How to THRIFT for NATURAL FIBERS / a guide to finding natural fabrics in the thrift store

Here is a handy little reference guide for finding natural fibers in the thrift store!
chapters
00:00 intro
00:35 what are natural fibers?
01:15 how to identify natural fabrics
02:05 identifying linen
03:01 identifying cotton
03:38 identifying silk
05:53 is it silk? the burn test
07:20 time to go thrifting!
07:48 the texture test in action
12:14 my haul
12:25 outro
If you try this out and find it helpful, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

[@janetwise3248]

I check the sheets, curtains and table linens, too. They provide more yardage for the price, nice big rectangles. And people often leave the tags on so you can confirm the fiber content.

[@studiobonvon]

I’m still waiting for the day I find a linen sheet….! That would be incredible

[@tonyak2446]

Good idea

[@mommysews1]

Ikea used to make linen duvet covers. I lucked out and found a king size one in natural linen color. They are out there… Watch for linen curtains too!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

That is where I go first. I can find linen curtains relatively often for skirts from my girlfriends, even the larger sizes.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I worked in a fabric store twice and also a yarn shop, and I’ve been obsessed with fabrics since the 70s. I am particularly in love with animal Fibers like wool and mohair and cashmere. For some reason I don’t like the texture of silk on my fingers. I do like silk noil (aka raw silk) but not the fine lightweight ones. I can recognize them, I just don’t like how my skin catches on the surface. Why do you say natural fabrics are crispy? Cotton and linen that hasn’t been washed much can perhaps be crispy, as well as many wax prints from the African Fabric culture. However, Some lightweight cotton wovens from India, for example, are **deliciously** soft. Also, if we go to a retail brand new fabric store, Rayon can feel crispy on the bolt before it’s been washed. Rayon is one of those fibers that is in the middle, though… a reconstructed plant fiber that requires a factory to create. It is made from cellulose (usually trees), but it is extruded into weaving threads after the wood pulp has been chemically broken down. I wish I didn’t like 100% Rayon but I do still buy it secondhand. Maybe it’s just because I’m 65 and I grew up without polyester, or Lycra/spandex/elastic. by the way: Is there a name for that game where we go to the thrift store and see if we can identify a fiber before we touch it? And then we touch it and see if that confirms our guest? And then we look for the label? What game is that? Because it’s probably my favorite one.

[@anitacrawford5523]

I have always shopped by feel first. I didn't realize for years that I was seeking linen, cotton, wool, and silk. Now, it is all I buy.

[@catromero7950]

I absolutely love thrifting for linen, silk and wool. I snagged a roll of over 20 yards of embroidered silk shantung from a thrift store a couple of years ago for $6.99. I found it online for $85 a yard. Most amazing find ever. Like you, I screamed a little when I found it.

[@studiobonvon]

Omg that sounds incredible!

[@therestlessknitter4290]

Good advice. I have a degree in textiles and can identify fabrics by sight and feel 99% of the time (some blends can be tricky and modern synthetics are much better than they used to be). Another thing with the burn test is the smell. Cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, ramie, hemp) will smell like burning paper and produce a soft brittle ash (viscose and rayon can be tricky here as they are technically cellulose). Protein fibres (silk, wool, mohair, cashmere, angora) will smell like burning hair and produce almost no ash. Synthetics, as you showed, burn easily (but so does cotton) and have an acrid stench of burning plastic. They will produce a hard bead that does not crumble into ash. Not ideal to burn plastics too often though as the fumes are also toxic. When I was at uni we had to be able to identify any given textile by a burn test! I still have my test samples ha

[@ah5721]

can't cut up and burn clothes at the store though

[@mjcechman]

Interesting!!❤

[@debras3806]

So funny how eyes see things differently. That shirt in the “terrible color” i found prettier than any of the ones you bought!

[@studiobonvon]

Haha yeah I’ve had quite a few people defending it. I think I judged it too quickly. I’m sure it looks great on some people, but it looks awful on me 😬

[@sheilagaleano365]

Hahaha.....I thought the same thing....ohhhh, great color : )))

[@dawneandjohn]

Yeah... I thought so too. It's a pink color I would def wear... or at least upcycle. I love bright colors like that. ❤

[@ladycactus110]

I’m finding out there is no ugly color-just ugly combinations of color. You don’t need to wear everything… you can deconstruct clothes and upcycle into sachets, pillows, etc.

[@av1421]

totally agree!

[@prosie1968]

I’m a fool for natural fibers and I’m always looking for potential fabric in clothing. I found a linen comforter cover, chambray weave that I nearly screamed when I found it. It’s so much fabric!

