Tatter is committed to the ethos and practice of sustainability. The United States’ largest waste export is textile waste; and textile waste accounts for over 5% of the world’s pollution. Few understand how garments are made, under what conditions, the labor and natural resources required in production, or how to engage with second hand markets and extend the lifespans of what we wear and use. 

Our commitment is reflected in Tatter programming, which addresses climate degradation and waste by educating consumers and makers. Tatter programs explore these realities and present the art and science of alternative models of textile production and consumption, educating and empowering citizen consumers.

Photograph by Antony Crolla

Tatter collects and displays objects made by upcycling; and many of our classes explore the elaboration or recombination of existing objects or materials. Whether making quilts, revitalizing objects with embroidery, or fabricating new garments out of existing pieces, Tatter is grounded in the belief that the practice of craft is sustainable and sustaining. 

The return to the handmade opts out of a global engine of industrial production.