What is Deadstock?
Curious about deadstock fabrics? Wondering how we source them and how to choose the perfect one for your next sewing project? Watch our video to explore the often mysterious world of deadstock fabrics and get some helpful tips!
Deadstock Fabrics from Local Designers
Being based in Montréal, we’re lucky to be surrounded by a vibrant community of indie designers who follow responsible production practices, with many even knitting and sewing their fabrics locally. As a result, a growing portion of our deadstock comes from these small-scale, mindful studios. When we discover a few rolls of designer fabric from a few years ago, it’s a true win. Not only are we giving that fabric a second life, but we’re also supporting a fashion ecosystem that aligns with our values.
What Are Deadstock Fabrics?
Deadstock fabrics are surplus textiles left unused from previous production runs by designers, manufacturers, or textile mills. These fabrics often result from overordering, cancelled orders, or production errors such as wrong colours or patterns. Rather than being discarded and contributing to landfill waste, Core Fabrics repurposes these leftover high-quality fabrics and offers them to makers and designers seeking unique, limited-quantity materials. This practice helps reduce textile waste and supports sustainable sourcing in the fashion and sewing communities.
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Environmental Impact
As said before, deadstock fabrics help reduce textile waste by repurposing surplus materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. Using these fabrics conserves water, energy, and raw materials since no new production is needed, making them a more sustainable choice.
Unique Designs and Limited Availability
Deadstock fabrics are leftover pieces of high-quality fabrics featuring exclusive patterns, colours, and textures that are often one-of-a-kind. Their limited quantities mean your projects will stand out with unique styles that aren’t mass-produced.
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Fibre Content and Textures
At Core Fabrics, our deadstock collection spans a wide variety of fibres, from natural favourites like cotton, linen, wool, silk, and hemp to blends with eco-friendly options such as TENCEL™ and bamboo. You’ll find everything from fluid viscose and soft knit jerseys to crisp shirtings, cozy brushed melton wool, intricate jacquards, and durable denim. Many of these fabrics are yarn-dyed or showcase unique prints and distinctive textures, giving them one-of-a-kind character, ready to be transformed into anything from everyday staples to special occasion garments and accessories.
Patterns and Colours
Deadstock fabrics are often rich with exclusive patterns and an eclectic range of colours that reflect past collection trends and limited runs. You can find everything from classic solids and muted neutrals to vibrant prints, stripes, florals, and textural weaves. These one-of-a-kind textiles enable makers to add distinct style and originality to their creations, making every project truly unique.
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Yes, deadstock fabrics can be a sustainable option because they repurpose surplus textiles that might otherwise be discarded or end up in landfills. By giving these fabrics a second life, choosing deadstock supports textile circularity, keeping materials in use for longer instead of creating waste. Using deadstock may also help reduce the demand for new fabric production, conserving water, energy, and raw materials, and can lower the overall environmental impact of fashion.
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Deadstock fabrics can be used for a wide range of sewing projects, but availability is often limited and may vary in quantity and type. They are excellent for creating unique garments, accessories, and home décor items, especially when you want one-of-a-kind materials.
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Care instructions for deadstock fabrics vary depending on the fibre content and fabric type. At Core Fabrics, we always include care instructions with every product, even for deadstock fabrics. In general, it’s best to follow any specific labels or recommendations and handle deadstock fabrics gently, using hand washing or delicate machine cycles in cool water. Air drying and avoiding harsh chemicals will help maintain fabric quality and longevity.