Rag Collection
Throughout the Fall Semester, donate cotton and linen fabric to be processed and made into sheets of paper!
This community-wide rag collection mimics the papermaking process in 1770s when rag collectors circulated the city to collect the base material for making paper pulp. In March 2026, we will make paper pulp from the donated rags and pull sheets of paper using 18th century methods and materials. The handmade paper will be used to print facsimiles of the Declaration of Independence during summer 2026.
Where to Donate
Bring your donations to Common Press during our monthly Open Studio Sessions or at one of our pop-up community events:
September 12: A Man Full of Trouble, 4:00 - 6:00pm
September 28: Open Streets at Rittenhouse Square, 11:00am - 2:00pm
November 1: Philly Zine Fest, 11:00am - 5:00pm
November 2: Historic RittenhouseTown with PA Flax Project, 11:00am - 2:00pm
December 3: The Soapbox
December 20: The Soapbox
This program is part of Common Press’s The Typography of Independence program.
Rag Collection Guidelines and FAQ
Please donate 100% cotton or linen fabric. Examples: jeans, sheets, old tablecloths and napkins, dress shirts, curtains, dresses.
How do I know my donation is 100% cotton or linen?
Read the label on the fabric! If you aren’t sure, donate the textile anyway. We will check the fabric before we receive your donation and ask you to keep it if it isn’t appropriate for the project.
What if my donation is old, stained, slightly smelly?
Not a problem! In 1776, people only donated cloth that was so thoroughly used it was no longer usable even as a rag. Stains are OK, but please wash out excess dirt and filth before donation.
Can I donate wet or damp cloth?
No, please only donate dry items.
Is it okay to donate clothes as-is?
Yes! We will remove any buttons, metal tacks, zippers, etc.
Is there a maximum or minimum donation?
Any amount of fabric is helpful, even a handkerchief! If you want to donate more than a grocery bag-size amount of fabric, please contact us to arrange a special drop off time at our studio.
What will happen to my donation?
We will process the fabric into paper pulp. Processing happens as follows: fiber of the donation is evaluated and approved. Any additions, such as buttons, zippers, etc. are removed. The fabric is cut into tiny half-inch pieces by hand. It is soaked, and then beat in a Hollander paper beater. This turns the fabric into paper pulp, which will be made into paper.
What will happen to the paper pulp?
We will use the paper pulp to form sheets of paper at a residency at the Historic Rittenhouse Town papermill in Spring 2026. You are invited to come watch the process! Papermaking events will be added to The Typography of Independence series.
What will happen to the handmade paper?
We will make approximately 250 sheets that will be used to print a replica of the Declaration of Independence on our 1889 cast-iron handpress during the Summer of 2026.
Sources: Learn More About Papermaking
Rags and Rag Collectors – On Making Paper
Papermaking Series: Loading the Beater (video)
Pulp Sheet Making Machine / Cotton Paper Making Machine (video)