7 Creative Uses for Leftover Fabric Scraps
My wife has always enjoyed to sew. She's been sewing for some time and has amassed quite a collection of disjointed fabric scraps. Recently we had a discussion about her plans for said scraps. My mindset was that they should be discarded to make room for other items in our home. Of course, she scoffed at that idea. "OK, then", I asked her, "what are your plans for these scraps?" She simply replied, "I'm going to make a quilt out of them."
And just when I thought the conversation was over she uttered "that not only could quilts be made, but literally hundreds of creative DIY projects exist online for those who want to repurpose the mishmosh of fabric that might be lying around the home."
She challenged me to write a blog post that compiles a list of engaging projects that could be found online for leftover fabrics. Below you'll find a small collection of colorful DIY projects that allow you to put your fabric scraps to good use. Difficulty ranges from examples that can be completed without sewing to examples that may require an extra pair of hands or a specialty tool to complete.
In the event you don't have enough fabric scraps to complete your project, I've discovered that they can be purchased online. More commonly known as fabric squares, quilting squares or batik squares, these fabrics are often made from 100% cotton, felt, flannel, wool or polyester/dacron and come in 2.5", 4", 5", 5.5", 6" or 10" squares.
Now that you've been enlightened, what's stopping you from starting your own "fabric scrap" project?
1. Monogrammed Zipper Pouch
Zipper pouches are a practical way to repurpose your unused fabric scraps. Fun and easy to make, they are great for containing sewing supplies, pens/pencils or loose change. A monogrammed pouch requires very little fabric and makes a great gift for the family or even a group of bridesmaids!
Source - makeit-loveit
2. Nifty Napkin Rings
What's amazing about this project is that with very little fabric you can easily enhance your table decor and create a different look for every season. Decorative buttons embellish the rings and add just a little extra bit of complimentary style.
Source - livingwithpunks
3. Fabric Covered Light Switch Plates
Here's a project that involves no sewing and is great for beginners. Using only a decoupage adhesive you can brighten up your house with this simple DIY project that recycles old materials and is almost cost free.
Source - vickiehowell
4. Easy Fabric Hair Bows
Manage your little girl's long hair with these easy to make hair clips. Requiring only a 3" x 7" rectangle of leftover fabric and a little piece of ribbon, you'll be able to create something she can proudly wear every day of the week.
Source - stitchedbycrystal
5. Braided Bracelet
Light-weight, colorful and unique - these upcycled bracelets are made from scrap fabrics and other recyclable materials. You can even use old t-shirts! They make great gifts for friends and family and for pre-teens and teenagers.
Source - howjoyful
6. Quilted Holiday Tree Ornaments
Quilted ornaments come in all shapes and sizes. With this super simple quilting project, you can create cheerful, holiday-themed Christmas trees to adorn your wreath, tree or mantle or even use them as decorations on gifts.
Source - thesewingloft
7. Fabric Scrap Keychains
Take a simple key chain and showcase it with your favorite scrap of fabric, or embellish it with button flowers, felt monograms, or whatever else might be lying around the house. Demand will be high - so remember to make more than one!
Source - craftinessisnotoptional
