How to recycle your fabric mask?

Three years ago, the mask became essential to protect oneself from Covid-19. So we all started to sew masks for ourselves, for our family, for our friends... Colored ones, with patterns or plain ones to put a little cheerfulness in this gloomy period. Some of us have even taken their sewing machine out of their closet for the occasion! Except that the sanitary protocol has been lightened and, in any case, category 1 fabric masks have been banned in places where it is still necessary to wear one. Now what to do with all those masks? We have some Zero Waste ideas for you!

How to recycle a mask?

First, wash them to disinfect them. Then take them off completely. Remove the elastics and the nose clip (if you have one). Once undone, your mask is now a piece of fabric ready to use! All that's left is to find some sewing projects to use it for. Which ones? We share with you our creative sewing ideas to recycle your masks!

1. Scrunchies

For the past two seasons, scrunchies have been making a comeback! Inspired by the 80's fashion, we wear them proudly in our hair or on our wrists to be trendy. Chouchou scarf (also called foulchie) to the more classic chouchou, there is something for everyone. We suggest you sew our version, following our tutorial.
In addition, a handmade hair scrunchie will be a gift always appreciated between friends.
To make a hair scrunchie, everything can be used: the fabric and the elastic will allow you to recycle 100% of your mask. And moreover, they are very simple to make with or without a sewing machine.

2. Clothes for your children's dolls

You will have to use your imagination and know-how to sew miniature clothes for your children's toys: all the dolls will have the right to brand new dresses, jackets, fashionable blouses or colorful and original skirts, the teddy bears can be dressed with a little sweater for cool days ... Not to mention accessories: a scarf, a hat, a scrunchie (again) or a small bag.
Another option: make comforters with your fabric and stuffing. Your little ones will love it!

3. a pencil case

Take inspiration from our sewing tutorial to make a pencil case! You don't have to wait until the beginning of the school year to start making it: you can put all your DIY materials, medicine or makeup in your storage bag. If you don't know how to sew a zipper, don't hesitate to consult our practical sheet: it's there for that!

4. a pouch

Chic and elegant, the clutch is the essential accessory for your evenings. We suggest you make a clutch bag with a nice finish by putting a piping. You can then customize it according to your desires with pompoms, sequins or rhinestones.
Divert its use: a little larger than the kit above, the pouch will also allow you to store all kinds of small things, such as your jewelry, your phone, your papers or your makeup.
Another tip: use it as a purse by making smaller sizes to slip your pennies in! The zipper will secure the opening.

5. A pouch

Making a drawstring pouch is a sewing project that all sewers can do, even beginners.
Plus, it's always useful! Your fabric pouch can become a bulk bag for Zero Waste shopping, a bag to perfume your laundry, by putting dried flowers inside or a soap bag to use your soap scraps to the maximum. In the bathroom, it will be perfect as a storage for your makeup or for your samples. And why not use it to create your own gift wrapping for your DIY costume jewelry creations.
There's no shortage of ideas, just use your imagination!

6. Reusable sponges: tawashi

A good alternative to the classic disposable sponges, tawashi (Japanese for scrubbing brush) are Zero Waste sponges made from fabric scraps. Practical, washable and reusable, they can be used in every room of the house: to wash the dishes, to wipe the table, to clean the bathroom...
How is a tawashi made? It can be crocheted or woven on a studded board, but we prefer to suggest a sewn version of this washable sponge, with a little burlap to have a scratchy side.

7. Washable makeup remover wipes

First make sure your fabric is certified organic (use your memory) and well sanitized, then make DIY washable wipes by adding a piece of organic bamboo fiber fabric.
If you're a Zero Waste enthusiast, you'll tell us that washable and reusable wipes are already done! But you can never have enough: make some for the whole family or give them to your friends.
Make slightly larger sizes and give them to a young mother! Practical and reusable, washable baby wipes are a perfect replacement for disposable wipes.

8. Patchwork creations

Patchwork is a sewing technique that requires small pieces of fabric. We assemble pieces of fabric of different sizes, shapes and colors to make unique and original DIY creations. And that's good news! With all those face masks, you have plenty of fabric pieces to recycle.

What to make in patchwork? A blanket, a stuffed animal or a cuddly toy, a placemat, a tablecloth, a cushion, a chair cover, a blouse or an ultra original skirt, a chair cover, a rug... For some projects, we agree, you'll need a lot of fabric coupons. But don't let that stop you! Call upon your friends, your family, or all those around you who would like to get rid of their fabric masks in an ecological and responsible way.