FAQ
Products & Use
Q: Is sewing with upcycled fabric different than new fabric?
A: For the most part, no! It’s very similar. Sometimes upcycled fabric is a little thinner and has more movement than brand new quilting cotton. It may also have some slight differences in color due to age. Just like new fabrics, there are many tricks sewers use to manage their materials
- Know the type of material – cotton, blends, synthetics etc. all behave differently.
- Use stabilizers – Starch is your friend. It’s a natural and non-toxic way to stiffen your fabric while sewing to make it easier to work with. It washes out so the fabric will be soft and supple again. Other stabilizers come in both natural and synthetic options and many different thicknesses.
- Match the fabric grain to the pattern – Most patterns will have instructions for the direction of the fabric grain to get the best results. Cutting on the bias creates more stretch and flow.
- Pick the right needle and thread and foot for your project. If your fabric is lightweight, choose a smaller needle. Some sewing machines let you adjust the presser foot pressure, which can also help.
How do I use your patches?
A: You can see the full instructions here: (link coming soon) If you are using them for mending, then you can add a piece of fabric on the inside of the piece first to sandwich the hole in place. This both keeps the hole from growing and gives the iron on adhesive something to stick to.
Q: Will all the fabric be the same?
A: Each piece is unique and may have different thread counts and wear. We separate by fiber types – cotton, blend, synthetic etc. and by quality. The highest quality goes into whole piece items like quarter yards and charm packs. There may be small differences between pieces in the same batch. That’s part of the joy of crafting with unique and one of a kind fabric.
Q: Why doesn’t the product look exactly like the picture?
A: I do my best to ensure the photos match the items, but sometimes the color or saturation doesn’t come out exactly the same in a photograph as real life. Buying bundles is a great way to make sure you receive colors and patterns that look good together.
Q: Do you prewash fabric? Are you sure it’s clean?
A: Yes! I wash with hot water and detergent every piece before processing it. There are no set government standards for the resale of textiles currently (I read a *lot* of regulatory websites to double check) so I go above and beyond to ensure the fabric is clean and of high quality.
Occasionally people ask about germs and bugs. The truth is; bed bugs actually like stuffing more than fabric – like stuffed animals and mattresses. I used to be a manager at a large online retailer’s fulfillment centers (coughAMAZONcough) in supply chain and I worked in healthcare administration where I was responsible for passing Department of Health and other regulatory inspections. So I know a lot about how to manage inventory so it is safe and healthy.
Purchases
Q: Where do you sell your products?
A: This website, Seattle area markets, and some retail stores.
Q: Do you sell Wholesale?
A: Yes! We are actively looking for retail partners and makers who want to buy in bulk. Use the “contact us” form to send an email.
Q: Can I request a custom order?
A: Yes! We have had several customers that we make custom orders for. This could be sourcing specific prints (maritime only prints), batch sewing (pillow inserts, drawstring bags etc.), single custom items (giant plush banana), or logo patches (stamped & sewn). I’m happy to chat with you about your order and see if we can make it happen. There are limitations to what we can make given our upcycling focus, but it’s worth asking. Use the contact us form to send an email.
Can I Pick up or get a drop off of my order to skip paying shipping?
A: Yes! You can pick up in Georgetown, or we can drop off for a small fee in the Seattle area. Contact us for more details before placing your order and to schedule.
Can I return products?
A: yes, if there is a defect. Processing returns is challenging for a small business, so please be conscientious before making a return.
Sustainability, Climate, Environment
Q: Does upcycling fabric actually make a difference for the environment?
A: Yes, it matters! Using fabric again for its next highest purpose is proven to make an impact on carbon output and other resource use. Upcycling fabric improves the sustainability of our textiles in many ways. 1) prevents new materials from being made 2) reduces transportation 3) lowers use of other resources – water, fertilizer, energy 4) avoids “fast fabric” churn. When people take time to create their own items, they keep them longer. They often become family heirlooms or treasured gifts. This is the opposite of fast consumption.
Q: Why do you use stabilizer? Isn’t it bad for the environment?
A: Almost all textile items made in industry use some kinds of stabilizers and synthetics like thread or fill. I strongly believe it’s still better to increase the upcycled content of products, even if it’s only 20%. It keeps us moving in the right direction while making and using products that will be high quality and feel like new. I’d rather do 20% than 0%.
Q: Why do you offer synthetics and use polyfill?
A: Synthetics exist already, so I believe it’s better to reuse them than have them sit in a landfill. I try to use as few new synthetics as possible by purchasing plant-based threads for example. When it’s hard to find a non-synthetic option, I buy recycled materials. The poly-fill I purchase is made from car manufacturing waste plastic that would go to the landfill otherwise.
Q: What do you mean by “harm reduction philosophy”?
A: Harm reduction in my business means doing what you can with the resources available in ways that help people live better right now.
I strongly believe that small changes lead to bigger changes. It helps us align our values and actions, change habits, example the changes we want, and feel open to doing more.
Q: Why aren’t you 100% perfect at circularity and sustainability?
A: Because it’s hard. The world we live in just isn’t built to do this easily or equitably. Or, sometimes another organization is already doing part of the supply chain better than I am, so I’d refer you to them (Ridwell for example). I’m also not going to let perfection get in the way of starting and trying and learning. By trying and being 10% sustainable, I make connections and network and find more resources that I never would have found if I hadn’t tried. And that helps me move the needle to the next % improvement. It’s a continuous process.
Q: What do you do with your scraps and other manufacturing waste?
A: First, we try to repurpose as many scraps as possible into other products. But, sometimes that's not possible so we recycle fabric scraps via our partner Ridwell. Other waste is either recycled or goes to the landfill. We are starting to track our waste and will have an annual report starting in 2024.
Business
Q: Can I partner with you?
A: Let’s talk! We are always looking for artist collaborations and other opportunities for partnerships.
Q: Where does the fabric come from?
A: Most of our fabric is post-consumer bedding textiles. Some of it is new fabric that is donated. It comes from a combination of individual donations, Ridwell, and thrift stores. Some of our fabric also comes from Seattle Design Center upholstery sample waste.
Q: Why do you charge as much as new fabric for something that’s used?
A: Upcycling takes a lot of labor. Sourcing, washing, organizing, cutting, sewing etc. We are developing efficient ways of upcycling, but it is still more manual than manufacturing en masse from raw materials. We are focused on keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible, and that includes our packaging and how we run the business which also adds costs.
Q: Are you a non-profit?
A: Rebundance is an LLC, and a purpose driven and woman owned organization.
Q: Do you teach classes or workshops?
A: Yes! Use the contact form for more information.
Q: Do you work with schools?
A: Yes! I love partnering with schools to teach upcycling.
Q: Were you really an elf?
A: Yes! I was part of the Seattle SugarPlum Elves from 2008-2016. My elf name was Tootsie and we spread cheer throughout the year.
Q: Do you do this all yourself?
A: I usually have one part time staff that helps with production, photos, and sales.
Q: Can I make a donation?
A: Yes! We accept bedsheets, pillow cases, duvet covers, or quilting cotton that is larger than 1 yard. If you want to donate fabric other than that, please ask first.
You can also make a financial contribution, volunteer, or support in other ways.
Q: Do you only take post-consumer fabric?
A: No, I also take new fabrics that are larger than 1 yard.