Every stitcher knows the satisfaction of creating something lasting by hand. But in a world where fast fashion and disposable products are the norm, traditional needlework can be a way to experience slow and mindful way of life. Still, even our craft materials can have an environmental footprint. Threads, fabrics, and packaging all come from somewhere and go somewhere, and small changes in how we choose, lose and use them can make a big difference to the earth.
Eco-friendly stitching is a way to choose awareness; learning where materials come from, how they’re made, and what happens when we’re done with them. With a few thoughtful choices, we can make our work gentler on the planet while still celebrating the artistry and beauty that drew us to stitching in the first place.
1. Choosing Sustainable Fabrics
When you think “eco-friendly,” start with your fabric. It’s the foundation of every project. Linen is already my favorite material to stitch on, although it is so tough, our flosses need to be pulled through carefully.
Linen
Linen has always been a favorite for fine needlework, and for good reason. It’s made from the flax plant, which grows with minimal water and very little need for pesticides. The entire plant is used in processing, and flax fields even enrich the soil for future crops. True linen is one of the most sustainable textiles available.
If you want to go a step further, look for certified organic linen or linen produced under Oeko-Tex (International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology) or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards). Looking for these types of needlework fabrics (usually linen or cotton even-weave) that have been produced under strict environmental and safety standards is not easy. Of course these certifications don’t change how the fabric stitches, they just tell you how cleanly and responsibly it was made. These ensure responsible farming and dyeing practices without harmful chemicals. (Below is a photo of Certified linen double threaded Hardanger fabric (e.g., labelled “OEKO-TEX certified linen”) with natural undyed/neutral tones.)
Cotton
Cotton is soft and accessible, but traditional cotton farming uses heavy water and pesticide inputs. Choosing organic cotton Aida or even-weave reduces that environmental cost significantly. Ask your shop or source where your cotton fabrics have come from! Some manufacturers now use recycled or upcycled cotton fibers in their fabrics, these are worth supporting. They aren't perfect even-weaves, but some companies experiment with recycled cotton fabrics suitable for decorative stitching.
Bamboo and Hemp Blends
These newer textiles are appearing more often in embroidery bases and even-weaves. Bamboo and hemp both grow rapidly without synthetic fertilizers, making them environmentally efficient. They have a smooth, silky feel similar to fine cotton. There are eco-friendlier fabric options you can explore for counted needlework, though the range is still a bit limited compared to conventional cotton fabrics.
There are some linen blends that pair traditional flax linen with: hemp, jute, organic cotton. These blended fabrics sometimes appear in stitchable craft fabrics. They are not perfect even-weaves, but they can be close enough for you to either count primitive or rustic cross stitch, or embroidery using decorative surface stitching, like crewel.
2. Stitching with Natural or Low-Impact Threads
The thread you use is another opportunity to stitch sustainably.
Natural Fibers
Silk, cotton, and wool are all biodegradable and renewable. Many smaller thread makers now focus on eco-friendly production, using non-toxic dyes and low-water dyeing processes. For cotton, look for organic embroidery floss or hand-dyed lines that use natural pigments. Wool threads (like crewel wools or perlé wool) are also good sustainable choices when sourced from ethical suppliers. (Check out Ecobutterfly GOTS, Vegan, Fair Trade, Organic Cotton and Linen Embroidery Threads)
Recycled or Upcycled Threads
A few brands are now experimenting with recycled cotton or polyester embroidery threads made from post-consumer materials. These are strong and surprisingly soft, giving old materials new life in a creative form. They are often organic as well.
Metallics and Synthetics
Metallics aren’t inherently eco-friendly, but you can use them thoughtfully. A single strand of metallic thread used as an accent goes a long way. Storing scraps and leftovers for future embellishments keeps waste low.
3. Exploring Natural Dyes
This is the key to successful home dyeing. Not all dyes are created equal, and each type of fabric demands its own chemistry.
For Linen and Cotton (Natural Fibers):
Natural dyeing has deep roots in embroidery history. Before synthetic dyes were invented, stitchers used plants, roots, bark, and insects to color threads and fabrics. You can do the same today — with modern care and consistency.
Some reliable natural dyes include:
• Madder root for red and rust tones
• Indigo for classic blues
• Walnut hulls for browns and tans
• Onion skins for golds and oranges
• Avocado pits and skins for soft pinks
If you dye at home, remember that natural doesn’t always mean non-toxic. Always wear gloves and work in a ventilated space. And when possible, mordant (fix) your dyes with alum rather than harsher chemicals.
The results can be wonderfully organic, subtle, earthy shades that look as if they’ve aged gracefully over time. Every batch is a little different, which adds to the charm of your fabric or thread.
You can also use natural dyes, such as tea, coffee, onion skins, or walnut shells, for a softer, antique look. These dyes are less predictable but also very organic. They work well for historical samplers or when you want that “aged parchment” effect. Just remember that natural dyes are not always completely lightfast, they can fade over many years if exposed to direct sunlight. I'm not averse to using them however, and this is completely safe for embroidery, as long as you keep in mind you will not want to wash your final project.
4. Using Reusable and Recyclable Tools
Many stitchers already use tools that last a lifetime, one of the most sustainable habits of all. A good pair of embroidery scissors, a solid hoop, and a quality needle case can serve you for decades.
