Using Fabric Scraps
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com

Description: Tips for using fabric scraps to make quilts, sachets, pillows, toys, home accessories, and more.

I've made no secret that my weakness is fabric. It is what I collect! I also have spent the last year cutting out quilt squares, putting them in color coordinated sets, and selling them on eBay. I don't have time to do as much as I would like, but it's a good home business.

Fabric and textiles surround us, from clothing to carpet. Color, pattern, and design affect both our moods and our pocketbooks.

Everyone has fabric scraps. They are in clothes that no longer fit, or draperies that you are taking down. As a frugal homemaker, you can take these scraps and make items of value. If have seen numerous old drapery panels sell for large amounts on eBay. Why? I don't know! I guess it's to get the shabby chic look.

Here are some ideas to 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.

* 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 below cupboards. There is plenty of scent left for those enclosed areas.

You can make these 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 ribbons 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/.

And here is a URL with some good information, including the history of rag rugs, and tips on making them. You can find patterns in the store. http://www.netw.com/~rafter4/article.htm

* 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. I have one on the website at: http://www.allthingsfrugal.com.

* Fabric scraps can be used for wrapping presents. Use it like paper, or make into 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 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 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. That is another enterprise I was involved in for a time. I made dolls and sold them on the Internet...and that was before eBay.

* Use them to make stuffed toys. You will find many patterns at Goodwill type stores.

* You can make darling aprons with appliqués, 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 the craft cardboard boxes you purchase at stores like JoAnns, 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 accessories with bits of fabric. Some things you might cover- mouse pads, pencil and tool holders, storage containers, Kleenex boxes- all will soften up a home office.

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. You may be very glad someday.

Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded