




































CHAPTER  7: 
 

EMPLOYING TEXTILE  FABRIC WASTE IN 

MAKING INNOVATIVE FUNCTIONAL 

MODERN HOME ACCESSORIES 

 

Contributed by 

Onyinye J. Mobi and Pius Ntagu 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

    Cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of 

natural or artificial fibers often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn 

is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other 

materials. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, 

knitting, or pressing fibres together. (Balter, 2019). The words 

fabric and cloth are used in the textile assembly trade (such as 

tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there 

are subtle differences in these terms in specialized usage. Textile 

refers to any material made by interlacing fibre, (Abamowilz, 

1998). Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, 

knitting, spreading, crocheting, or bonding that may be used in the 

production of further goods (garments among others). Cloth may 

be used synonymously with fabric but it is often used for a specific 

purpose (for example table cloth). 

Clothing as a textile product is one of the basic needs of 

man. This is an indispensable element in human society and has 

been used as a means of expressing identity, wealth, and power as 

well as a commodity traded globally over centuries. The versatility 

of textiles and their importance in the daily lives of people are very 

numerous to be ignored. In the quest for garment makers to meet 



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the high demands for clothing, and to cover the nakedness of 

humanity, several tons of waste are generated which usually are not 

properly managed, but are indiscriminately disposed of to cause 

environmental problems (Chua, 2013). The situation is therefore, 

very disturbing particularly in this era when efforts are been made 

to save the environment by engaging in reducing, reusing, and 

recycling waste to curtail climate change and global warming. 

(Udeani, 2002). 

However, it has been observed that the expansion of 

clothing fashion trends and the construction of fabric into 

fashionable clothes by garment makers generate several quantities 

of off-cuts. These remnants or scraps are piled up to occupy space 

at the workshops with the hope of finding future usage for them. 

Eventually, these pieces of off-cuts are considered waste when no 

valuable application is readily found. The danger here is the means 

of disposal, which is either by burning, burying in the ground, or 

dumping at the landfills. In whichever way it is dowaste 

management could be described as inappropriate, because of the 

negative impact on the environment as well as human existence. In 

some cases, it is common practice to find the offcuts of textile 

fabrics thrown into gutters by garment makers, especially on a 

rainy day. This results in the the blocking of drainage systems 

causing serious flood, occasionally in most communities, (Asogwa, 

2014). This situation of indiscriminate disposal of fabric waste in 

the community as a result of poor waste management practices and 

the danger they pose to human lives and the environment, present 

a favourable ground for the research to invest in how the textile 

fabric waste can be managed by converting them into accessories 

for the modern home. 

The dynamic occurrence of life does not leave the visual 

artist uninfluenced. They are increasingly drawn to using waste 

materials to create unique and beautiful items. This creative pursuit 

is driven by the ever-changing nature of life, which challenges 

visual artists to find new, innovative ways to bring beauty into the 



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environment. By recycling materials, visual artists can bring new 

life to items that would otherwise be discarded and create works of 

art that provide an interesting and unique conversation piece in any 

living space. Modern realities have so far emerged, prompting new 

media, techniques, modern creativity, and innovational approaches 

to art production; thus, motivating the possibility of using textile 

fabric wastes for home accessories. This innovation serves as a 

creative contribution towards addressing the textile fabric waste 

menace within the environment. The creative indulgence of the 

researcher in this regard is to recycle the textile fabric waste from 

where they were discarded, piled up, up, and skillfully employ 

innovative procedures in turning them into useful aesthetic or 

functional artwork for modern home accessories. Femi (2016), 

asserts that the redemptive and resurgent power of art is a value-

recovery measure, that, abandoned things can metamorphose into 

entirely new products in the hands of a creative and resourceful 

artist. The process of value-recovery does not just distinguish the 

artists but uses the process to raise awareness and unsprung signals 

to other fields of endeavour to key into this environmental 

conservation practice. 

Therefore, this study is focused on curbing the menace of 

poor textile fabric waste disposal by ensuring a safe and suitable 

environment by using the textile fabric waste obtained from the 

garment makers' shops to create innovative artworks. 

