What happens to the scraps of fabric that are left over in the garment business?

I believe they are used to make sample books for designers, stores, and students. I worked at a school once that had a fashion major and I think that is what I heard.

OR…talented mice come out at night and make clothes for their friends.

Ikea makes rugs of scraps.
Tånum.
7 dollars.

It is made of leftover fabric from our bedlinen production – and is handwoven by skilled craftspeople at organized weaving centers in Bangladesh.

I had one, 25 years ago.

Here’s are a couple of enthusiasts’ guides to fabric scrap hunting in the Los Angeles garment district:

Scraps of the LA Fashion district

5 Tips for Shopping in the LA Garment District

I really mean the scraps—not remnants like the end of a bolt, rectangular pieces that could be used to make something. I’m thinking of the odd bits you get when you cut out a pattern that has armholes or pockets or neck facings and the remainder just isn’t a usable shape.

I used to let my kids play with those and practice sewing something, and sometimes I did something crafty with them. I also tried out various stitches and techniques on them, such as practicing making corners, before I tackled my actual project.

But I doubt that a commercial garment-making shop can do much with a lot of small odd-shaped bits that remain after they’ve used the material as economically as possible.

So where do the little scraps end up?

On the scrap heap.

I just remembered, my mom was a quilter and had a massive scrap collection. Before selling the old family home, she put out the word and at least two dozen women swarmed in the next day to carry away bags and bags. It was a bonanza for them.

But I suspect these are cut down from remnants. The way quilters hoard and cherish and hunt for good material, deliberately making “scraps” is a small industry.

Interesting read.

Hopefully other large cities with garment districts have something similar.