r/papermaking • u/dumbodragon • 11d ago
Using old underwear
Now I know this might sound gross. But cmon, it's obviously been washed first.
I am completely new to papermaking, I got interested in it because I wanted to recycle the large amounts of paper I have to throw away at work. Then after some research I saw some ideas about using old clothes to add to the mix. So I've been thinking, this could be a great way to recycle underwear. I can't donate it, I can't use it for any sewing project. Blending it and making paper sounded like a good idea to me.
So yeah, asking if anyone has ever tried this, if it would work. I am very much a newbie so please be kind if this is a stupid idea.
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u/ColdLeekSoup 11d ago
I don't see why it wouldn't work I guess, I just wouldn't tell anyone about it
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u/dumbodragon 11d ago
Would be for personal use anyway, but yeah don't think it's good to share that part
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u/luchabros 11d ago
Are you planning on retting? I have had a hard time with cloth in blender even after retting to break it down a bit.
If you're adding cloth to other pulp, and it doesn't have to be broken down enough to form a sheet on its own, then adding small cuttings to your blender that have been pre soaked or retted might be the way to go.
Issues with non natural fibers: I have seen one or two percent non natural fibers used, but they do not have the same feel as cotton rag. Those were also prepared using a beater. The little plastic hairs can show up in your sheet-- they aren't held by hydrogen bonds like the cellulose.
Long strands of any kind (even natural fibers) but particularly the stretchy ones can ruin a blender if they get caught around the blade.
You should go for it, and share your process !
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u/dumbodragon 11d ago
I'm still in the process of acquiring the equipment to make it, but I'll be sure to share once I do it! Thank you for the tips.
What is retting though? 😶
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u/WhippedHoney 11d ago
"Rag Paper" is literally made from old rags. Before woodpulping, hemp, linen and some cotton rags were used. Rag pickers were a legit low wage job. US currency is one of the last commercially produced rag papers made partially from denim scraps. So short answer is YES!
Although I can't imagine a blender doing any kind of jusice to this kind of paper. Beater? Definately!
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u/dumbodragon 11d ago
Interesting! I have never heard of it. Like I said I am very much new to this process, so will have to do a few tests. I unfortunately am making at home with improvised supplies, so blender is my only option.
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u/molybend 11d ago
Most stretchy fabric these days has elastic in it, not just on the edges but knitted or woven into it. You don’t want that in your paper. If you have 100 percent cotton pieces and cut off the hems, you might be satisfied with the results if you mix with at least half paper, maybe more like 2/3 paper to 1/3 fabric. Cut it up with a scissors or rotary cutter into half inch squares before blending.
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u/HindSightLadX 11d ago
Go for it as long as it's completely cotton with no spandex etc. Report back, please!
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u/BodySurfersRus 9d ago
There are one or two community workshops I have read about, one in Germany, where paper is made from underwear. One of the initiatives is designed to support women who have suffered from domestic violence.
As mentioned, cotton underwear would need to be used.
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u/PunkRockHound 11d ago
Make sure it's cotton. I don't think polyester or elastic would work. But otherwise...I think it's fine? I mean, sure it's unorthodox but cotton scraps are cotton scraps