Why to Use & Where to Shop them
Deadstock Fabrics: A Sustainable Choice for Home Sewing
In recent years, looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint has become a key focus in all aspects of our lives, including our beloved home sewing. Practising sustainable thinking in our sewing adventures probably won't save the planet on its own, however every action from each one of us, matters!
But what exactly are deadstock fabrics, and why are they considered a sustainable choice?
What are Deadstock Fabrics?
Deadstock fabrics refer to surplus or leftover materials that are no longer in production. These fabrics might come from overestimated production runs, canceled orders, or discontinued designs. Traditionally, such textiles often ended up in landfills or were incinerated, contributing to environmental waste. However, many fabric shops (online as well as physical ones), who are addressing to home sewists are getting them on their shelves, so these materials can have a second chance at usefulness.
Why are Deadstock Fabrics Sustainable?
Reusing deadstock fabrics offers several environmental benefits:
Waste Reduction: By repurposing fabrics that would otherwise go to waste, deadstock fabrics reduce the volume of discarded textiles.
Resource Conservation: The production of new textiles is resource-intensive, requiring water, energy, and raw materials. Deadstock fabrics bypass these demands.
Circular Economy Contribution: Deadstock fabrics align with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled instead of disposed of.
A Win-Win for Home Sewists and the Planet
By repurposing what was once considered waste, we not only reduce environmental harm but also celebrate creativity and resourcefulness.
One of the most exciting aspects of working with deadstock fabrics is the element of discovery hidden gems! Because these fabrics often originate from high-end production runs, you can stumble upon hidden treasures with remarkable qualities, intricate patterns, or luxurious textures that might not be available anywhere else.
Premium Quality: Deadstock fabrics can include silks, wool blends, and other high-quality textiles from designer collections. These materials often come from luxury brands that prioritize top-notch craftsmanship.
Unique Designs: Since deadstock fabrics often consist of discontinued or excess materials, they frequently feature one-of-a-kind prints, vibrant patterns, or custom designs that aren’t available in standard fabric collections. This makes them perfect for creating unique and standout pieces.
Cost-Effective Luxury: Many deadstock fabrics are remnants from high-fashion houses, which means you can access top-tier textiles at a fraction of their original cost.
Where to Shop Deadstock Fabrics?
Many online retailers specialize in deadstock fabrics, offering a wide variety of high-quality and unique materials. Check out my favorite ones:
FabScrap: Based in New York, FabScrap resells excess fabrics from the fashion industry, often at very affordable prices. Customers are able to shop in-person at it's Brooklyn and Philly warehouses as well as online.
The Fabric Sales: Huge selection of high-end deadstock fabrics, based in Belgium.
The New Craft House: Based in the UK, this shop specializes in deadstock and designer surplus fabrics with a focus on high-end materials.
Etsy: Search for “deadstock fabrics” on Etsy to find unique offerings from independent sellers around the world.
Wasted Fabrics: European designer deadstock fabrics available online in 3 meters cuts.
At last but not least, you can take a walk at the physical, small, independent fabric stores of your town. They often sell their surplus or overstock fabrics at discounted rates.
So, explore these resources to uncover unique textiles while support sustainability in your Sewing Makes!
Comments