[@studiobonvon]

Ugh yes, I’m still waiting for something like this to happen! I would love to make a big roomy linen dress

[@grittykitty50]

Screaming, shouting, dancing, and laughing out loud are all allowed when thrifting.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

The Thrift Gods were with you that day

[@susanwilliams8607]

Linen🎉 Imagine making a duvet cover in squares with hand embroidery? There's Korean tradition in salvaging family clothing for translucent curtains. The effect is great. Not sure if those were hemp? Linen is a real sweat guard used for centuries for chemises under your "quality" fabric outer clothing. I understand it absorbed sweat very effectively, but did not hold onto much odors. So you would wash your chemise regularly and the external fabric less often. Great for a Nordic-style duvet cover. Amazing cultural traditions in human civilization's clothing is carried in linen's history. Thinking e.g. Norse here. Silk is so great for undergarments too, even when it has been abused in modern laundering. It still has its characteristics. A bias cut undergarment is great against the skin or for sleeping in. As light as air and fire resistant. Now that would be great for children's pj's! Instead of chemical retardants. Thanks for your enthusiasm! Subscribed...looking forward to your originality!

[@katwitanruna]

I learned my fabrics first by going through the fabric store and feeling everything, then checking the fabric content.

[@gretchenrobinson825]

When I go to the thrift store or look for clothes, I want cotton tops and nightgowns. I refuse to buy cotton polyester which pills and leaches non-degradable fibers into the environment. Cotton is cool!!!

[@karenw8929]

You can tea/coffee dye those bright colors - sometimes you get some nice tones that way. Great instruction - thanks!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

One of my best girlfriends has a medium-light brown skin tone and she looks great in that color you think is ugly. Kind of a melon/Coral look. She looks wonderful in it… so it’s not an ugly color. It’s just not one that you wear. I can’t wear it either.

[@shmataboro8634]

Ok, you won me over by riding your unicorn to the thrift store. Not just thrifting , but also saving gas. Yay!!!

[@studiobonvon]

Yesss! 😂 🦄 ✨

[@wzrdreams]

Silk is made from incredibly long fibers and can be woven into an amazing variety of weaves. Not all will be crepes, which are woven from over twisted yarns. Silk charmeuse and silk satin will be very shiny and slippery due to the length of the fine warp threads. Silk Habotai is very light, and is a plain weave so it won't be as lustrous as a satin weave, and you may see it in slips and linings. Knitted silk jerseys can be smooth and dry to the touch, and will weigh slightly more than a cotton knits.

[@studiobonvon]

Wonderful info here! I have found a couple unusual silks, it’s amazing how much variety there is! I would love to learn more about peace silk/ahimsa silk

[@tarieannfrazier515]

I’m a huge fan of raw silk.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

@@tarieannfrazier515 I made a jumper/pinafore from “raw” silk noil. It washes/dries beautifully. No wrinkles. And silk dyes to vibrant colors.

[@SJ_DtL]

Thanks for this. My grandmother was an amazing seamstress & coached me on fabrics so I can pick them out, but I think most people under 50 can’t identify types of fabric. Regardless of eco-political views about fabric, chemicals etc., I just love the feel of natural silk, linen & cotton and it can be dyed more easily, doesn’t pill, etc.

[@alexandrac591]

A few times I've found silk-wool blend garments. Absolute treasures.

[@dawneandjohn]

Love the unicorn scene!! Made me laugh. 😂😊 Thanks so much for the silk id info. Very helpful when shopping for scarves... esp when most of them have the fiber-content tags removed.

[@studiobonvon]

Yess I was just doing this the other day! Scarves never have tags, so they are really the true test of your silk identifying skills 😂

[@shirleysangster995]

Thanks great video. I’ve been teaching my 11 year old grand daughter to sew. Using the touch technique I have been showing her how to identify natural fibres. She’s quite proud when she is correct. I look forward to showing her your informative video.

[@divinemotherwisdom6611]

Excellent tips! I also remember something subtle about silk fabric from working in a "better dress shop" many years ago. Those smooth woven silk fabrics (like that pinkish one you asked people to guess about) also tend to have a different "kind" of sheen that is more subtle than synthetic fabrics and looks different from different angles in comparison with synthetics that are trying to mimic silk--though most people who are not familiar with silk will often be fooled by appearance. The one thing that no one can be fooled about is that when someone wears a silk garment in comparison with a synthetic garment, silk breathes, whether worn in summer or winter--synthetics do not and people will often find themselves sweltering in polyester made to "look like" silk in the warmer months--especially if the blouse worn under a jacket for work, for example, has long sleeves.

