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• Creating with Fabric Scraps
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Creating with Fabric Scraps

Scrap Quilts are Crazy-Hot

Creating quilts made from fabric scraps is an age-old tradition. A scrap quilt is a patchwork of collected fabric scraps. As your grandmother and great-grandmother probably knew, a scrap quilt is not sewn from purchased yardage, if is made from what the quiltmaker has in her "stash."

A popular variety of scrap quilt is a crazy quilt. More recently, I have seen crazy quilts separated by various embroidery stitches, both simple and intricate such as stem stitches, backstitches and blanket stitches. This homespun look has made its way to high-end boutiques and savvy resellers, looking to appeal to homeowners wanting to add cottage style to their home decorating.

If you don’t have enough fabric scraps saved up to make an entire quilt, don’t fret. The crazy quilt technique can be used to create smaller items such as pot holders, pillow covers, tote bags or even a book cover.

Fabric-Savvy Jewelry Making

Beads, finding, chains and charms are all materials used to make unique jewelry pieces. But have you ever incorporated fabric scraps into your rings, necklaces, earrings or bracelets? A thin torn strip of fabric can be used in lieu of a chain to showcase a beautiful handmade pendant.

Hand dye solid-colored fabrics to achieve your desired shade and color to enhance the look of the fabric "chain." Add a jump ring to create a unique pendant with textile appeal. Die cuts, created from highly unique "fabric" scraps such as leather and denim can be layered to create an unusual and budget-friendly bracelet cuff. Simply use your die-cutting machine to cut the shapes and sew them together with a sewing machine and thread, adding a Velcro closure.

Try making your own beads from fabric scraps. Cut your fabrics into 1/2" strips, apply some fabric glue on one end, and roll to create a tight spiral. Keep beads intact by applying some diluted clear drying tacky glue.

Fabric in Paper Crafting

Fabric embellishments are making a strong appearance in the paper-crafting world; perhaps it is because fabric lends such a strong textural component and contrasts so strongly with paper-making elements such as cardstock.

Flowers and other motifs created from beautiful flowers such as silk and organza are readily found in the paper-crafting section of your local craft store but can be quite pricey. By using your fabric scraps and a few other basic supplies such as fabric glue, you can create your own custom paper-crafting embellishments. Sewn edges will keep your fabric appliques in place and add a homespun, cozy touch.