When Sustainable Sewing Meets Crochet Edging: Sheets to Eats!

Crafty confession time: I never throw away old bedsheets. Why? Because I see them as huge pieces of fabric full of possibilities! Turns out, my fellow editors over at Sew Daily feel the same way. In the new book, Sustainable Sewing (available in print and as an eBook), they share upcycled, recycled, and refashioned projects including a few for old sheets. One project in particular jumped out as something crocheters would love to embellish.

What is Sustainable Sewing?

Before diving into my favorite project for crocheters, it’s helpful to know what sustainable sewing is and what this book has to offer.

As Sadie Fox Metter shares in the introduction of Sustainable Sewing, “Simply put, it is a way of sewing that considers the impact of our choices on the planet. By using some basic supplies and a sewing machine you can reuse thrifted textiles, refashion old garments, and refresh your home’s decor in an earth and budget-friendly way. Sustainable sewing allows us to reduce our environmental footprint while still pursuing our creative passions! It’s a win-win!”

Sewists and crocheters are a lot alike. Perhaps you’re someone who does both and already gets this. Sewists meticulously plan their projects to optimize fabric efficiency and ingeniously utilize fabric scraps, minimizing any discarded remnants. Sound familiar, crocheters? Who among us doesn’t have a stash of scrap yarns and particularly used skeins waiting to be used?

Moreover, sustainable sewing emphasizes the creation of durable, long-lasting items, reducing the frequency of replacements and overall consumption—much like crocheters who are creating handmade goods that last for decades! Ethical considerations are also paramount, as some practitioners ensure fair labor practices in the production of fabrics and clothing they use.

Related: Labor of Love: Crocheters Question Mass-Produced Crochet

Sheets to Eats & Crochet Edging

In Sustainable Sewing, Sadie shares a project called Sheets to Eats. It is a set of coasters, placemats, and dinner napkins all made with upcycled bed sheets. It’s a great beginner-friendly sewing project as well as eco-friendly. Even better than that, any of the projects would look fabulous with crochet edging!

After following the step-by-step instructions, grab some scrap yarn from your stash and add on the edging. I recommend using cotton or acrylic yarn so it’s easy to wash if something spills on it while dining. And go for a flat edging rather than something with a bauble or popcorn stitch.

Three great edging choices would be:

These are just a few of the ways you can combine sewing with crochet. I recently showed knitters how to give new life to an old handknit blanket with the Sweater Switchup project. You could easily swap the knitted fabric for crocheted fabric! Grab a copy of Sustainable Sewing and look at your crochet with a new perspective.

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com.