[@jazzyg530]

Haha. I LOVE that neon melon colored button down you found. It's one of my faves. I have always been a feel shopper as well. When I find timeless and quality pieces that fit perfectly I have to stifle a scream. Example: 100% silk 80's long sleeve button down cheetah print blouse. I'll have it until the end of my journey on this planet. $12 I've had smoothies that cost more than that. I also started looking exclusively for 100% cotton denim jeans because I was paying $100+ for "designer" or high end denim that would stretch out and rip in all the wrong areas after 2 - 3 years of wear. Cotton is king for jeans, imo.

[@studiobonvon]

100% agree on cotton jeans - it’s the only way to go! There are many creative ways to repair them as well

[@carlakniffen9100]

The blouse you didn't Ike because of it's color is your opinion. I love that color. It looks great on me with my coloring.

[@studiobonvon]

Good for you!

[@L-wh6vy]

Decades ago, I could go to the mall and find tailored fashion pieces made in numbered sizes and from natural fibres. Cheaper, synthetics crept in but price points remained. Eventually, the cheaper synthetic fabrics replaced natural fibres in virtually all of ladies fashion options. Even the last bastion of cotton, the humble gym sock, is becoming more synthetic every year. Similarly, the wool sock is losing wool content more and more. Pure cotton garments are now marketed in niche stores and are notoriously recognisable as those shapeless tent-like pieces, devoid of any workmanship and distinguished only by S, M, L, deliberately styled so to sell to all body shapes, yet flatter none. Then there is this business of wicking, whereby synthetic pieces are promoted as being superior by virtue of new technology. They’re not superior in breathability to any natural fibre, however. The industry’s latest profit generator is achieved by exploiting the green movement by supplying garments made of recycled fabrics, even recycled synthetic garments. The fashion gods must be having a good laugh because we’re not only buying it but we’re paying full price! The US is one of the world’s largest producer of superior grade cotton fashion fabric (not to be confused with quilting cotton). Where is it going? Where are those fashions being made and where are they distributed? Why don’t we get those natural fabric fashions here in North America? Why aren’t we demanding better?

[@HappyWithMyHeadset]

Couldn't agree more. I live in Australia, the world's biggest wool producer I think, and I can not buy worsted gaberdine for love or money. Here, those factories closed in the 90s. I guess now they've closed nearly everywhere because the only wool around is poly blend with recycled wool fibres. Recycled wool fibre is short, so it frays sooner and isn't hardy.

[@mommysews1]

I understand your concerns about rayon/viscose, but cotton isn’t much better for chemicals used in growing cotton and in producing the textile. If you are using thrifted fabric, rayon/viscose isn’t any worse for the environment. It is often blended with linen, so I wouldn’t write it off entirely in post-consumer use.

[@studiobonvon]

This is a really good point, thank you! I wasn't really aware of how bad industrial cotton production is, but I'm learning as I go. In the end, thrifting for fabric doesn't affect the supply/demand of the fashion industry at all, so choosing 100% natural fabrics is just personal preference for me. I'm dumb about rayon/viscose, I know they're biodegradable but I just can't bring myself to like them!

[@MelissaThompson432]

​@@studiobonvonI actually like the feel of rayon, but I can understand your position: a lot of it is made from wood pulp, and it _feels_ like a compromise; like an "almost" fabric. The way living in a cardboard box covered with a tarp is "almost" like living in a house. And, even though I treat it like any fabric, it's not very durable to washing unless it's tencel, which, according to the tencel people, is also more sustainable and eco-friendly to produce. I buy my clothes thrifted, too, so I don't generally consider myself a contributor to planet abuse by way of clothing. Food packaging is another matter. I'm still working on that.

[@sunriseeyes0]

I have to disagree. Viscose/rayon could not exist without the use of the harsh chemical called carbon disulfide. That chemical is immediately harmful to any living organism it comes into contact with. And long term, it just compounds into worse effects. It cannot be called a ‘natural’ fiber because it is broken down at a chemical level to be reformed into a form unnatural to its original. Cotton, while yes, large-scale production uses wasteful quantities of water, and most producers use unnecessary chemical finishes, coatings, and dyes, is still better than viscous/rayon by miles. It doesn’t have to be destroyed to be created. If a person is able to, it would be best to not support either practice, but at least cotton production has the historical proof of prior sustainability and the possibility to shift production back towards that. Viscose has neither.

[@MelissaThompson432]

@@sunriseeyes0 well, none of that has anything to do with what I said, so we're good.

[@sunriseeyes0]

@@MelissaThompson432 ah, you are correct. My sincere apologies. I misread your comment and let my emotions overshadow my reason. Now that I fully understand what you said, I do agree with you. Again, I apologize for jumping the gun and going explaining things that didn’t need to be said. I’ve been trying to work on not doing that, but I clearly need to work harder 😔

[@marciakessler1911]

Dont forget to check table cloths, curtains, skirts and dresses for amazing yardage!

