Sew Scrappy: Favorite Uses for Fabric Scraps

July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 aschildmeierLeave a comment

If you are anything like me then you have a never ending pile of fabric scraps! I love sewing but I don’t love the waste created with pieces too small for my normal projects but too big to just throw in the garbage (and let’s be honest….it really hurts to throw even the smallest of fabric pieces away). I have spent the last year putting my scraps to practical use and am excited to share this list of my favorite ways to use up all of that scrappy fabric waste!

Farmhouse chic scrappy fabric roses: I was looking for a unique end of year teacher gift and stumbled across these fabric flowers and instantly fell in love! I used a tutorial from SnowyBliss and vintage fabric from my stash to sew up these bouquets and can’t wait to make more for myself! I just love the shabby farmhouse feel they give off. These were super simple to make but are quite time consuming so be prepared to settle in and enjoy the process.

Dog bed: I wanted to try out using fabric scraps as “stuffing” so I decided to sew up a new bed for my pup. I also wanted to upcycle using something already in my home for the bed. I decided to use a blanket that had holes in it and simply cut around the holes bringing new life to this blanket! I stuffed this bed full of fabric scraps and added polyfil as well to help fill it out and make it softer. Please note that if you solely stuff with fabric scraps it will be a bit lumpy (and very heavy) and adding polyfil or similar really does help smooth out the lumps. Once finished, I tufted the bed for a prettier finish. The tutorial I used for this bed is no longer available but you can use your favorite tutorial or just wing it!

Fabric pouf: I found this fun FREE tutorial from HGTV for sewing up a fabric pouf. I also used my fabric scraps as “stuffing” for my pouf as I did with the dog bed. While I did buy the fabric for the pattern as I wanted it to match my homeschooling room I did stuff it with TONS of scraps. I added some polyfil as I stuffed to help shape the pouf and make it a bit softer to lounge on.

Pattern weights: I have several practical pattern weights in my sewing room made from washers but I also wanted something cute to add a little personality to my space. When I came across these adorable chickens from GlueSticksBlog I knew they were the perfect addition AND they used up tiny fabric scraps as well! The instructions were great and they were both quick and easy to whip up.

Fabric beach ball: This project was really simple and very quick! I used the pattern from Little Lizard King to create our beach ball and bought the jumbo punch balloons for inside. There are two sizes to choose from and you can make it with 6 or 8 fabric panels. I used the 6 panels and made a 12″ size; the other size option is 9″. I do suggest to not leave your ball in the pool or the chlorine will fade your fabric immensely. I loved how little fabric this used, it was a perfect project for my scrap bin!

Doll clothes: If you have little girls that play with dolls then this is the perfect scrap-buster for you! Doll (or even barbie) clothing uses up all those tiny scraps in your pile. And my girls just adore matching Dolly & Me outfits! Most of my favorite PDF pattern companies also sell doll sized patterns. A few of my favorites are from Petite Stitchery (pictured), Peekaboo Patterns, Made for Mermaids and Little Lizard King.

Snuffle mats: these are a no sew project perfect for kids! Our small dog, hedgehog and bunny all love their snuffle mats and they can be expensive to purchase but are fairly inexpensive (and fun!) to make. I used a tutorial from Dream a Little Bigger and cut my strips 1″ wide by 6.5″ wide long. While this uses a larger amount of fleece; if you don’t mind mix and matching your scraps you can make them out of simply scraps! After making one with my kids they were then able to make several on their own to sell at a chidren’s craft fair. Since these mats use a plastic base please don’t leave them in your pets enclosures unsupervised.

Fabric bunting: These are another no sew option and fun for anyone to make. I like to hang up fabric bunting for holidays and seasonal decor at my home. You can opt to use your pinking shears to cut the fabric strips for less fraying and simply knot them onto twine. You can cut your strips whatever size you prefer to use up your scraps but I typically cut mine 1.5″ wide by 20 inches long.

Braided rope dog toys: My kids participated in a children’s craft fair recently and wanted to sell dog toys. We cut up scraps of fabric and braided them into pull toys. This is a GREAT kids craft and is a sewing free project. When we made these, we used fleece and quilting cotton scraps. The fleece is preferred as the cotton frays but our dog plays with both! For the cotton ropes we doubled the strands using 6 strips instead of 3. Simply cut out your strips (you can use pinking shears for less fraying), tie a knot at one end, braid and then tie a knot at the other end! You can trim up your ends to be even and there you have a quick, easy , kid friendly craft to make together. We cut our strips 1.5 inches wide by 20 inches long but you can customize this based on your scrap size as well.

