Reviving Fabric Scraps: Beautifully Sustainable Patchwork
Can you believe that this beautiful bed cover was made of fabrics which would otherwise be discarded?
This bed cover is made of patchwork from fabric scraps, in other words, Kain Tampal
(Kain = Fabric, Tampal = Patches). They are made of fabric scraps and off cuts that came from the process of textile cutting, the cornerstone of textile production.
Do you know that around 10-15% of all fabric used for textiles and garment production is wasted during the cutting process? Let’s see how patchwork could be an answer to reduce this waste.
As cloth makers cut the fabrics into components following the shapes or patterns of different garment parts, many fabric scraps are produced at that point. In general, people just throw away those scraps that came from this process.
However, looking at the beautiful patterns and vibrant colours of fabric scraps and off cuts from Batik cloths, some local communities in Java, Indonesia, noticed that they were able to create new products by doing patchwork. Not only is this directly connected to reducing waste, this also helps empower the local communities with their home industries to gain extra income by creating new lines of products. This prowl that empowers the local community contributes positively to society, not only by reducing waste but also to help develop the economy
Celebrate your special day with patchwork
Founded by Ms. Susanna who is a designer by training, Two Baskets shop in Balmain, Sydney, developed varieties of patchwork products for Australians, such as a bedcover, table runners, a cushion cover, yoga bags, jelly rolls fabric (precut fabric strips, often used to make quilts and other sewing projects), and even wall tapestries for birthdays and christmas celebrations!
There are a lot of party wall tapestries made of materials which are not very good for the environment such as plastic and polyester. As we celebrate our special days, why don’t we choose one tapestry that is beautiful, unique and at the same time environmentally friendly!
As textile waste contributes to 10% of global greenhouse emissions, our special days are not only a celebration for us, but they could also benefit our planet by encouraging the choice of more environmentally friendly products.
These beautiful patchwork products are available at Two Baskets shop in Balmain, Sydney. @twobaskets.au