Where to Find Fabric Sustainably (Without Buying It New, Well Mostly)
If you’re trying to sew a bit more sustainably (or just trying to avoid buying yet more bloody fabric), then starting with what you already have—or what you can get secondhand—is a cracking place to begin.
Let’s be honest: the fashion and textile industry is a giant, waste-producing monster. So choosing to reuse, repurpose or just not buy new fabric can actually be a pretty radical act. Here’s a no-fuss list of ways to source fabric sustainably, with some tips and ideas thrown in to help you on your way.
1. Charity Shops (aka: treasure hunts in disguise)
Most charity shops don’t stock fabric rolls, but they’re absolutely full of fabric if you know what you’re looking for. Keep an eye out for duvet covers, curtains, tablecloths, bedsheets, and even massive shirts or dresses that could be chopped up and turned into something fabulous.
Always check for stains, rips and smells (IYKYK), but honestly – with a good wash and a bit of imagination, you can find some absolute gems.
2. Fabric Swaps
Fabric swaps are bloody brilliant. You get to clear out the stuff you’re never going to use and go home with something new-to-you that might just be the perfect fabric for your next project. Win-win.
Check your local sewing groups, craft groups, or community centres. And if there’s nothing going on near you? Why not organise one yourself! It’s a fab excuse to drink tea with other stitchy folk and nerd out over fabric.
3. Online Freebies and Buy Nothing Groups
Have a nosey on places like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, Olio, or your local Buy Nothing group. Loads of people have a pile of fabric stashed away from a long-forgotten hobby, and they’re often more than happy to give it away to someone who’ll actually use it.
Try searching for “fabric,” “material,” “craft bits,” or even “sewing stuff” – you never know what might pop up.
4. Deadstock and Remnants (technically still buying, but hear me out)
If you must buy fabric, deadstock or industry offcuts are a good shout. This is leftover fabric from fashion manufacturers that would otherwise go to landfill, so it’s a better option than buying freshly-made stuff.
Lots of small online shops specialise in selling deadstock – have a browse and see what you can rescue from an unloved warehouse shelf.
5. Ask Your Mates (and Their Mums, and Your Gran...)
Let people know you’re on the hunt for fabric. It’s amazing what folks have tucked away in lofts, cupboards and “that drawer” in the kitchen. Old curtains, fabric stashes from the 80s, clothes they were going to take to the tip…
Honestly, asking around can unearth absolute gold. And it usually comes with a story, which just makes your project even more special.
6. Chop Up Your Own Stuff
Before you chuck that shirt you’ve worn to death or those old sheets that have seen better days, stop and ask: could this be something else? A dress might become a cushion. A tablecloth could be a cracking tote bag. A pillowcase might be the perfect lining fabric.
Once you start seeing the fabric potential in everything, you’ll never look at laundry the same way again.
Sewing Sustainably Is a Bit of a Superpower
Sewing with secondhand fabric doesn’t mean your makes will be boring or scrappy. In fact, it’s the opposite – you’ll probably find yourself being more creative, more thoughtful, and way more smug when someone asks, “Where’s that fabric from?” and you get to say, “Oh this? It used to be a duvet cover from a charity shop.”
So next time you’re tempted to buy brand new – pause, have a rummage, and see what you’ve already got lying around. You might just surprise yourself.
Want to learn to sew with whatever you’ve got?
My beginner-friendly online course, Ready, Thread, Sew!, kicks off on 2nd June – and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to learn to sew without needing a massive stash or loads of fancy kit.
We cover all the basics, have a laugh along the way, and you’ll finish with real sewing skills you can build on – using fabric that fits your values and budget.
💻 8 weeks of beginner sewing goodness
📆 Starts 2nd June 2025
🧵 No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a machine!
👉 Click here to join Ready, Thread, Sew! and let’s get stitching sustainably 💛