3 Practical Ways to Upcycle Fabric Scraps into Beautiful Designs

Recently, a blog reader submitted a tutorial request. We love receiving emails like this as they help us when selecting future article and tutorial topics. This reader requested more ideas for working with scrap fabrics and leftover piecework. Since this topic is of interest to anyone who sews, I’ve made the editorial decision to create a new series called, “From Scraps to Masterpieces.” Hopefully, this new series will inspire you to take a second look at fabric you may have tossed into the ‘scrap bag’ and sew something beautiful with it!

If you have ever created an upcycle fabric patchwork for a quilt or jacket, you understand the amount of materials, work, and time needed to create these intricate designs. So, when you have a small amount leftover, it’s difficult to just toss it. Quilters are notorious for hoarding piecework. So, what can you do with it?

Today, I’ll be discussing a few of the more widely known options: purses/totes, vests, and table runners. In future blog posts, I’ll be discussing other creative, lesser-known options.

Upcycle Fabric Scraps into Beautiful Purses/Totes

This is a popular option for most quilters who are looking for a fun and easy way to use those leftovers. The overall design is contingent on the amount of fabric and piecework available. Before selecting a bag design, you need to determine how much fabric you have. Start by laying out all the fabric pieces and try to fit them together like a puzzle. See what pieces can be sewn together in a visually pleasing manner. Once you have a rough idea, then look at possible bag design options. My favorite bags are simple in design with minimal pattern pieces.

The purse in the photo was a perfect example of using up every scrap of fabric. I LOVED the Greco-Roman print and wanted to use up as many of the pieces as possible. When I laid the fabric on the table, a thought crossed my mind. Why not make it look like an archeological dig site? I selected a plain black fabric and fused my pieces to it in a semi-random order. I then sewed around each piece with gold metallic thread to compliment the gold highlights in the fabric. Once the bag was assembled, I glued gold-colored rhinestones to the horse’s eyes, wheel centers, and a few of the floral designs. This tiny detail glistens in low light conditions and adds a touch of sophistication to an otherwise simple bag.

Upcycle Fabric Scraps into Beautiful Vests

In the 1990’s, some of the top quilt designers, like Judy Murrah began designing vests and jackets that essentially were made with quilting piecework. In some cases, the piecework was created specifically for vests due to the size of piecework necessary to fit in a particular vest or jacket area. These fun projects use up a lot of odds and ends. They also provided sewists with ideas for upcycling piecework.

The fall vest featured shows how you can create a work of art with small squares of fabric and irregularly shaped piecework.

Upcycle Fabric Scraps into Beautiful Table Runners, Placemats, and Coasters

Are you looking for a non-wardrobe option? Consider creating table decorations! These are great options when your scraps won’t work with your wardrobe or don’t reflect your personal tastes. It’s also a fantastic way to make up hostess gifts that will save you money, clear out your scrap bag, and show someone you took the time to make them something personal. Of all the projects, these are often the easiest to make and allow you the greatest amount of design freedom. You can make small table runners that would fit under a floral centerpiece or run the length of a table. Design options are endless with this one!  One clever way to use up orphan fabric pieces is to sort your scraps according to color and then make Crazy Patch piecework with them. Once you have the piecework made, simply cut it to the size you need and finish the edges.

This is also an ideal way to use up seasonal or holiday themed fabrics that you may not want to wear. A few years ago, I was asked to make Easter placemats that kids would enjoy. I had a small amount of suitable Easter fabric available and since I was working on a tight deadline, I decided to blend in other complimentary fabrics. To protect the fabric from spills, I opted to use a product called Vinyl Fuse ™ Matte Finish by Pellon. The placemats were a hit!

Hopefully, these projects will inspire you to dive into your scraps and sew something beautiful. In the next installment, we will discuss holiday themed projects.

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