Hair bows/accessories/hats: the options here are endless!! I love making matching bows with scraps from the dress or outfit I am making. Baby hats are a perfect baby shower gift and use up those tiny pieces. A slouchy beanie or a knotted headband are fun options for scraps well. Pictured here are some of my favorite accessory patterns including the Wintergreen Beanie from Petite Stitchery (a FREE pattern) , a knotted headband (my tutorial linked here), the Evergreen Bow from Wild Seed Patterns (she has LOTS of accessorry options that are all great scrap busters) and the knotted baby beanie included in the Hello World Collection from Petite Stitchery.

Zipper pouch: There are countless free tutorials and patterns for zipper pouches available. What I love about these is they use such small scraps and are easily customizable with charms and tassels! I love making these as gifts or party favors. Pictured below are a few of my FREE favorites that I have sewn up recently: The heart from Patterns for Pirates and the pouch from Made for Mermaids that I have made for my kids.

Critter cuddle sacks: These are a favorite at my house as we have a hedgehog that loves them! I did a blog post tutorial on how to create them a few years ago, linked here for easy viewing. They use scrap sizes of fabric and are an easy beginner sewing project to do with your kids!

Car trash can: As a mom always on the go with my kids my van is a wreck. I wanted to sew up a mini trash can to help contain the mess. I found a great tutorial from Stitches by Christy that was just what I was looking for. I used scraps of outdoor fabric I had on hand from another project to make this trash holder a bit more sturdy as well.

Grocery bag dispenser: this item has been on my to do list for an embarrassingly long time. I worked on sewing projects to improve our home this Spring and finally made this bag dispenser a priority. This project will only take you 10 minutes and helps declutter the bag mess SO quickly! I used a tutorial from Smashed Peas and Carrots but used fabric instead of ribbon for my strap.

Mini embroidery hoop ornaments: these are another sewing free option for fabric scraps and make great gifts! You can easily personalize them with vinyl or paint and they would also make a fun girls craft night project. I am linking my tutorial to making these fun ornaments here for you!

I hope that you are inspired to sew up your scrappy waste and I would love to see your scrap projects and hear about how you use up all your fabric scraps and waste!

**This post contains Affiliate Links**

Craft Tutorials

Easy DIY Coaster Tutorial

February 18, 2022 aschildmeierLeave a comment

I recently made some coasters for Christmas gifts and they were such a hit! Many have asked how to make them and they are SO simple that I thought I would throw together a quick tutorial for you all!

You will need the following supplies:

-Hot Glue Gun or Permanent Glue of Choice (Such as Tacky Glue, E6000, etc)

-Scrapbook Paper

-Felt

-Mod Podge & Foam Brush for Application

-Acrylic Water Resistant Sealant Spray (such as this one)

-Blank Ceramic Tiles (I like the 4×4 size such as these)

First, you will cut your scrapbook paper the correct size for your tiles being sure you have a tiny edge of tile peeking out evenly on all sides. If your paper fully covers the top of the tile without that edge the paper will not adhere nicely around the edges. I cut my paper to a 4×4 square size and made 6 coasters at a time. I also like to mix and match my paper prints instead of using all one matching print! Once your paper is cut you will spread a thin even layer of Mod Podge onto the surface of the tile. Carefully smooth your scrapbook square on top of the Mod Podge layer (working from the middle out to the edges) being sure you do not have any air bubbles. Once you are happy with the placement of your paper you will spread another thin even layer of Mod Podge on top. Be sure to go all the way to the edge and clean any drips that go over the sides before it dries. After that layer dries fully you will apply 1-2 more coats being sure they are thin even layers.

Next, after your Mod Podge is finished you will seal the coasters! Be sure you are in a WELL ventilated area ( I like to do this step outdoors). Spray the tops of each coaster being sure to use a thin even coating and apply 2-3 total coats being sure to let it fully dry between layers. It is SUPER important not to skip the water resistant sealant or your cups will stick to the coasters (ask me how I know….).