 

Purpose of the Study 

This study aims to use textile fabric wastes to create wealth through 

the production of innovative functional artworks for modern home 

accessories. 

 

Literature Review 

Textile has been defined as "all materials that can be or have been 

formed into yarn or fabricated into cloth" (Udeani, 2002). Textile 

waste refers to any discarded material or product generated through 



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the textile industry, including clothing, fabrics, yarns, fibers, and 

other textile materials. It primarily encompasses unwanted or 

unused textiles that are disposed of rather than being reused, 

recycled, or repurposed.  Textile waste is a significant global 

challenge due to its sheer volume and environmental impact. The 

fast fashion phenomenon, which promotes inexpensive and quickly 

produced clothing, has contributed to a rapid increase in textile 

waste generation. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation 

(2017), approximately 92 million tons of textiles are discarded 

annually, with only a fraction being reused or recycled. 

 This report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation provides 

valuable insights into the issue of textile waste and offers 

recommendations for transitioning towards a more sustainable 

textile economy. It emphasizes the need to reduce waste at all 

stages of the textile value chain, foster recycling and reusing 

initiatives, and promote circular economy principles within the 

industry.   

Overall, textile waste is a pressing environmental concern 

that requires collective efforts from manufacturers, consumers, and 

policymakers to address the issue and promote more sustainable 

practices within the textile industry 

 

Theoretical framework 

According to Maslow (1943), Clothing fulfils several different 

roles in satisfying the needs in this hierarchy of needs. 

Physiologically, clothing is essential for protection from the 

elements, providing warmth and shelter, and as such fulfils a safety 

need. In terms of love and belonging, clothing can play a role in 

helping the individual feel more accepted, and in terms of esteem, 

clothing can influence the opinion others have of the individual and 

as such can help to boost the individual's self-esteem. Clothing can 

also help to promote a person's self-actualization, by allowing the 

individual to express their creativity and individual style. 



Onyinye Mobi and Pius Ntagu 

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According to Maslow’s Theory, humans have to meet the 

needs at each level of the hierarchy before they can move on to the 

next. For example, a person cannot reach self-actualization until 

their basic physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging 

needs, and esteem needs are met. Finally, clothing plays an 

important role in helping people achieve their needs, considering 

Maslow's theory of hierarchy of needs in the process of creating 

innovative functional art, from textile fabric waste materials, we 

can not only address people's basic needs but also contribute to 

their higher psychological aspirations and overall well-being as 

outlined in Maslow's Hierarchy of Need. 

 

Production stage: Preliminary drawing for Izu umu nne. 

 

 
Fig 1: Sketch for Izu umu nne. Researchers’ preliminary sketch

 
Plate 1.  Cut out 5x5 inches and fold the fabric into two to form a 

triangle. Source: Onyinye Mobi, 2023 



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Plate 2. Fold it again like so.  Source: Onyinye Mobi, 2023 

  

 
 

Plate 3. Fold it again like so.   Source: Onyinye Mobi, 2023 

 



Onyinye Mobi and Pius Ntagu 

114 

 

 
 

Plate 4. The folded fabrics.  Source: Onyinye Mobi, 2023 

 

 

 
 

Plate 5. Cutting out the background fabric 30 inches by 30inches 

 

 

 



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Plate 6: Sewing the waste fabric pieces together. Photo researcher 

 

 
 

Plate 7. Photo of work as it progresses. Photo credit: researcher 



Onyinye Mobi and Pius Ntagu 

116 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 
Plate 8. The researcher sewing the folded fabrics to the background 

fabric. Photo credit: researcher 

 

 
Plate 9: The final work. Photo credit by the researcher 

 

 



Employing Textile Fabric Waste Materials in Making Innovative … 

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Discussion of results 
This study "textile waste materials, the creation of innovative 

functional artworks for Modern Home Accessories" contributes 

significantly to our understanding of sustainable practices and 

artistic representations of waste. This research sheds light on the 

possibilities of transforming discarded fabrics into unique, 

aesthetically pleasing, and functional objects, thereby reducing the 

environmental impact of textile waste. 

