10 Ways to Use Up Your Fabric Scraps – Easy Projects
SCRAPS – yes we all have them. In fact it’s a given that if you are a quilter you are quickly going to build up a scrap stash. Don’t know about you but we aren’t like those brave souls who can just toss their fabric scraps in the bin. We keep every tiny little scrap because you never know when you might just need that teeny tiny piece of fabric to fill in a spot. So we have a number of easy projects with full tutorials that will help you to clear up at least some of that scrap stash. One of my favourites is the String Quilt. I love making these.
And although title says there are 10 Projects, we’ve thrown in a bonus for you.
1. The Crumb Quilting Technique (Not just for quilting)
I just love this technique. You don’t have to even think about it too much. You basically create your own fabric from scraps and can use it in a variety of applications – quilting, bag making, sewing projects, cushions and more. Go to step-by-step tutorial…
2. Easy sewing project from scraps of fabric – you will love this!
This is one of our most popular scrap fabric projects. It uses strips of fabric and is super easy to sew so it’s a perfect beginner sewing project. Lots of fun to put together and they make great gifts.
3. How to Make a String Quilt from strips of scrap fabric
These quilts look just amazing when they are finished. You can see from the photo that we have sorted out scraps that compliment each other. You don’t have to do that, you can make it completely random if you wish. Such a fun and easy way to use up your scraps. Go to step-by-step tutorial…
4. Pot Holder Tutorial made from leftover layer cake squares
Oh so simple and oh so effective. These pot holders are made using left over 10″ layer cake squares, but you can cut your own from fabric you have on hand. These pot holders are so quick and easy to make and they make great gifts. Just think of Christmas time when you are looking for stocking fillers. These are ideal. Go to step-by-step tutorial…
5. Zippered Pouch Tutorial
How great are these little pouches? You can run these up in very little time. I use one in my handbag to hold all those pesky receipts I gather when I’m out shopping. It saves me stuffing them into my wallet and overloading it. But they are great for all sorts of uses. Simply sort through your stash and pick out some pretty fabrics that compliment each other and away you go. Go to step-by-step tutorial…
6. Fabric Journal Cover
Another easy project that can be personalized to suit the recipient. You can use one large piece of fabric, sew a number of pieces together to form stripes, or you can even do some crumb quilting to make this cover. They make excellent dust covers for treasured books and can be made in fabrics to suit the book or journal you are reading such as travel or music designs. But they look equally awesome in just random fabrics. Go to step-by-step tutorial…
7. Reusable Heat Pack
Here is another way to use up those left over layer cake squares. You only need 2 to make a useful trivet or a reusable heat pack. Fill the cavities with rice laced with herbs or aromatherapy oils and the room will fill with the wonderful aroma as the pack heats up. I use one filled with herbs and spices such as allspice and the kitchen smells lovely as the aroma of the spices heat up under a hot saucepan. They make great gifts, so why not run up a few for friends and family as stocking fillers at Christmas.
8. Needle Holder Tutorial
These needle holders are a great scrap busting project and they take hardly any fabric to make and they are ideal for holding your spare sewing needles. I find it convenient to have my spare needles all in one place where I can get to them quickly and easily. They make great gifts and stocking fillers. Go to step-by-step tutorial…
9. Lavender Sachet Tutorial
These little sachets are made using left over layer cake squares. 2 layer cake squares will make 4 square or 8 triangle shapes. Another quick and easy project. These sachets are ideal to pop into smelly sneakers and shoes or just toss in amongst your clothes, or in the linen cupboard. Just add whatever fragrance you like, I am partial to lavender and vanilla so that is generally what I use but dried rose petals and rose essential oil is also lovely. Go to step-step tutorial…
10. Couched Patchwork Tote Bag
If you have 5″ scraps or left over charm pack squares then you can easily make this bag. You will also need some left over thick ply wool. It’s a nice size for taking to the market, and I use mine all the time.