Sort out the scrap pile and put it to good use. Put those wonderful scraps to work to create beautiful memories, gifts and money.
What can fabric scraps be used for is a thought we have all experienced. All of us who love to sew have one thing in common and that is our love of fabric. How many of us have boxes, bins, bags, shelves, drawers and even closets full of fabric. We are positive that we are going to use every inch of it, someday.
No matter how much is stashed away we always seem to need more. Once we're done with our new project we have more to add to our wonderful stash of scraps.
What do we do with those scraps that are too small or awkwardly shaped to make anything with? Why can't we let go of our scraps? First, we've been taught not to be wasteful or throw anything away. We often heard our parents or grandparents say,"Use it up, wear it out, don't throw it away cause you might need that someday.
Then there is memories. There are fabric scraps from that clown costume we made for our son or daughter. Or that silver metallic we used to make a Hershey Kiss costume for our granddaughter. Some we have had so long we just CAN'T part with it. The best reason we hold on to our fabric scraps is that we know we can make something really memorable. It's a sure thing, the minute you get rid of that scrap, you will need it.
What are scraps?
Most would consider scraps to be fabric left over after cutting out a garment, quilt or other project. But fabric scraps are anything that hasn't been used and is available to create with.
To begin to create with your mounds of scraps, sort them according to colors, shades, textures and patterns. This would be the right time to check for shrinkage. (See "Determine if Fabric is on Grain" page for shrinkage procedure.)
Look at your scraps in more ways than just color and fiber. Learn to look for pleasing contrast. Your contrasts should be used as a design tool. Contrast can be light and dark, calm or busy, small or large print.
When arranging your design, select some pieces and stand back and see what you think. That way you can clearly see what to add or remove. Using the wrong side of a fabric allows for a muted old look which can be quite attractive. Another way to make fabric scraps more useful is to use dye.
TEA DYING
Tea changes the fabric color and gives it an aged stain. This method should be used only on projects that will not be washed often as the tea washes out. With the large variety of teas on the market it would be fun to experiment and see the different results.
OVER DYING
These are the store bought dyes that gives brighter and longer lasting results.
PERMANENT FABRIC PAINT
These paints can be purchased at fabric and craft stores and are applied with a brush or tip applicator for more detailed work.
FOOD COLORING
A few drops goes a long way. Remember you are coloring pieces not bolts
DESIGN WALL
To begin scrap craft projects, you will of course need your sewing machine and all your wonderful tools, but you will also need to have a design wall. You can have a very simple design wall or a fancy one. That's up to you, your budget and your space. The top of the line design wall would be an entire wall of your studio,covered with felt or bulletin board material. Most of us use a large bulletin board or piece of felt wrapped around a 3x4 ft. foam board and hung on a wall. You will need this so you can stand back and view your selected fabrics to make changes.
Grainline
Patterns have a grain line arrow which should be placed on the lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvage). With scrap fabric, however, the selvage is often missing. Determine the direction of the lengthwise grain by pulling on opposite sides of the scrap in the same direction as the threads run. The direction that has the least stretch is the lengthwise grain.
Cut on the Bias
If you need to cut on the bias, then you have to cut across the grain line at any angle. A true bias cut is at a 45 degree angle which creates an edge with a great deal of stretch.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started on uses for your fabric scraps. Your imagination and creativity will supply the best results.
doll clothes & doll blankets
pillows made from strips (include an extra 1/8 in. for seam)
coasters
place mats made from strips (include an extra 1/8 in. for seam)
book covers, cell phone covers
small purses
wrapping a gift
fabric covered buttons
small gift bags for all occasions
patchwork quilts
potholders made of strips
dog outfits
decorate bathroom & kitchen towels
small coin purses with buttonhole closure
tooth fairy pillow - size 6in. x 5 in. - make sure to include a small pocket for tooth
potpourri sachets
Cut a circle, place potpourri in center, bring up and tie a ribbon on it.
Make small bags that pull closed with a ribbon and stuff with Potpourri.
DONATE SCRAPS
If you are totally done with your fabric scraps, then consider donating them to a local senior center or church where the ladies will make things like quilts and lap blankets for the vets or children's hospitals. Nothing is too small. Fabric scraps are used for simple and unique projects and are considered a treasure to many.
Scrap Basket Sewing
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