Zero-Waste Upcycled Textile Art for Your Home
Giving forgotten vintage fabrics a second life through slow, handcrafted patchwork and embroidery.
A full view of the improv quilt, a vibrant tapestry made entirely from fabric scraps and studio waste. The playful fish-shaped tassels are also crafted from leftover bits of cloth.
A closer look at the quilt's patchwork surface. Each square is a remnant from a past project, a piece of silk, cotton, or hemp that was too precious to throw away.
The corner of the quilt is turned over to show the playful details and the sheer variety of fabrics used. Creating a fully upcycled product like this brings me immense satisfaction.
This video shows a collection of vintage embroidered patches and textile fragments from my scrap stash. These pieces, full of tribal mirror-work and rich dyes, are waiting to be stitched into a new creation like a custom table runner.
About From Scrap to Story: Zero-Waste Creations
When I make these improv quilts and runners, I do not follow a fixed pattern. Every square is a remnant from a previous project. It might be a silk border from a saree or a piece of tribal mirror-work from an old skirt, all stitched together using Kantha running stitches. You are not just getting a decor piece. You are getting a mosaic of studio history.
My approach to textile art is rooted in the idea of scrap to story. In my Worli studio, no piece of fabric is ever discarded. Instead, I carefully select these remnants, whether it is a scrap of Kutch embroidery, a vintage Banarsi zari panel, or a fragment of Laotian silk, and re-assemble them into functional art.
The process is intentionally slow. I do not sketch. I let the materials guide the composition. I use traditional techniques like Kantha running stitches, mirror-work, and patchworking to join these disparate pieces into a cohesive narrative. It is a method that honors the labor that went into the original cloth while giving it a new life in your space.
Whether you are looking for a table runner, a wall hanging, or a cozy throw, I work with you to incorporate colors and textures that fit your home. Since everything is handcrafted using salvaged materials, every piece is truly one-of-a-kind. We can even incorporate textiles you have collected over the years, giving your own heirlooms a place in these new creations.
Chandan Dubey
I see potential where others see leftovers. Every textile fragment in my studio has a history, and I simply act as the bridge to its next chapter. If you are looking for decor that is not mass-produced and carries a soul, let us talk.
Find more of my handcrafted work
Use the search bar to explore different categories of my art and textile services.
More from Custom & Artisanal Apparel Design by Chandan Dubey
More services by Chandan Dubey