Use this guide to assess how sustainable your product or collection is — from materials to final delivery
🧵 1. MATERIALS
Are the fibres natural, organic, recycled, or certified (e.g. GOTS, RWS)?
Is the fabric biodegradable or easily recyclable
Does the fabric come from deadstock or surplus?
Have I researched the water/energy/chemical impact of the materials?
Are synthetic fibres used only when essential, and are they recycled and recyclable?
✂2. DESIGN & PATTERN CUTTING
Is the garment designed to be timeless and seasonless
Have I incorporated zero-waste or minimal-waste cutting techniques?
Are components like zips, buttons, labels recyclable or easy to remove?
Have I designed with repairability in mind (e.g. patch pockets, accessible seams)?
🏭 3. PRODUCTION & MAKING
Is production done locally or within a low-impact supply chain?
Are the factories or workshops I use ethical and transparent?
Are workers paid fairly and working in safe conditions?
Are low-impact dyes, processes and finishes used?
🧼 4. CARE & LONGEVITY
Have I included clear care instructions that support low-impact washing?
Is the item machine washable at 30°C or lower?
Can the item be easily repaired or altered?
Will the fabric and construction withstand frequent use?
📦 5. PACKAGING & DELIVERY
Is packaging plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable?
Is shipping local or via low-carbon options where possible?
Have I minimised returns and overproduction through accurate sizing or made-to-order?
🔁 6. END OF LIFE
Can the garment be recycled, repurposed, or composted?
Is there a take-back scheme or plan for circular use?
Is the customer aware of how to dispose of or pass on the product
Choosing Yarns with Sustainability in Mind
When it comes to knitting sustainably, the yarn you choose makes a big difference. Look for fibres that are natural, renewable, or recycled—wool, alpaca, cotton, or bamboo are great options. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX ensure the fibres are produced with minimal environmental impact and ethical practices.
For example:
- Garthenor – fully certified organic wool, farm-to-skein traceable.
- The Natural Fibre Company (NFC) / Blacker Yarns – British fleece with small-batch, traditional spinning.
- BC Garn Bio Shetland – GOTS-certified wool for eco-conscious projects.
- Lion Brand Yarn – a wide US range including natural fibre blends.
- Jimmy Beans Wool – great variety with eco-friendly yarns available.
Consider the origin of your yarn too: locally sourced or small-batch producers often have a lower carbon footprint and support traditional farming communities. And don’t forget to embrace stashbusting—using leftover yarn from previous projects reduces waste and gives your knits a creative, one-of-a-kind touch.
Sustainable knitting isn’t just about the yarn—it’s about mindful choices from start to finish. Even small steps, like choosing eco-friendly fibres or reusing materials, help make your crafting kinder to the planet.
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