Here are a few ideas to go greener with your tools:
• Wooden or bamboo hoops or frames instead of plastic.
• Glass or metal bead containers instead of disposable plastic tubes.
• Refillable needle tins and thread organizers made from fabric, wood or recycled paperboard.
• Rechargeable task lights rather than battery-powered ones.
• Avoiding single-use packaging where possible, buy threads in skeins, not blister packs.
If you prefer scroll frames or stands, choose ones made from sustainably harvested wood or reclaimed materials. These are sturdy, repairable, and age beautifully. Wood certification: Look for labels like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC. Elbesee states FSC certification. Modern Hoopla makes good frames, floss accessories and Ort Boxes, Nest Embirdery makes a FSC-certified beechwood hoop, and I've seen some good hoops and frames made from beechwood, at Elbesee.
I have been using my EZ-Stitch one armed Roller frame (made from red oak) for a long time. They are made from red oak, and created in the USA. However, there is no mention of sustainable forestry. If I was buying a new one, I'd probably email them to ask how they source their wood and natural oil stains.
5. Reducing Waste in Your Stitching
Embroidery produces very little waste, but we can still be mindful. Stitchers have many simple ways to recycle materials instead of tossing them out. Fabric offcuts can become ornaments, needlebooks, scissor fobs, bookmark backing, or tiny practice squares for learning new stitches.
- Thread tails can fill pincushions or be saved for textured mixed-media work. Save thread tails or 'orts' in a small jar or container. They also make lovely fillings for pincushions. One note of caution: It is not safe to leave thread ends or “orts” outside for birds. Most stitching threads, even natural ones, can cause real harm. Cotton, silk, wool, and especially metallics or synthetics can wrap around a bird’s legs, feet, or beak and tighten as the bird moves. Fine fibers can also tangle inside nests and injure chicks. Dyed threads may contain chemicals that are not safe for wildlife. If you want to support nest building, offer natural materials that break down easily, such as short, natural twigs, clean straw, small pieces of dry grass, or pet hair that has not been treated with flea products. It’s still lovely to save orts, but keep them for pincushions, stuffing, or mixed-media projects rather than giving them to the birds.
- Unused or leftover floss can be sorted by colour family and used in scrap projects, small motifs, or greeting cards. They can also be donated to women's shelters for them to use or to entertain their children.
- Beads, buttons, and charms can be stored in jars and reused for finishing or embellishing. Empty thread cards, tins, or boxes can be repurposed for storage. They add lovely detail to scissor fobs, biscornu, pin cushions, and holiday ornaments. You can use them to embellish zipper pulls, bookmark tassels, needlebooks, or the corners of small framed pieces. Buttons make charming centres for stitched flowers or small decorative closures on project bags. Charms work well as tiny pendants for thread rings or as accents on greeting cards or gift tags. If you enjoy mixed-media work, you can stitch them onto fabric collages or use them to decorate handmade journals. Small odds and ends often become the special touch that gives a simple project personality, and they help keep your supplies in circulation rather than in the bin.
- Hoops, frames, and stretcher bars can be reused across many projects if kept clean and stored well. If you have supplies you will not use, stitching groups, schools, retirement homes, and community centres are often grateful for donations.
- By reusing scraps creatively and passing along extra materials, stitchers keep less waste in the bin and give older supplies a longer, more enjoyable life.
- Recycle printed pattern pages when no longer needed. Or store them digitally to avoid extra printing.
- If you sell or gift your work, consider minimal packaging: recycled paper wraps, natural twine, and compostable envelopes keep presentation beautiful but responsible.
6. The Beauty of Slow Craft
Eco-friendly stitching isn’t just about materials, it’s a mindset. It’s about slowing down, appreciating texture and color, and valuing the time something takes to make. Every careful choice, the fabric you select, the threads you save, the tools you keep for years, becomes part of that quiet, sustainable rhythm.
In many ways, hand embroidery has always been sustainable. It uses simple tools, encourages mending rather than discarding, and celebrates durability over trend. The more we return to those values, the more relevant our traditional crafts become in today’s world.
Whether you’re dyeing linen with onion skins, reusing an old frame, or simply making your threads last longer, you’re not just stitching beauty, you’re stitching thoughtfully.
7. How Long Will It Last?
You can make your stitching supplies last longer by storing them with care, keeping threads, needles, and fabrics away from light, moisture, and dust, and using small habits that prevent wear. Wind floss gently and neatly on cards or keep it in loose skeins so it does not snag or fade. Protect needles by keeping them in a woolen case, wiping them occasionally to prevent tarnish, and replacing them only when they bend or feel rough. They can be given to your local drugstore who already collect injection needles for recycling. Keep fabric scraps for small ornaments or test stitches, and use thread tails as stuffing for pincushions. Choose tools made from wood, metal, or glass instead of disposable plastics, and refill or repurpose storage containers whenever possible. With steady attention to how you store, handle, and reuse your materials, the supplies you already own will serve you well for years.
Written by Thea Dueck: designer, teacher and founder of the Victoria Sampler. A professional needlework designer and a recognized authority in specialty stitches. She loves sharing the joy of samplers and specialty stitches. All images from www.freepik.com