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Eco Friendly Sewing projects

We're all becoming much more conscious about our impact on the planet and the environment and many of us are looking for ways to reduce that impact. At Patterntrace we use eco-friendly packaging, our paper products are all made in a local mill plus our Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is compostable!  We've found several eco-friendly sewing projects which can help you make a difference.

Reusable kitchen roll

This is a really quick make which can help make a big difference. Find the tutorial over on the Sewing Bee Fabrics website. I made 10 of these last year, backing them with an old towel and use them all the time. Not only has it reduced my paper usage but it also saves money too as I now rarely buy kitchen roll.

Beeswax wraps


Beeswax wraps are rapidly becoming the popular alternative to cling film, reducing down our reliance on plastic. Plus you can use your favourite fabrics so it makes you smile when you open the fridge/your lunchbox. There's a tutorial on how to make them here.

Napkins


Another quick and easy make. Instead of using paper napkins why not make a selection of cloth ones? This tutorial from Crafty For Home tells you how.

Reusable snack bags
A great project for using up any offcuts of waterproof fabrics. These handy snack bags replace the need for plastic zip lock bags. The project can be found on the Closet Case Patterns blog.
Reusable Face pads
Like the reusable kitchen roll this project is another great one for using up an old towel. These face pads are ideal for makeup removal, or cleansing. Find the instructions here.
Reusable bowl covers
Another great way of avoiding cling film is to make these re-usable bowl covers. They are made from oilcloth which is a wipe clean waterproof fabric, which is also safe to go through the washing machine too. The tutorial can be found here.
Fold up tote
Avoid paying for plastic bags when you go shopping by sewing a few of these fold up totes to pop into your handbag. They fold up nice and neat for easy storage but are sturdy enough to carry plenty of shopping.

Dish sponges

Pop over to the A Rose in a Tinted World blog to learn how to make these zero waste dish scrubbers using your scraps. 

There we have it, several great eco-friendly projects, the question is which will you make first? 

By the way did you know that our Swedish Tracing Paper, Patterntrace is eco friendly too? It's compostable, so pop your off cuts into the compost bin rather than throwing them away.
Eco Friendly Sewing projects

That’s where tracing your sewing pattern comes in!

When you use Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper, your original sewing pattern stays protected and reusable. It’s perfect for both PDF sewing patterns and printed versions, giving you a ready-to-sew template whenever creativity calls.

Your traced sewing pattern pieces can be easily adjusted to fit your shape. With a bit of washi tape and a good pattern adjustment tutorial, you’ll have a personalised pattern ready to sew.

Sewist’s Checklist

To get started, you’ll need a few simple tools. Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is lightweight, durable, and semi-transparent for easy tracing. Use highlighter pencils to mark your size lines, and a sharp pencil or fine pen for clear, crisp edges. Pattern weights keep everything in place, while washi tape helps with joining or adjustments. Finish with a ruler or French curve to perfect your seam lines.

1. Take Your Time

Slow and steady wins the stitch!

Using Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper helps you trace smoothly and accurately over any flat surface. Its super-transparent, durable quality lets you see every line and marking clearly, without tearing or distorting your original pattern.

2. Label and Highlight Clearly

Keep your work neat by marking your size lines with Patterntrace Eco Highlighter Pencils, they’re eco-friendly, easy to sharpen, and bold enough to stand out through the tracing paper. Use Patterntrace Washi Measuring Tape to join or adjust traced pieces.

Use the

3. Store Your Patterns Properly

Once your pattern pieces are traced, labelled, and adjusted, store them safely in Patterntrace Pattern Storage Envelopes. They’re perfect for keeping your pieces flat, organised, and ready to use again whenever inspiration strikes.

Tracing your sewing patterns isn’t just practical, it’s empowering. It keeps your originals safe and helps you sew confidently, knowing every detail is just as it should be. With Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper, Eco Highlighter Pencils, and Pattern Storage Envelopes, you’ll be set for perfectly organised sewing sessions every time.