Upcycling cotton
Cotton, an ancestral plant material
Have you ever seen a cotton branch? The same cotton that makes so many of your clothes? It's so beautiful!
And what a long way it has to travel before it's transformed into a fine thread to weave some of your softest t-shirts.
Cotton is the most widely used plant material in the textile industry today and it has its origins in the land of the Maharajas, in India.
Despite all these qualities, it is important to note that in an ecological approach, cotton is a material that requires the consumption of a very (too) large amount of water. In addition, in most of its cultivation, it is embellished with pesticides. Not very eco-friendly, then.
How do you recycle cotton?
So today, inevitably, there's a lot of interest in cotton recycling. Indeed, it is noted that 10 to 20% of the raw material woven in factories is unused! It therefore becomes what is known as fabric scraps. Fortunately, it is possible to recycle these offcuts via a mechanical process that involves crushing and cleaning the fabrics to return them to their initial state, that of fibres. And from these fibres, new rolls of fabric are made.
We can also recycle old cotton clothes by reselling them, by appealing to the second-hand market or even by transforming them, via upcycling.
On an individual scale, this is how we can act. So rather than spontaneously buying a new cotton garment, whatever it is, first think about the amount of water used to make it and check that you don't already have everything you need in your cupboard.
How can you give new life to your old cotton clothes?
T-shirts, dresses, tank tops, polo shirts, Bermuda shorts, shirts... you'll find it almost everywhere. Rather easy to work with, cotton makes a pleasant material when it comes to sewing. Don't be afraid to embark on an upcycling project!
You might want to personalise an oversized t-shirt with a very chic touch, or why not transform an old shirt into a skirt! And for the more novice among you, start with a recycled cotton tote bag.
There are so many projects to do with your cotton clothes!
Our team of Tillistes is made up of fashion and textile enthusiasts. We'll be delighted to help you create a 100% eco-responsible dressing room.
No time to start sewing?
your homewho can advise and help you recycle and personalise your dressing roomcarries out transformations in its workshopet livre le vêtement après transformations chez vous
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