Living a zero waste lifestyle is easy with this list of eco friendly sewing tutorials. They make it simple to swap out single use items with home sewn projects.
Reducing the waste you produce doesn’t have to be complicated. Some quick sewing can replace items you use frequently. Just wash and reuse them.
Zero Waste Home Sewing
Environmentally friendly sewing projects are items that can be sewn and used in place of single use items that are thrown away. Typically, these items are plastic.
Most waste is produced in the kitchen, so many of the tutorials on this list are meant to reduce waste while grocery shopping and storing food. The elastic bowl covers are one of our most popular sewing projects. They are just as easy to reach for than plastic wrap or zipper bags.
Because the swaps are made of fabric, they are all washable. Just toss them in the washing machine with your laundry or give them a quick wipe down, so they are ready to use again.
Eco Friendly Sewing Projects
All the zero waste sewing project in this list get the stamp of approval for beginners. Each one features step by step instructions and photos of the process. The easiest tutorial is reusable dryer sheets. It only involves a few lines of sewing, and they don’t even have to be straight!
If you want some practice using patterns, check out the reversible grocery bag. It is the same size as a plastic bag from the grocery store, making it an easy swap for shopping.
Reusable makeup remover pads are perfect for practicing top stitching. The elastic bowl covers are a great way to use bias tape for the first time. Since they are round, there is no need to master mitered corners. While these projects are wonderful for using in your own home, they make great gifts too.
Sewing Projects for Zero Waste
Simple sewing projects make living a zero waste lifestyle easier. Since fabric is washable, these eco-friendly items can be washed and reused over and over again. They often save on both waste and money.
Spending money on single use items that get tossed in the trash is bananas when they are so easy to replace with a sustainable item. Reusable makeup remover pads are super simple to sew and gentle on the skin too.
Stop buying and wasting paper towels when you can make your own reusable Zero Waste Paper Towels. They are simple to make and so easy to use in place of paper towels, I call them unpaper towels.
Traditional water balloons take time to fill, leave a mess in the yard and can only be used once. Make your own reusable water balloons that don’t require filling or cleaning up and produce zero waste.
Make your own flannel handkerchiefs out of an old shirt. They are reusable (zero waste) and soft on the skin. A full sewing tutorial with photos are included.
I know they are convenient but I show you how to make some zero waste reusable Swiffer pads. This way you aren't throwing money in the garbage after you mop!
Made of only rectangles cut from a painter’s drop cloth, the apron is easy to assemble. Beginners can easily tackle this project by following the step-by-step instructions and photos below. Upcycling a canvas drop cloth is cheaper than purchasing fabric.
Reusable dryer sheets can replace liquid fabric softener and store bought dryer sheets. They eliminate waste and the transfer of chemicals to your clothing.
Kids love helping in the kitchen, but it can get messy. Protect their clothing with a simple apron made from a dishtowel. It’s inexpensive and ridiculously easy to make.
Don't waste paper every time you give someone a gift, wrapping gifts in reusable fabric gift bags. These are perfect zero waste way to give gifts. They are lots of fun to embellish, especially for the holidays.
Did you know you can 'bake' potatoes in the microwave?! You can with a microwave potato bag. It's easy to make and even easier to use. How about setting up a baked potato bar for dinner?
Don't spend a fortune on laundry detergent when you can save a bundle and save the planet by making your own! Make this Zero waste Homemade Laundry detergent and you will never go back to store-bought again.
Sometimes called a soap saver, a bath mitt with soap pocket makes it easy to grasp even the smallest pieces of soap. It’s perfect for zero waste living and also a great assistive aid for people with limited grip strength. Follow this easy tutorial to sew your own.
Ditch the plastic wrap for reusable bowl covers. They will keep leftovers fresh and pesky insects at bay during picnics. Have fun choosing fabrics to match your kitchen.
No more throw away sponges for me. I moved to Zero Waste sponges and haven't looked back. Plus I can make these eco-friendly sponges to match m kitchen decor.
Make your own shopping bags to replace plastic. This version is based on the size of a standard, plastic grocery bag. Plus, it's reversible!
It might not be zero waste, but you can reduce waste by reusing plastic grocery bags. Keep them tidy and readily available in a plastic bag dispenser.
How to fix a zipper on jeans, replace the zip in a pair of jeans and keep the original top stitching · vicky myers creations
Don't toss your favorite pair of jeans because the zipper broke! Follow this tutorial to replace it while keeping the original top stitching. No one will ever know!
Keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, tidy and accessible with a hanging mesh produce bag. Follow this easy sewing tutorial to make your own in small, medium and large.
These little drawstring bags are called produce bags, but they are awesome for holding nuts, spices and baked goods too. Make a handful to take shopping with you.
Pet products can be eco-friendly too. Replace single use cage liners with a fabric one that can be washed and reused. Choosing the fabric will be really fun for this project!
Snack bags or plastic baggies are used for much more than just snacks. I find myself reaching for them throughout the day to hold odds and ends. These fabric renditions are easy to toss in the laundry and use over and over.
Pillowcases turned into bags are the perfect size for carrying groceries. With more and more areas banning plastic bags, this is a quick replacement solution.
Don’t forget to pin this project for later, and check out some helpful sewing tips and techniques too.
