35+ Zero Waste Sewing Ideas (Reusable Products!)
Go green year-round with these eco-friendly sewing projects! Find reusable, washable, and scrapbusting zero waste crafts.


Why buy one-time-use products at the store when you can sew reusable versions? This page, 35+ Zero Waste Sewing Ideas, includes free tutorials and patterns to make common products that you end up throwing out.
No more! Instead, go green with some eco-friendly sewing projects that will keep you satisfied without extra waste. This page features projects for the kitchen, bathroom, travel, and more.
Plus, these are budget-friendly and you'll never have to worry about the store (or your home) being out of stock of must-have products.
Make your own produce or snack bags, kitchen towels, napkins, cloth diapers, sanitary pads, and even "paper" towels, and toilet "paper"! These zero waste projects are sure to provide you with lots of eco options.
We are sharing every reusable sewing pattern we could find for you. The beauty of no waste sewing patterns like these is that it will save money over time while allowing you to remove items from your shopping list.
Whether you're staying home or traveling, there's a way to bring along a product you made that allows you to use it again anytime. All you need to do is clean these things after using and they're like brand new!
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Table of Contents
Scrap- and stashbusting is one of the best ways that sewists can go green! Be eco-friendly and use up your spare fabric by making projects in this collection of scrappy makes.
>> 40+ Scrap Fabric Projects
Reusable Sewing Projects for the Kitchen
Running low on paper towels? Want to use fewer paper napkins? The sewing projects below are eco-friendly reusables that are perfect for the kitchen!
From paper towel replacements to washable table covers to the unexpected washable bin bag, we think you'll be inspired and amazed by all the homemade versions of store products you can sew yourself.
DIY Cloth Diapers (+ More Reusables for Baby)
Babies go through a lot of diapers and although it's a necessary wastefulness, it doesn't have to be quite so wasteful. Make some of these reusable diapers or potty training pants to mix in with the disposable diapers or transition completely to cloth.
We also have a few other helpful baby-related zero waste sewing ideas and patterns in this section. Any of these would make thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts for baby showers or for your own new addition.
Reusable Sewing Projects for the Bathroom
Along the lines of reusable diapers, did you know that you could make reusable toilet "paper" and sanitary pads? Sure, it's an uncomfortable subject for many but the fact is that we all go. Might as well consider it, especially when there's so much waste in the world.
Along with those unconventional ideas, we are also featuring in this section washcloths and make-up remover scrubbies, along with a shower cap you can reuse for years.
If you love upcycling, then make sure you take a look at this list full of helpful reusable rounds and wipes for your morning and nighttime routines.
>> 8 DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Washable Travel Sewing Projects
You can be eco-friendly even when you leave your home! Pack your lunches using zero waste when you use reusable bags for your food. If you have a reusable toothbrush or set of straws, keep them safe and protected on the road with the containers you'll find below.
There are also fabric trash and gift bags to use when needed. We even have a few green picnic sewing projects you can make at home instead of buying. You'll have a blast traveling while also being conscious of your carbon footprint.
Reusable Sewing Projects for Cleaning
A few more zero waste sewing patterns and ideas before we leave you ready to sew up a storm! Get cleaning with some reusable and washable products that are fantastic knockoffs of those you'd buy in the store.
It's so easy to pop a mop or duster cover in the washing machine, so why keep spending money buying replacements when you don't have to? We love these free patterns that are also so easy to make that you have no excuses!
Want More?
14+ Reusable Grocery Bag Patterns >>
Would you ever use reusable toilet paper?
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