[@colettegjuka9604]

Linen feels cool to the touch and is prone to wrinkle. This also helps make it easier to find when looking in thrift shops.

[@kathleenbartle9391]

Nicely done. I love the unicorn for transport

[@elizabethfletcher3530]

My thrift store has a good selection of natural fibers in the bed linen and drapery section. If you’re lucky, the Selvedge edge will indicate the fiber content (often wool and linen fabrics will have this). Another tip to help determine if your fabric is a natural fiber: scrunch it in your hand for a few seconds and hold. When you release it if there are wrinkles then it is probably natural. If there are no wrinkles, then it is probably synthetic. This tip is from Evelyn Wood.

[@studiobonvon]

Ooooh these are great tips!! Thank you for sharing this. I’m still waiting for the day I find a linen sheet…so much fabric to work with!

[@cheryl3366]

Elizabeth is correct. Besides checking the sheet department, I would also suggest checking just the plain fabric selection. I have come home with lots of great fabric and notions.

[@mommysews1]

Check curtains and bedspreads. Ikea used to sell linen duvet covers and I have managed to score a few of those.

[@marcialockhart890]

I am curious how you clean, wash your finds? My rule for anything fabric is to wash it immediately.

[@elizabethfletcher3530]

@@marcialockhart890 Cottons, linens, synthetics I put through the washing machine and dryer. Silks and wools I hand wash in Luke warm water. Wools I dry flat.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I'm also quite obsessed with materials when I shop for clothes and prefer natural materials over semi-synthetics like rayon (I avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester overall). But you were able to give me quite a few practical hints on the topic. Hopefully in the years to come consumers will start asking for more and more natural fibers and the market will make a switch back from plastics.

[@studiobonvon]

Gosh, that would be nice! One can dream

[@rachellee.9389]

I have always been mesmerized by people who could tell one fabric from another 99% of the time. This was very helpful and I'm going to spend some time in the thrift store the next time I have the car. Maybe you could do a video in the future about how to take these pieces apart effectively to have fabric. TFS!

[@studiobonvon]

All I do when I disassemble thrifted clothes for fabric is seam rip along all the seams (except in the case of this one where I had to cut it, but that is not normal!)

[@kerriefearby9542]

A note for those who think BAMBOO fabric is a good natural option; it's not, when it’s processed into fabric that’s advertised as “soft,” “silky,” or “cool to the touch,” it has likely been turned into rayon or viscose using toxic chemicals. This process is far from eco-friendly, and the fabric that it creates may not be better for the environment than other types of fabric.

[@d.-beck7205]

Plus, the shinier it is, the more it pills. I stopped buying it altogether.

[@studiobonvon]

I only learned this recently and it's so disappointing 😔

[@cheryl3366]

Another thing about the burn test is it help you determine the fabric content. Natural fibers leave ash, synthetic sleeve plastic. Sometimes it helps to determine what the blend is. Ask for natural fibers not having any stretch. That's kind of a misnomer. I have found silk cotton linen and wool in knits. Don't forget about cashmere sweaters.

[@RS-bk3wc]

Solid advice, I do the same thing when I'm thrifting - however even 100% natural fiber woven fabrics will usually have some stretch diagonally along the bias (where the warp and weft threads of the fabric cross over each other) + there's a lot more variety to be found in natural fiber fabrics than you talked about here! You got the most common ones for clothing, but there are also silk and cotton velvets (I've mainly seen these as home decor fabrics), heavy cotton canvas for workwear, smooth fine linen for dresses/undergarments, and so much more!

[@studiobonvon]

This is true, there is a ton of variety out there. I was going to go into it, but I was afraid the video would be too long. I might make a follow-up video…especially for wools! Thanks for pointing this out

[@kristiswa]

Thanks. I use the same techniques. Although rayon and tencel are from natural sources, and can have the "hand" of a natural fiber, they are highly refined and are considered "neither natural nor synthetic" or "hybrid". Angora, mohair and alpaca are fabulous but rare and I hope you can do a video on them some day and include wool!

[@studiobonvon]

Oooh yes thanks for the suggestion! I’d love to make a follow up video specifically for wools 🐑

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

I have made rayon before in a chemistry class so it has always been on the okay category for me (tencel is also in the same category.) As a fiber enthusiast, I would rather add it together with the primary yarn so it has the potential to be dismantled for recycling than to buy a pre-blend. I know rayon from bamboo has been under fire lately but I still see it as sustainable over acrylic and polyester. And out of those two, recycled acrylic is still better than polyester, recycled or not.

