---
title: "Surplus Fabric & Off-cut Policy"
description: "### **What happens to leftover fabric** When a tailor shortens hems or takes in seams, small fabric pieces—“off-cuts”—are produced. Each tailor follows these guidelines: 1. **Pieces under 5 cm** are recycled as industrial rag or stuffing. 2. **Pieces over 5 cm** are…"
url: "https://iseam.uk/docs/fabric-policy/"
updated: "2025-07-20"
category: Customer Help Center
---

# Surplus Fabric & Off-cut Policy

### **What happens to leftover fabric**

When a tailor shortens hems or takes in seams, small fabric pieces—“off-cuts”—are produced. Each tailor follows these guidelines:

1. **Pieces under 5 cm** are recycled as industrial rag or stuffing.
2. **Pieces over 5 cm** are stored for 14 days in case you request them.
3. **Larger panels** (e.g. coat hems) may be reused as matching patch material on future repairs.

### **Requesting your off-cuts**

- In the order form’s *Alteration Details* field, add **“Return all off-cuts”**.
- Off-cuts are packed in a labelled bag inside your parcel.
- No extra fee, but bulkier bundles may add a few grams to postage weight.

### **Donating off-cuts**

Prefer eco-reuse?

- Type **“Donate off-cuts”** in *Alteration Details*.
- Tailors forward suitable pieces to local craft and quilting groups.

### **Why we don’t keep every scrap indefinitely**

- Storage space is limited; tiny pieces rarely match later projects.
- Cotton and wool shed fibres over time; prompt recycling keeps workshops clean.

### **Quick tips for reusing off-cuts at home**

- Patch pocket linings or inside knees.
- Create matching hair ties, pocket squares, or quilt squares.
- Use denim strips as sturdy drawer liners or tool-wrap ties.

Ask for your off-cuts or donate them—either way, they avoid landfill and support a circular fashion cycle.