Proof-of-concept evaluation of textile waste upcycling through patchwork bedspread design

This pilot study investigates the performance characteristics of bedspreads produced through an upcycling-oriented design approach using the patchwork technique, compared to conventionally manufactured counterparts. Textile waste materials sourced from Zorluteks Tekstil Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and OEKO-TEX® STeP, were reprocessed into single-bed-sized bedspreads in accordance with sustainable design principles. Both upcycled and conventional bedspreads were composed of three layers, including regenerated fibre filling and 100% cotton woven fabric. Comprehensive testing was conducted to assess washing fastness, perspiration fastness (acidic and alkaline), rubbing fastness, water fastness, dimensional stability, tensile strength, and seam slippage tests in accordance with ISO standards. Exploratory statistical analysis indicated no clear differences in most fastness properties, except for alkaline perspiration fastness, where patchwork samples showed slightly reduced performance due to fabric heterogeneity. Notably, upcycled samples demonstrated higher tensile strength, attributed to increased stitching density, but exhibited greater seam slippage, likely due to multi-fabric assembly. These findings suggest that upcycled textile products, when manufactured using optimised methods, can match or exceed the mechanical and functional performance of conventional products, positioning upcycling as a viable industrial strategy for sustainable textile production.