[@kristiswa]

@@EcstaticTeaTime Agree! Rayon and tencel feel "natural" to me and both have a nice hand. I have bamboo socks and they are comfortable, although wear out quickly.

[@GiselleMetcalf-Grosso]

I thrift by feel too. Your explanations were SO GOOD for identifing fabric content.

[@studiobonvon]

Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful 😊

[@EgoEgeoNovaLocus]

what i love about natural fabrics is that they dye really well.. for those not so wonderful colors

[@RoseaCreates]

I love this topic. I seek out natural fibers in secondhand clothing.

[@lauriehutchison449]

Great video! I’ve used this technique for years. More in the past than nowadays. Why? Back when I was having hot flashes, natural fibers, particularly silk and linen, were the only thing I could wear! I’d occasionally try putting on something else, like an acrylic or polyester sweater, and inside of five minutes I’d be changing back to something made of a natural fiber. There were some lightweight rayons that were ok too, mostly India prints and the like, which makes sense as they come from a hot climate. I also found that some polyesters have a feel that’s much like silk, enough to fool even the practiced hand in the touch test.

[@ParodyParty14]

I've sewn for years and didn't realize this handy trick - thanks for tips

[@cintiapollock2486]

I loved the one you called a terrible color lol goes well with my skin tone gess i thought it was beautiful lol

[@studiobonvon]

Haha sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sure it looks great on some people, but it’s a terrible color on me 😂

[@GeometryMatters]

Cool! That was fun! Thanks for the thrift store tour, too.

[@aoide00]

Girrrrrrrl!!! You stole my idea for MY first KZbin video that I haven’t made yet. 😛 Thrifting for linen and wool is literally my favorite thing to do and I love testing my fiber discerning abilities. Here’s to another fiber snob 🥂 😁

[@sidneeaustralia8222]

Please !! Still do it !! and go thrifting AS WELL. you area is different to hers and mine not to mention what you may be shopping for. i'd love to learn as much as i can on this topic for many perspectives. consider showing what you've found and how you've used/styled it.

[@MonicaMolinar]

Nothing says that you can’t share your own version of info about natural fiber. Go for it! 😊

[@studiobonvon]

Please make your own version, I would love to see it! You can never have too much content on this topic, and I’m sure your perspective will be different than mine! Go for it 💪🌱

[@emilyfrazier9648]

I completely agree with you - this is the way to shop for natural fibers! It is crazy how easy it is after doing it for a while! Love your channel ❣

[@vivienblignaut7959]

Love your thinking and working!🎉

[@springnicole]

I grew up wearing natural fabrics because my mom was old school. It is interesting the way you described each of the textures. I did the same thing looking for natural fabrics at my local thrift store. I love the way silk looks, but it was always hard for me to wear sensory-wise because of that catching quality. We wore linen in the Summer, cotton and knits in the spring and wool in the winter. Wool was itchy for me. But, there is no denying that natural fabrics tend to age well, thus you have clothing that lasts longer, which means less consumption and waste.

[@SirenaSpades]

Silks in different weaves have different feels. Not all of them catch. I wear silk undergarments daily. They do not have a weird feel.

[@loidajimenez5844]

Thanks so much for your explanation. I’m a big fan of fabric finds on thrift store but you opened my eyes about silk!!!!! I never knew how to look for it. Looking forward to put your tips into practice. And hoping for more of your videos soon 😊

[@alisonbutler6743]

This is such a useful video. I search for cottons for potential patchwork projects, and have only used visual searches to identify natural fabrics, but will now be able to identify good items by touch! Thank you.

[@BetterNDTravel]

YT suggested this video to me possibly because I made a video about the best fabrics for travel. I LOVE thrifted silk. So soft, light, dries quickly. Probably could have included linen in my list too.

[@studiobonvon]

I love how light and airy silk feels! Texture is very important to me in clothing as well. I know some people consider linen to be too rough, but I absolutely adore how lightweight and breathable it is, especially in hot weather! Glad you found my channel 🤗

[@jamieg6173]

this is great! I really appreciate how you went through the thrift store and pointed out the different fabrics!

[@goldenlightcoach]

Thank you for this! I have just recently begun thrifting specifically looking for natural fabrics, and I've had some good luck so far! Your helpful tips will help me find natural fibers even more quickly! Thanks again :)

[@StitchedandHookedbyRobin]

Thanks! That was very helpful! I have always loved linen and natural fibers!

[@StitchedandHookedbyRobin]

I was able to find a dress today that was 100 percent organic cotton and 3 other 100 percent cotton shirts

[@PamelaCardinale]

Interesting video. I love linen, cotton and silk. Thanks for the knowledge you share ❤

[@marciahighsmith4820]

I enjoyed your vlog and found it helpful. I can't wait to go thrifting.

