The wonderful Laura’s Play Cotton

Here we meet with the wonderful Laura’s Play Cotton, we are grateful for this conversation! 

Founded from a love of open-ended play and a desire for more ethical alternatives, Laura’s Play Cotton has created a sustainable organic cotton play cloth, designed to inspire creativity and imagination! We are so thrilled to now have these beautiful pieces available to our community here in the UK!

Could you tell us a little about yourself and how Laura’s Play Cotton first began?

We were looking for an alternative to the silk play cloths, as the production of silk hasn’t changed much in the past 1000 years and we felt there is a more sustainable way, with a gentle ode to being animal and earth friendly. 

Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to create organic cotton play cloths?

We felt like it was missing on the market, and play cloths are such a versatile toy that you can combine with everything!

Many play cloths within the Waldorf and Steiner world are traditionally made from silk. What led you towards choosing organic cotton instead?

We really wanted an organic, natural fabric and in our research across Europe we found the best results with organic cotton. Before that we found that the most popular fabrics sadly were polyester and nylon, and we did look at bamboo and viscose too. 

Your commitment to ethical and sustainable materials feels deeply woven into your brand. Why was this such an important foundation for you?

We believe that we didn’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, that instead we are borrowing her from future generations. And so with this, we have to be very careful about how we treat her! Also, as we sit in the 21st century it feels clear that we don’t need animals to make soft whimsy fabrics anymore, so we ask ourselves, why would we?

As a parent yourself, how have your children influenced the way you think about play?

We hope our kids will play for a very long time as it is such an important part of their lives. And honestly, we feel like grown ups should play more too! Our own kids showed us what we already kind of knew: They don’t need plastic toys with flashing lights and sounds, instead they will make their own sounds! The imagination of a child is endless.

How do you balance running a growing business alongside family life and raising three children?

Honestly, we don’t really! We have learnt that you can’t be amazing at all things in life and we focus on our children and business. With this, it has been ten years since I touched an iron! We have help with cleaning our home, because if the kids are asleep, we work rather than clean the bathroom! 

And as important as it is for kids to play, we think they learn a lot from helping in the house too, they empty the dishwasher, for example! And everyone has to put their clothes in a laundry basket or it won’t get washed - All hands on deck!

What did your very first play cloth look like?

We started with and focussed on the rainbow play cloth! And we really wanted to have the vibrant colours so it’s printed both sides. Actually, we have been looking for a European manufacturer but it is difficult to find someone that can print it double sided, use organic cotton and do all the sizes/colours we would like. It is a process! We learn a lot and with each time we get a little closer. 

Your products are ethically made in China using organic cotton. How did you find manufacturing partners that aligned with your values?

We have worked with our partner in China for years already and our connection is strong. We had family living in China at the time and they helped us find a trustable partner. 

In the beginning it took them a couple of months and many samples to achieve the quality we wanted and we are glad for that process. The quality is very soft, light, a little see through, but still very strong and durable! And they make reusable sandwich bags for us, and so you don’t have to use a single use plastic bag! 

What have been some of your most proudest moments or highlights since starting Laura‘s play cotton?

We remember feeling very proud the first time we heard a child say to his sister; “Look, I’m a knight! Here, you can be the princess!” And she replied “Oh, but this is a blanket for my doll!” 

Which is exactly what play cottons are about! It is anything and everything children want it to be.

We were very proud of and a little surprised at the lovely response we got at Spielwarenmesse 2024 (where we met you!) as well!  We met so many lovely people and their feedback was amazing!

In a world that often feels very fast paced and screen led, why do you think simple imaginative play remains so important?

I think it’s important for children to use their imagination, for that is how they learn so much! It makes them problem solvers, stimulates independence, and also helps them to understand and to show their emotions.

What hopes do you hold for the future of Laura’s Play Cotton?

Well, a lot of our dreams already came true! So we’re dreaming a little bigger now. First and foremost, we would love to have more collaborations with other brands that we love! 

We believe small businesses should work together! In a world of big tech companies and cheap products that are tossed aside after a few months, it is important that we work together, as we are stronger that way, right?

And we would love to see our products in many more stores worldwide!

And finally, what would you love families to feel when they bring one of your play cloths into their homes?

We hope they feel the endless possibilities that a play cloth brings! We hope they will use that with all other toys they have already and expand their play.

Thank you so much Laura for speaking with us, it has been wonderful to get a feel for the heart behind your beautiful brand. And thank you to Katie Williams, local photographer for these images.