21 Eco Friendly Sewing Projects
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Make one of these great eco-friendly sewing projects that are reusable to help you save money and keep trash out of the landfill!
There are a lot of reasons to use eco-friendly items in the kitchen and around the house. It helps the environment and it can help you safe money. I originally started using reusable items to help me save money, and it evolved into more than that.
These are just a few of the items that our family uses and that I have created a tutorial for. Some of them are to keep your hands or clothes clean, some are for cleaning, some are for organizing or carrying, and some are to protect food.
Do you love to sew? Try one of these fun sewing projects:
- Beginner sewing projects
- Scrap fabric sewing projects
- Fat quarter sewing projects
- Quilting cotton sewing projects
- Use fabric scraps for any sewing project
- Home sewing projects
- Sewing projects for organization
- What to do with old towels
Why make eco-friendly sewing projects?
Not only does it help keep things out of the landfill and keeps the use of plastic and paper down over time, it can really help you save money. You do have to do a little more washing to keep up with cleaning everything, but I feel like I’m always doing laundry as a mom so I don’t mind one extra load here and there.
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.
I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!
How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?
Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.
Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.
Eco Friendly Sewing Projects
DIY Tote Bag with Fold Up Pocket
Learn how to make a DIY tote bag with a fold up pocket. With the reusable bag folded up in a pocket it’s easy to store in a purse or car until needed.
How to Make DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Learn how to make DIY reusable makeup remover pads to help you save money and create less waste. It's a great scrap fabric sewing project!
How to Wrap Gifts with Fabric
Learn how to wrap gifts with fabric for the holidays. Some of these methods are the art of Furoshiki and some are reusable fabric gift wrap.
DIY Reusable Sweeper Pads
Learn how to make DIY reusable sweeper pads for a sweeper or dust mop. Polyester fabric will pick up all the dust and debris on hard floors.
DIY Plastic Bag Holder to Sew
Learn how to make a DIY plastic bag holder to keep bags safely organized! This beginner sewing project only uses one fat quarter!
Make a Bowl Cozy
Make a DIY bowl cozy with all your fabric scraps and batting scraps! Bowl cozies are quick and easy to make and they make great gifts!
How to Sew Hanging Dish Towels
Learn how to sew a hanging dish towels that can’t be pulled off. It’s perfect if you have kids or pets, and it makes a great gift!
How to Sew a Drawstring Bag
Learn how to sew a drawstring bag with a free drawstring bag sewing pattern. It can be changed to any size, and it can hold so many different things.
DIY Reusable Water Balloons
Learn how to make DIY reusable water balloons using sponges and scraps of fleece fabric. It’s a quick summer sewing project that is fun to play with!
How to Make Reusable Cotton Rounds
Make use of all those organic cotton scraps of fabric by easily sewing or serging them into reusable cotton rounds. They are great for removing make up!
How to Make Hanging Kitchen Towels
Learn how to make hanging kitchen towels. This beginner sewing project is perfect if you have kids or pets, and it makes a great gift!
DIY Cloth Napkins
Learn how to make DIY cloth napkins with silk and cotton fabric for the perfect reusable table setting. They are luxurious and absorbant and can match any holiday decor!
DIY Tea Towel Apron Tutorial
This is a fabulous and easy gift idea for neighbors, teachers, friends, and family. Use a tea towel to make a quick and simple DIY tea towel apron!
How to Make Placemats
Learn how to make placemats with a 1/2 yard of fabric!. This is a great beginner sewing project and can use the prettiest fabric!
How to Make a Lined Drawstring Bag
Learn how to make a lined drawstring bag that makes the perfect reusable drawstring gift bag! It’s a great way to decorate for the holidays!
DIY Fabric Napkin Rings
Learn to make these unique knotted napkin rings with gorgeous silk fat quarters. They are great scrap busters, and these would be great hostess gifts!
DIY Reusable Bowl Covers
Sew these reusable bowl covers for any bowl or casserole dish. These are a great scrap fabric project, and they can be easily washed!
Free Hanging Kitchen Towel Sewing Pattern
Make a beginner sewing project with this free hanging kitchen towel sewing pattern. Use a towel or quilting cotton for an easy gift to sew!
DIY Reusable Snack Pouches
It’s easy to bring snacks for kids (or yourself) with these DIY reusable snack pouches! Use waterproof fabric to make them easy to clean!
How to Make Linen Napkins
Learn how to make linen napkins with this easy sewing tutorial! This beginner sewing project makes the perfect handmade gift!
Upcycled Plastic Bag Holder
Learn how to make an upcycled plastic bag holder to keep bags organized! This beginner sewing project only uses a men’s shirt sleeve!
If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather
great list – thanks for rounding these ideas up.
I started sewing reusable drawstring Christmas bags last Christmas. Catch the sales and coupons, and it saves so much money on wrapping paper. I also like it to wrap those awkward multi cornered plastic and cardboard boxes that many toys come in. No more ripped paper!
yes! it’s so much easier to wrap!