[@joywhitley3141]

Great fabric tutorial!❤

[@tinkerbell503]

By far the most helpful video on identifying textiles I’ve seen! The real time look through the thrift store and giving us time to check it out with you and guess for ourselves was great practice. And oddly satisfying, like being on a game show 😄

[@novampires223]

I have spent many happy hours following my mother and her sister up and down the aisles of the Mill Ends store in Milwaukee Or looking at fabrics, they touched and discussed the feel of each piece, how this one felt like it had a bit of rayon in it or cotton.. some of my best memories, both gone now to that great fabric store in the sky..😊 this brought back those memories, thank you. Great finds by the way..

[@drewrose8215]

These are my favorite thrift fabrics. Suggest checking table linens and curtains for 100% linen and cotton. Also check plus size dresses and blouses for all three fabrics, as you’ll find larger pieces for your money. Sadly, my favorite color dissed. All colors are beautiful, some just not our favorites.

[@EcstaticTeaTime]

Fiber enthusiast here: we also use the burn test. Same as you, I need to get my stash down before thrifting but the last time my dad bleached the window frames for mold, he got some of the solution on my good cotton sheets. I have save them, as it is only a small bit of a corner, with a plan to make pajamas. I haven't sewn since I was in middle school (crochet took over) but I have made them before and even if it looks ugly, no one else will really see them. If I do well on those, perhaps I will branch out to a few other clothing items until I run out of the sheet fabric and I can look to making something I can wear outside. I do have a fabric stash from when a sewing store was retiring but again, it has not been my primary craft. I have also saved my jeans when they wear out in the inner thighs to use as patches for later ones or for the bottom of bags. There are so many uses for make, do, and mend and with the current economy, I am happy I have a stash of things to do as many crafting hobbies can get expensive. As much as I want to be solely on natural fibers, I have to yield to acrylic for baby items. Some babies have an allergic reaction to wool and the parents have enough to do with their newborn than to worry about their 100% wool sweater not making its way into the dryer; I would use cotton but one wash could easily end its use before the baby can use it more than once due to shrinkage and I find they can fade much sooner than wool. My friend with a six-year-old had a wool sweater from me and it lasted almost until she outgrew it before it accidently made it into the dryer so I count that as a win.

[@kimconnollysolocampermarri467]

I love linens and reusing materials and really appreciate your video. Thanks

[@StariusFamosPetinho]

what an informative and calm video, loved it! ty

[@eggyparrot3844]

Not hugely important, but an interesting fact is that rayon is actually not really synthetic fiber. It is made out of processed cellulose, kind of like paper products. It is sometimes called a "semi-synthetic" and most organizations concerned with plastic waste consider it to be biodegradable

[@ladycactus110]

Thanks for the info! I like the feel of rayon and was a little sad, thinking it was another petroleum product.

[@HappyWithMyHeadset]

True. Watch a documentary about how it's made, though, and see whether you still hold that view.

[@icedteacatfish]

great video. very helpful, exactly what i needed

[@barbeskilson6132]

Thanks for the tips! Going to try them next time I go to a thrift store.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Burning fabric: natural fabrics will leave a fine ash. Synthetics will bead, like melting plastic, which they are, and leave a hard, stiff edge when the fire is out. Synthetic "ash beads" will also burn the heck out of you if you try to pinch the fire out, so be warned.

[@soniatriana9091]

Great video! Reminded me of my young 4yr old, over 30 years ago, She would walk in the department store racks of new clothes & come out feeling the fabrics of the clothes & announcing which were Silk! Which always brought laughter!! I’m new to your channel & I like your presentation style -- thank you for an enjoyable video!!

[@dianequillen2291]

Thanks! This was very informative and helpful.

[@marianecayer5165]

Really interesting. I really like your tips. I will certainly used them on my next thrit shopping trip!

[@ChristinaKatz]

Super-helpful, thanks!

[@nzshauna3680]

Really good explanation. Liking your work👍

[@erinwojcik4771]

Rayon is a natural fiber. It is wood pulp, originally only Mulberry was used, but now many different woods can be used. It is highly processed to create the fibers, but it is technically natural. The texture and drape is somewhere between cotton and silk. I personally like the feel of rayon, but find it and silk a little above my skill level when working with them.

[@cjofloorish]

Use masking tape to keep it from slipping and as a sewing guide.. so much easier.

[@debrasalon1]

You are correct about rayon.

[@pjadventure6285]

I love to up-cycle clothing 👕👚👗- I can’t wait to see all of your!!

