspects of all the companies producing quilting related products. When possible, support brands and companies that prioritize fair trade and ethical practices. Purchasing items made by workers who are paid fairly and work in safe conditions contributes to a more just and sustainable industry.
Stay informed about sustainability issues and progress.
Read about sustainability updates in the textile industry as well as other industries related to quilting. Listen to podcasts and follow the blogs of those monitoring sustainability. Engage with others involved in the cause and share what you learn with others. Knowledge is power!
That’s a lot of information! Quilting sustainability is an involved and far-reaching topic. My purpose in sharing all of this relates to the last point mentioned above. I want to stay informed and share what I learn with you.
If you’re interested in adopting sustainability practices, look over the points listed under Fabric Choice, Fabric Use and Supporting Practices. First, recognize what you’re already doing to support sustainability! Yay! Then see if one of the other points resonates with you.
If yes, take a simple approach to incorporating that sustainability practice into your quilting routine. Start small … tackle one thing at a time. Find what’s comfortable for you. Then let the practice evolve and grow with you.
Sustainability Resources
If you’d like to learn more about sustainability in quilting, please check out one or more of these resources:
Print:
Quiltmaker, Spring 2025.
This issue focuses on sustainable ideas. Topics covered include:
- Radha Weaver’s use of upcycled textiles, especially jeans.
- Using vintage sheets in quilts.
- Quilters who lead conversations on sustainable topics.
- Ideas on maximizing the use of your fabric.
- Several quilt patterns incorporating aspects of sustainability.
Online:
3 Tips for Sustainable Quilting with Scraps, Recycled Fabric, and Repurposed Clothing
55 Sustainable Quilting and Sewing Ideas for a Greener Future 1/26/24
7 Ways to Incorporate Sustainability in Quilting 4/28/23
Mindful Quilting: 5 Sustainable Practices to Embrace 4/26/23
Sustainable Quilting: Embracing Eco-Friendly Practices in Your Craft 2/26/24
What is Sustainability and Why We Should Care 2/22/25
This article is by Bridget O’Flaherty. If you find her information interesting and want even more, she has written a 10-part series on Sustainable Quilting. Go to Canadianquilter.com.
Okay, time to wrap up again! I’ll close with the latest on our upcoming classes, events and sales!
Upcoming Classes
Quilt Path and Quilter’s Creative Touch Classes
Quilt Path & Quilter’s Creative Touch (Appleton)
Friday, May 9, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
or
Quilt Path & Quilter’s Creative Touch (Elkhorn)
Saturday, May 10, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you have the APQS Quilt Path computer system, this is the class for you!
Take your expertise with Quilt Path and Quilter’s Creative Touch Version 5 Pantograph to the next level!
You’ll learn about Batch Import, the Power Pantograph application, basic and advanced pantograph tools and how to use the eclipse plug-in.
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Demo and Workshop with Sue Heinz (Appleton)
90-Minute Demo: You’ve Got a Friend Named Elmer
Friday, May 16, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Imagine a world where every seam you stitch is perfect … every block true to size!
Imagine never having to rip again!
Sue guarantees you will achieve your wildest piecing dreams when you use this simple technique that requires no pins, clips or gadgets!
Day 1: Fill Harmonics
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: One … and Done!
Sunday, May 18, 2025
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
In Fill Harmonics, you’ll learn to create a symphony of background designs that harmonize well together on any quilt.
You’ll learn how to draw an array of Sue’s unique free motion and grid pattern backgrounds.
One … and Done will give you a new approach to custom quilting design. Sue will share her secret of using just one shape to fill an entire quilt with a variety of unique and harmonious blocks, borders, grids and designs.
Simple shapes, stunning results … and easy to master!
Click the links found above for even more information on these fantastic opportunities!
Upcoming Event
Here’s the next road trip on this spring’s calendar!
Northwest Suburban Quilters Guild – 2025 Show
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 18, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Judson University
Lindner Fitness Center
1151 N State Street
Elgin, IL 60123
Admission: $8 per person, children 12 and under – free
Please join us if you can! Stop by and say hi!
Sales! Sales! Sales!
Check out Handi Quilter’s April/May sale!
Buy any NEW Handi Quilter machine and
receive an Accuquilt bundle for FREE!
Buy any Moxie or PS Lite and receive a bundle worth $340!
Buy any Amara, PS Premium or Infinity and receive a bundle worth $750!
And APQS has extended this wonderful opportunity … but we don’t know for how long!
Quilt Path by APQS
SAVE $4,000.00
MSRP: $12,500.00
NOW: $8,500.00
Please contact us about either sale for more details!
That’s everything!
Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie