Scrap box overflowing? 25 Practical Things To Make With Fabric Scraps.

As you may already know, here at Start To Stitch, we’re into sustainability and protecting our beautiful Cornish countryside; as well as trying to globally fight for a more eco-conscious clothing and textiles industry.

My personal mantra is: thou shalt not buy anything that can be made thyself.

I work on the principle that since I have a big stash of fabrics, there are a lot of things that I can make for myself, instead of having to buy them. When I get to the end of my stash, I try to buy more fabrics mindfully, thinking about where they’re coming from and how they’re made.

I am in no way preaching about avoiding shops - if you want to head to the shops and buy yourself some new wardrobe staples, go for it. However, I have to say there is something incredibly satisfying about creating your own clothing.

​That’s why I teach my beginner and intermediate online sewing course; I want to give people the skills and knowledge necessary to help them create garments and items that they can be proud of, as well as helping to slow the speed of the fast fashion industry, while also helping you feel better about the beautiful body that you have been given!! 

Sew your own wardrobe.

So many items in my wardrobe have been lovingly sewn by me. Very recently myself, and members of our Kernow Sewcial Facebook group joined in with the wonderfully organised #TheSewingWeekender2021 event, hosted by The Fold Line. The event entailed a blissful weekend of sewing and chatting with lovely, lovely people, however, as a result, my studio is now full of scraps of fabric that are just crying out to be turned into something practical and beautiful!


Create something brand new out of your leftover fabric.

If, like me, you find that your scrap fabric box is often overflowing, this is definitely the blog post for you. Often we’re left with pieces of fabric that are too small to create new garments for ourselves out of, but that doesn’t mean they’re totally useless. With a little imagination and some clever stitching, it’s possible to turn your scraps into something beautiful and practical that can be used in and around your home.


Practical items to make from scrap fabric:

Below is a collection of sewing projects that can be created using scraps of fabric. In honour of remaining sustainable, we’ve kept the list as practical as possible - there’s no point creating something with leftover fabric that you’ll never actually use. Our categories include health and beauty items, such as facemasks and scrunchies, items for around the home, children’s items, and sewing related goodies. Of course, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of possibilities when it comes to repurposing fabric scraps, so these are only a few ideas to help get you started. 


Health & Beauty 
Reusable makeup remover wipes
Twist headbands
Reusable panty liners
Hand sanitiser keyring holder
Makeup bag / travel makeup bag
Glasses case
Scrunchies
Sleep masks
Facemasks


Around The Home
Colourful bunting
Oven mitt
Tea cosy
Pot holders
Reusable kitchen towels
Coasters
Lavender sachets
Christmas stockings
Camera strap cover


Children’s Items
Babies bib
Child’s sun hat
Baby headbands
Patchwork quilts
Doll/Teddy clothes


Sewing Related
Needle holder
Pin cushion

Arty Ideas For Scrap Fabrics

There are so many fun ways to use scraps of fabric up. Recently, over on the Kernow Sewcial Facebook group, we had a member who helped her children with their school homework; they ended up creating beautiful collages with scraps of fabrics and the results were absolutely stunning.  If you're looking for some free tutorials I have also compiled a Pinterest board for you here! 

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​If you fancy having a go at some more fun and practical makes, check out some of the free patterns we offer on our website: Start To Stitch Twist Headband Pattern, the Start To Stitch Face Covering Pattern, and the free Start To Stitch bunting pattern. We also offer beginner and intermediate courses that are hosted online with video tuition. 

Struggling with your machine? Head over to the Start To Stitch YouTube channel, where we have a variety of video tutorials designed to help you overcome some of the most common sewing machine issues, such as How To Change A Needle On Your Sewing Machine, and How To Wind A Bobbin Up On Your Sewing Machine.