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you so much especially for your descriptions and visuals and even going to the thrift store and showing how you do it!❤

[@studiobonvon]

Yay! Glad to hear you found it helpful! 😊

[@lynnmcdermott1291]

I love to shop thrift stores for fabric, but always relied on looking at tags. I found this very helpful, so thank you!!!

[@kuzia98]

Great video, this is exactly how i thrift for silk and linen as well.

[@studiobonvon]

Great minds thinks alike, eh?

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Thanks foe sharing with others the skill of finding natural fabrics. I use this same technique. It helps save me time when I need to get in & out of shops so I can work on projects. 💖

[@studiobonvon]

Yesss it saves so much time! 🙌

[@marlena7651]

Rayon is made from celulose pulp, not plastic. But I understand why you mention it. I'm only dissapointed that there are only! three films on your channel.

[@studiobonvon]

Don't worry, there are plenty more videos where this one came from! As far as the rayon goes - I am going to address this because it comes up often when discussing natural fibers. Please don't take this as a personal criticism, but I'm leaving this here because I'm sure there are other people thinking the same thing. I know rayon is "technically" made from cellulose, scientifically it has the same molecular structure, but it is made using a chemical process. Carbon disulfide, one of the main chemicals used to produce rayon, is extremely toxic and causes serious health problems worldwide to people working in rayon factories, and can even extend to people and animals living close to the factories. My rule (for myself) is that if I can't make it myself from something I could produce on a farm (at least in theory) then I don't want it. Maybe I'll make another video in the future discussing my views on sustainability in regards to clothing. Again - not a personal attack, but this is my stance on rayon!

[@loidajimenez5844]

Agree!!!! I could do a binge watching if she would have more videos 😂😂😂

[@medhakarandikar]

I was about to add my internet gleaning about rayon (my husband worked in rayon) but after I read about the ill effects on people, I held back. The entire village where the factory was located had an odor hanging over it, and even his clothes did. But just for technicalities: "Rayon is a manufactured regenerated cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp. Rayon is typically made of wood from eucalyptus, spruce, and pine trees, but can also be made from cotton or bamboo. Typical rayon produced in the US is called rayon or viscose rayon."

[@eyesandearseditions]

Viscose is like rayon, from cellulose

[@studiobonvon]

@medhakarandikar 😮 This is very interesting!! You are the only person in the comments so far who has direct experience with a rayon factory. It's interesting that you seem to sense that something is wrong (the odor, the ill effects), yet still feel compelled to defend it? Your lived experience is MUCH more valuable than any "technical definition" that exists on the internet. Honestly, I would love to hear more about your story if you'd be willing to share.

[@easilystartled2203]

This was wonderful, thank you!

[@misskelevra]

Super helpful!

[@sandradearing604]

just found you! This video was amazing! TY! ALSO~ your thrift store was amazing! (now to binge you for my monday break!) peace!

[@sheilahope7007]

This was very helpful, thank you!

[@sidneeaustralia8222]

hiiii !!!, this was a WONDERFUL video from beginning to end. SUPERRR informative, i'm actually thinking about cleaning out my closet with this method. please make more thrifting videos. I really enjoyed this.

[@sassybrendita]

Thank you so much for this video - I have never shopped for natural fabrics, but have been wanting to make a quilt with thrifted cottons and this was extremely helpful information on how to look for these fabrics.

[@studiobonvon]

Of course, I hope this method works for you! I usually find cotton very easily, it’s more common than silk or linen. Good luck with your projects! ✨

[@bethperrine6431]

This was really helpful! I’m so glad it landed in my feed. Subscribed :-)

[@studiobonvon]

Thanks, and welcome to the channel 😊✨

[@mable552]

This video was super helpful. Just subscribed. Can't wait to see what you make.

[@studiobonvon]

Thank you, and welcome! 🤗 ✨

[@TeaAndATale]

Haha! I love that bright pink! I have kiddos though too so I grab that to make rainbow appliqués on pinafores and such:)

[@studiobonvon]

Cute! 😊

[@KendrasBrain]

Hi! I like your channel, your filming style, your music, sounds, demeanor... I'm excited to find linen and do some thrift uplifts. I've handmade costume skirts for little girls I know. Ive handmade a few funny dolls with clothes. I get bored easily. But I do need clothes so I'll focus on fabrics for a while. Plus I have a two year old grand daughter Ive made a few dresses for and that's fun. I like the idea of less expensive thrifted fabrics. Glad you found Mochi. I used to have a Tonkinese that looked a LOT like her. Her name was Oshi but we ended up calling her Nubby because her tail had possibly been slammed in a door as it was about 6" long and bent hence the nub! Haha. she acted a lot like a dog, growling at the door. She chased my daughters in their long, flowy nightgowns and bit their ankles. She had a lot of personality. TMI?! I look forward to more creative videos from you. I think you'll do very well. Congratulations! I'm from SC.

