Using Your Fabric Scraps
by Nikki Willhite
2006 Nikki Willhite
USING YOUR FABRIC SCRAPS
Fabric and textiles surround us, from our clothing to our
carpets. Color, pattern, texture and design affect both our mood
and our pocketbooks.
Everyone has fabric scraps. They are in clothes that no longer
fit, or draperies that are being replaced. As a frugal homemaker
you can take these scraps and make items of value.
I have seen numerous old drapery panels sell for large amounts of
money on eBay. They are either being used to decorate homes with
a retro or shabby chic design, or are being cut down for pillows.
There are many, many ways to use fabric. Here are some ideas to
recycle fabric, and turn fabric scraps into fabric assets:
-Making quilts is the number one use for old scraps of fabric.
See: http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/quilts.htm for the many uses
of quilts
-You can make pillows. If your scraps are small, they can be
pieced, like a quilt.
-Potpourri Sachets. For very utilitarian sachets, I just take my
old potpourri, and wrap it up in a scrap of fabric and tie it
with a ribbon. Then I place it in drawers or under cupboards.
There is plenty of scent left for those enclosed areas.
You can make sachets with fresh potpourri, and give them as
gifts. Make them as decorative as you desire by seaming the sides
and adding lace around the edges, or by using ribbons and other
decorative accents.
If you are good with a crochet hook, you can make rag rugs. There
are other techniques also, such as just tying bits of fabric into
a piece of rug canvas. Here is a URL with some pictures of these:
http://www.ruglady.net/
-Scraps can be made into linens for the kitchen/dining room. You
can make potholders, napkins, place mats, table runners, and even
tablecloths, piecing when necessary.
-You can use fabric for both fabric art and decoupage. If you
stiffen the fabric with Modge Podge before you cut it, the ends
will not ravel. Books on fabric art can be purchased at the store
or rented from the library.
-Fabric scraps can be used for wrapping presents. Use your fabric
like paper, or use it to make gift bags. You can make a more
formal, structured gift bag, or simply make a drawstring bag.
Or, cut out shapes from the design of the fabric, and use them to
decorate gifts wrapped in plain brown paper.
You can also tear the fabric into strips, and use it as ribbon.
-Fabric scraps can be used in crafts for home accessories. Make
everything from picture frames, checkbooks, album covers,
eyeglass cases, and book covers, to bowls and Christmas
Ornaments. All these can also be given as gifts.
-Lay pieces of fabric on the bottom of gift baskets and picnic
baskets to make them more decorative.
-Use your fabric scraps to make dolls and doll clothes. Dolls
make great display items, gifts, and can even be sold on ebay.
-Use them to make stuffed toys. Patterns for stuffed animals
abound at thrift stores.
-You can make darling aprons with appliques, and give them as
presents. You can also make hair accessories like scrunchies.
-Heavier fabrics can be used for small upholstery projects, such
as covering chair seats.
-Use your scraps to cover craft cardboard boxes, and to line the
inside. Or use shoe boxes. These decorated boxes are great for
open storage areas.
-Make duffel bags for your children's laundry. Help your children
learn to sort their clothing by making different colored bags for
how you want your wash sorted.
-Make protective dust covers for toasters, sewing machines, and
other small appliances, again, a gift idea.
-Warm up your home office/work rooms by covering office
accessories with bits of fabric. Some things you might cover -
mouse pads, pencil and tool holders, storage containers, and
Kleenex boxes. Fabric always softens a room, and is a major plus
if you are trying to achieve a home office with a bit of
femininity.
Imagine how it would be to have a 6x6" piece of fabric from all
the clothes you wore when you were a little child. Would that be
of value to you now? Even if you can't use them now, save your
scraps. Put them in a box, and set them aside. Put them in the
attic and save them for your children.
Several years ago my mother sent me some fabric she had saved
from my childhood. It was quite a shock, as my mother was not a
sewer. Even more surprising was the tide of emotion I felt ust
looking at that fabic. It was really special.
Think ahead- and save those scraps.
Turn your fabric scraps into Fabric Assets!
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About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of three, and an
Interior Design Graduate, is the editor of The Pennypincher
E- zine and Tightwad Tidbits Daily. Visit her at
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