After the sealant dries you are almost finished! The final step is to put backing onto the tiles so they don’t scratch up your furniture. I have used both thin cork and felt for this step and highly prefer the felt. You will cut your felt to size like you did with your scrapbook paper. I cut my felt into 4×4 squares and then glued it onto the back of the tile. You can use your glue of choice and I have found that Tacky Glue has given the best results for my coasters but have also used hot glue. Now, go make all the coasters and have fun with it!

~Amanda~

Sewing Tutorials

Pacifier Clip Sewing Tutorial

March 9, 2018 aschildmeierLeave a comment

Would you believe I did not know how to sew five years ago? I mean, at all. I am completely self taught over these last four to five or so years and I can not believe how much I love sewing! So, when we found out we were having another baby I knew I wanted to make as many items for her myself as possible. I am having so much fun making the basics, coming home outfits and nursery items as well! My goal is to have everything possible in her diaper bag handmade instead of store bought.

Today, I want to share a tutorial for one of those basic items with you! I made several pacifier clips to help prevent those pesky pacifiers from dropping onto the dirty germ riddled floor. This is another easy, beginner friendly, sewing tutorial that is quick and uses very little fabric. It’s a great scrap buster.

You will need the following supplies:

*Fabric: Cut to 12 inches long by 4 inches wide (1 strip per clip needed)

*Lightweight iron on interfacing (optional: adds stability but not a must)

*1/4″ or 3/8″ elastic

*1″ Suspender Clips: I order mine on e-bay but you can find these in a local craft store as well

*Basic sewing supplies and sewing machine

If you have decided to add the interfacing you will first iron that on to the wrong side of each fabric strip. You will then press the short ends in about 1/4″ or so, this is to hide the raw edges and press the fabric in half lengthwise. Next, fold each side in to the middle and press again. Use pins or clips to hold in place. This is essentially a bias tape process, see pics below.

After that you will cut your elastic and sandwich into one short end of the fabric in a loop. I used 5 inches to that they would fit both types of pacifiers but you could definitely go with 3-4″ and be fine as well.

You will then sew along all three open edges of the fabric. I went over the elastic 2-3 times to be sure it was very secure.

Your last step is to add the suspender clip to the other short end of the fabric. You will simply loop the fabric through the bar and then sew it closed. Again, go over it 2-3 times so it is very secure.

You are already finished! I made four of these in under 15 minutes from cut to finish. All you do to attach these is push the elastic loop through the end of the pacifier and then loop the entire fabric clip through the elastic and pull (making a slip knot). Clip the suspender clip onto car seat straps, etc and you are good to go! No more pacifiers falling onto filthy dirty floors!

Thanks for checking out this beginner friendly sewing tutorial! Happy sewing!

Craft Tutorials

Oversized Hoop Wreath

February 12, 2018 aschildmeierLeave a comment

This past summer we upgraded to new furniture in our living room and some fresh new decorations were needed to match! We went with grey as our main color with blush and mint accents. I had so much fun creating the new look, it feels like an actual “grown up” room for the first time!

We have a large empty wall space above our entertainment center that needed an accent decoration. I wanted something large but still simple and sweet. I decided to put together an oversized hoop wreath and put together a quick tutorial for you as it is SO easy and really adds to any room!

The supplies you will need are:

-Oversized hoop: I used an 18″ Quilt Hoop that I picked up at Joann using a 40% off coupon

-Floral wire

-Artificial Greenery and Flowers: I love the selection at Hobby Lobby (AND they go on sale 50% off every other week!)

-Glue Gun

**I did decide to spray paint my hoop light pink right before starting it because the wood did not match our living room decor.**

I started by pulling my flowers off of the stems and laying them out loosely on the hoop to get an idea of what it would look like. After that, just add the greenery on first. I wanted mine to cover only half the hoop. Use pieces of your floral wire to secure the greenery to the hoop.

Once your greenery is secured use more floral wire to secure your flowers on. You can use hot glue as well in any areas that need extra hold.

Once finished you can hang just on the actual hoop or you can add rope, twine, etc to hang it from. It looks perfect centered over our entertainment center and is exactly the oversized but simple statement piece we were aiming for! And, even better, you can easily swap it out seasonally!