[@RED-cy7ig]

This was helpful. Thank you.

[@genier7829]

Thanks for an interesting video! I find very fine linen that is very soft and fluid usually in the form or vintage table linens. These are very equivalent to fine cotton, but modern (2000s) linen in clothing is usually coarser as you describe. I buy the vintage table linens for clothing and pillowcases.

[@rebeccaholcombe9043]

I think that's a market driven thing. Linen ages soft like cotton does, and it's perfectly capable of being fine fibers, I just don't see it manufactured that way anymore.

[@studiobonvon]

I think this is because linen softens as you wash it, so older linens are usually very soft. New linen will always be a little stiff, but it only gets softer

[@breabeyrouti7834]

I have been wanting to find natural fabric but didn't know how and this really helps! Thank you so kindly for making this video

[@studiobonvon]

You’re so welcome ✨

[@poodlegirl55]

Nice video, very informative. I never find real silk in clothes but I have found it in scarves. And I have mostly found real linen in home goods decor.

[@tonyak2446]

I find silk tops once in a while. Some men's ties are silk as well.

[@karah5714]

Ouu that beige linen Liz Claiborne top you left behind was cute! Huge fan of natural fibers, I learned how to spot them by thrifting while I was in high school and at college in a Textiles class. I think my favourite to find is raw silk, so rare but so so good.

[@ksha8586]

I knew I recognized that Arc store. I have been there often for jewelry making parts for making second hand jewelry. That store is huge and has a lot of good items. I think I will return there this Saturday as you got me thinking I should now. LOL. Sorry to see you leave the Springs for Vegas. I hope you enjoy the weather there. I will look forward to your videos now because they are “just up my ally”. My kind of favorite things to do. You are very good at making your video’s interesting and fun. Thank you.

[@studiobonvon]

Thank you so much! 😊 I’m back in Colorado now so who knows? Maybe you’ll see me there 😅 Thanks for being here 🌷

[@traddymom4368]

This confirms my experience. I also do this at new clothing stores, like Marshalls and TJ Max.

[@diceryuri]

Very informative video, next time im at a thrift store im gonna give this a try. Also the unitah ARC is always a good one!

[@studiobonvon]

Hah I can't believe you recognized it

[@hollykarlsen1792]

Great explanation!

[@missyb.623]

Great video!

[@vanessamccann294]

During the shopping sequence, your calming voice over the jazz reminded me in the best way of a 90’s children’s show. I felt like I was watching Sesame Street, learning new things about the world to jazz music. Thank you!

[@studiobonvon]

Haha I love that! I was definitely raised on Sesame Street, so perhaps it was a subconscious influence 😂 Glad you liked it!

[@kitkat9373]

Lol i thought the same.

[@Gelliny]

really nice tips, I'll give it a try next time I'm at a thrift store

[@studiobonvon]

I'd love to know if it works for you!

[@marianecayer5165]

@@studiobonvon will let you know!

[@marisameans9859]

@11:30 time mark..that floral Hawaiian on the right...I used to have that top lol. Great video...gonna try this on my next outing.

[@MissDHolliday]

Thank you, I'm trying to replace all my synthetic fabrics on a budget and sewing is a big way I'm doing that. This video is so incredibly helpful!

[@studiobonvon]

Yes! You’re so welcome! I’m also trying to create a sustainable wardrobe on a budget - it’s possible ✨

[@MissDHolliday]

@@studiobonvon I literally used your advice today to find 3 silk pieces and a linen dress. I am incredibly grateful!

[@studiobonvon]

Omg I’m so glad to hear that!! That’s awesome that it worked for you 👏✨

[@sharonbelieves]

Thanks for this video. I'm really into natural fibers. I didn't know about linen until about a year ago and now I want to pursue getting some. I'm excited to check out the thrift stores. If you do a search about plastic fibers being toxic you'll see how bad they are.

[@sheilagaleano365]

I look first, then look for a label. I'm going to try adding in the feel test also : ) Thank you : )

[@DomDollx]

Never heard of mohair, great video. I have wool tops thrifted or gifted from mom and they are the warmest w/o layering on. Now everything is a mix or a percentage of wool. Pure wool and well made products are hundreds of dollars. So girly, you're doing a really high end favor by thrifting.

[@studiobonvon]

It is so hard to find wool here in the US! I love finding cashmere in the thrift store, but they’ve caught on to how expensive they are and I’ve seen them for as high as $30 in the thrift store 😓 depends where you go though! I’m planning a follow up video to this where I talk about finding wool 🐑

[@debbenning-edgar]

very nice😊

[@southkoreavideo]

Thank you great info