Alternative Bamboo and Soy Fabrics

How to Select and Sew With Environmentally Friendly Materials

Jun 12, 2008 Connie Krochmal

Soy and bamboo fabrics are earth-friendly and suitable for a range of sewing projects.

Sewers have more choices than ever before when it comes to fabrics. Soy and bamboo are relatively new to the market. These alternative fabrics are suitable for clothing as well as home furnishings.

Qualities of Soy Fabric

Soy fabric has many desirable qualities. Compared to silk, this resists wrinkles. It dries quicker than linen or cotton. Unlike polyesters and other synthetics, this is biodegradable. Throw it on your compost pile when it wears out.
This looks a lot like silk. It even feels silky to the touch. Soy fabrics drape nicely.
This fabric allows perspiration to evaporate, which isn’t always true for synthetics. It is cool and comfortable during hot weather.

Choosing a Soy Fabric

In addition to 100% soy fabrics, there are various blends containing soy. When shopping for these materials, choose one that best suits your sewing needs.
For example, a soy/cotton jersey blend is very suitable for sports wear and other clothing where a little stretch is desirable.

Caring for Soy Fabric

Soy fabric is easy to care for. Wash in cold water. Avoid chlorine bleaches. Either air dry, or tumble dry with no heat. This requires no ironing.
Like many other fabrics, dark colored soy materials can bleed when laundered. Wash these separately, or use a dye catcher sheet.

Green Aspects of Soy Fabrics

Soy fabrics are considered green. These consist of by-products left over from processing tofu, soybean oil, and other soy foods. This green fabric is manufactured in China.

Qualities of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo is a sturdy, high quality fabric. It is strong without being thick or heavy. This durable fabric lasts really well. It remains wrinkle-free.
As with cotton and linen, this breathes well. It is suitable for hot summer days.
Bamboo fabric drapes beautifully. It has a soft, luxurious feel with a sheen similar to that of lightweight silks.
Though 100% bamboo fabrics are normally considered UV stable, this isn’t always true for blends. The colors can fade when these blends are used outdoors.

Choosing a Bamboo Fabric

Various types of bamboo fabrics are available. Select the one that is most appropriate for your sewing project.
For active wear, sports wear, and pj’s, choose bamboo fabric with stretch, such as jersey. When sewing casual clothing, bamboo corduroy is perfect. Bamboo voile is excellent for summer wear.
Bamboo/cotton blends are available as well. These are versatile enough for clothing and home furnishings.

Caring for Bamboo Fabric

Though pure bamboo fabric will shrink initially, this isn’t near as much as cotton or linen.
It can be laundered using warm or cold water. Select the delicate cycle if you have a choice. Avoid using fabric softeners or chlorine bleaches on bamboo fabric. This can also be dry cleaned.
Either hang it up to dry, or use the air fluff option of your dryer. This dries very quickly. Check the dryer after just a few minutes.
Bamboo fabric seldom needs ironing. If touch-up is needed, use a very low setting.

Green Aspects of Bamboo

In many respects, bamboo fabric is considered less green than soy. Questions remain as to whether this is being grown in a sustainable manner. There is also the possibility that expanding bamboo farms might lead to deforestation as Chinese farmers respond to increased demand.
Under normal growing conditions, bamboo is a perennial crop that can continue to yield for some years. When allowed to grow naturally, no fertilizers, pesticides, or water are needed. Unless the fiber comes from certified farms, one can’t be sure it is grown organically.
This fabric is made from bamboo pulp.

The copyright of the article Alternative Bamboo and Soy Fabrics in Sewing/Needlework is owned by Connie Krochmal. Permission to republish Alternative Bamboo and Soy Fabrics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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