How to Upcycle Fabric Scraps Into Beautiful No-Sew Quilted Ornaments
Do you have fabric scraps?
If you sew like me, you probably have a lot of leftover fabric pieces that are too good to toss. I often carefully fold them and place them in my ‘scrap box’ for use in a future project. Unfortunately, I’ve never had much luck finding suitable projects for using up these small leftover gems. Earlier this year I was facing a serious storage issue and decided it was time to downsize my stash. The dilemma: what could I make with small amounts of fabric? As I looked around my studio, I had a lightbulb moment. I could make no-sew ornaments!
A few years ago, I discovered an artist named Staci Ann Lowry, owner and founder of The Ornament Girl, who designs amazing No-Sew Quilted Ornaments. The directions are well written and easy to follow. These tiny works of art incorporate small pieces of fabric, trims, and embellishments. Some of the designs are inspired by traditional quilt patterns while others have whimsical themes. I first discovered her Easter egg designs. Since I don’t dye or paint eggs, this was a great option for me to create decorated eggs that I could display every year. I purchased an egg pattern, a few Styrofoam eggs, and pulled a few pastel prints from my stash. I was surprised how quickly I used up fabric and leftover embellishments!
I have since bought many of her patterns and products. I now have an assortment of ornaments for different seasons including a robust assortment of patriotic red/white/blue ornaments for an Americana themed Christmas tree.
Based on the compliments I’ve received from my previous ornament creations; I’ve decided to make and gift ornaments for some of my family and friends this year.
How do you make No-Sew Quilted Ornaments?
The concept and process for creating no sew ornaments is simple:
- Cut specific sized squares/rectangles of fabric
- Use specific folds and arrangements to create amazing designs
- Embellish your ornament with trims, rhinestones, sequins, charms, ribbons, and bows
All fabrics are pinned (not glued) on pieces of Styrofoam. The most frequently used shape is the ball, but designs are readily available for other shapes like eggs, hearts, pumpkins, bells, and stars.
A quick search for ‘no sew’ ornaments on Etsy also yields an assortment of unique patterns by other designers.
One word of caution: This fun and unique approach to no-sew ornaments is addictive and sure to provide hours of fun!
If you would like to try any of The Ornament Girls patterns or purchase supplies, you can check them out HERE. Staci Ann has a few free tutorials and a YouTube channel where she shares her tips for making no-sew ornaments.
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About Me
CHRISTINE WARREN
Sewing isn’t just my job, it’s my passion. I’ve enjoyed sewing and needle working since I was very young.
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Christine Warren
My name is Christine Warren and sewing isn’t just my job, it’s my passion. I’ve enjoyed sewing and needle-working since I was very young. As a child, I learned cross stitching, needle pointing, crewelwork, and other various forms of hand stitching (everything that didn’t require the use of a sewing machine). I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t thrilled. My dream was to use a real sewing machine—not a toy machine or something that was masquerading as a “sewing machine”. The day I learned to sew on my grandmother’s sewing machine, I knew I had found my calling. That first attempt at sewing was a disaster but it didn’t discourage me. If anything, it fueled my interest in sewing and encouraged me to try again.
I really like reading through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!