The work emphasizes the originality of the research by 

exploring the potential of textile fabric waste materials in creating 

functional artworks for modern home accessories. The study's 

findings have provided valuable insights into this area and have 

several implications for both researchers and practitioners. 

One of the unexpected findings of this research is that 

textile fabric waste materials can be transformed into unique and 

aesthetically pleasing artworks that can be used as functional home 

accessories. This unexpected discovery highlights the untapped 

potential of textile waste materials and opens up new possibilities 

for their reuse and repurposing. 

The implications of these findings are significant. Firstly, 

they contribute to our understanding of sustainable design practices 

by showcasing innovative ways to repurpose textile waste 

materials. This has important environmental implications as it 

helps reduce textile waste and promotes a more circular economy. 

Secondly, the study's findings have practical implications 

for designers and artists working in the field of home accessories. 

By demonstrating the artistic and functional potential of textile 

waste materials, this research encourages textile Artists to explore 

new materials and techniques in their creative practice. 

Finally, the conceptual framework of this study provides a 

theoretical foundation for understanding the relationship between 

textile waste materials, art, and design. It offers a framework for 

future research in this area and can guide further exploration into 



Onyinye Mobi and Pius Ntagu 

118 

 

the potential applications of textile waste materials in various 

design disciplines. 

 

Conclusion 
Based on the discussions and findings of the study, the researcher 

concludes that there is potential for repurposing textile fabric waste 

into functional art pieces for home accessories. This is geared 

towards utilizing fabric textile waste materials to create innovative 

functional artworks for modern home accessories which hold 

immense potential. By repurposing textile fabric waste, we can 

address the issue of textile waste while simultaneously adding 

value through creative designs. 

Throughout the project, various techniques such as 

upcycling, patchwork, weaving, and fabric manipulation were 

employed to transform waste materials into unique and 

aesthetically pleasing home accessories. These functional art 

pieces not only serve a practical purpose but also add an artistic 

touch to interior spaces, contributing to sustainable and stylish 

homes. 

By incorporating textile fabric waste into home accessories, we can 

reduce the environmental impact of garment makers and promote 

a circular economy. Additionally, this approach encourages 

consumers to reconsider their relationship with textiles and adopt 

more conscious consumption habits. 

Furthermore, the project opens up opportunities for collaborations 

with local artists, designers, and even textile recycling initiatives. 

Sharing knowledge and skills can foster innovation and create a 

supportive community on sustainable practices in the world of 

design. Finally, the study fosters creativity, sustainability, and 

responsible consumption. It demonstrates the potential for 

transforming waste into valuable resources, encouraging us to 

rethink our approach to materials and design in the context of the 

circular economy. 

 



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Questions 
The following research questions guided the study; 

1. How can the Textile fabrics waste be identified and 

possibilities of exploring using them as artwork? 

2. What are the ways to recycle and reuse textile fabric 

remnant from cut pattern into marketable products? 

3. What techniques can be used to create utility art forms 

using Textile fabric waste. 

4. How can the innovative functional art work be displayed 

for public consumption? 

 

REFERENCES 

Asogwa, O. S. (2006).  Masking Tradition in Nsukka, An 

Unpublished MFA Project  Report, Department of Fine 

and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. 

Balter, M. (2009): "Clothes Make the (Hu) Man". Science 325 

(5946): 1329. DOI:10.1126/science.325_1329a. PMID 

19745126 

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A New Textiles Economy: 

Redesigning Fashion's Future. Retrieved from 

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloa

ds/Redesigning-Fashions-Future_Full-

Report_Updated_19-01-17.pdf 

Maslow, H. (1943). Theory of hierarchy of needs. 

www.google.com 

Udeani, N. A. (2014). Synergy of Uli Symbols and Textiles: An 

Exploration in Textile Sculptural Forms. Mgbakoigba 

Journal of African Studies. Vol. 3. Pg. 80-87  

Udeani N (2017) Textile waste recycling: An innovative 

creativity for entrepreneurial sustainability in Nigeria. 

Trop Built Environ 1: 88–99.  


