Creating with Fabric Scraps

Every time I create a new piece of fabric art, I'm surrounded by a delightful chaos of fabric scraps. Each tiny piece holds a story waiting to be told, a color to be connected, or a design just waiting for its moment to shine. Throwing any of them away feels like a loss, so over the years, I've developed various techniques to transform these remnants into beautiful creations. Currently, I have seven favorite scrap fabric techniques that I use to breathe new life into discarded fabrics. Join me as I share how to effectively use those fabric scraps!

The Beauty of Scrap Quilts

Scrap quilts serve not just as a way to use leftover fabric but also as a canvas for creating a story. Each patch, no matter how small, can evoke memories from past projects or favorite fabrics. The combinations you create can embody specific themes, colors, or emotions, allowing for incredible creativity.

Sorting Your Scraps

Before diving into techniques, it’s important to sort your scraps effectively. I categorize them by seasonal colors and then by size:

• Tiny

• Small

• Medium

• Large 

  
  

Sorting helps clarify what materials I have available and ensures I can quickly access the right scrap when inspiration strikes. I also recommend keeping a small basket or bin for each category, which keeps your working area tidy and sparks creativity.

Storing Your Scraps

Before diving into techniques, it’s important to store your scraps effectively.I use upcycled plastic bottles for tiny scraps, sorted by color and plastic containers for larger sizes

7 Techniques for Creating with Fabric Scraps

Here are seven scrap quilt techniques that have become staples in my sewing creations. If you’re excited about experimenting with scrap fabrics, give these a try!

1. Crumb Patchwork Quilts

This classic patchwork quilt - the crumb quilt - is the backbone of scrap quilting. Simply sew pieces of fabric together to create a colorful mosaic. This method is forgiving and encourages creative placement.

The Crumb patchwork technique is known as a classic sewing technique for construction of fabrics. Creating with fabric scraps in varying sizes, and different colors and shades gives us an efficient and quality tool to create fabric which is perfect for art, home décor and fashion accessories.

2. One Inch Magic Fabric

I wanted to create a small piece of abstract art which looked random as well. I sorted all of the one inch pieces into piles and started playing. It looks random but is actually quite structured and surprisingly quick and easy to do.

3. Carnival Boho Fabric

This is an embellished piece of fabric.

One could use lace or purchased trims but because my philosophy is to use what I have on hand and not purchase special materials, I have created a rustic piece of fabric using trims and embellishments which I have created from fabric scraps.

You will learn to create a number of different embellishments using fabric remnants and create your own fabric trim to decorate the fabric from very small scrap pieces.

The Carnival boho fabric can be used to create bags and pouches, vests and jackets. It can also be used to create table runners, table mats and pillows and can also be used as a wall hanging. This technique allows you to express your artistic side more freely.

4. Strip Quilted Patchwork Fabric

This is a fantastic scrap buster technique. This time I have created a technique for using thin fabric strips and again this time no ironing is necessary and hardly any pins are used. It creates an eye-catching pattern that showcases the uniqueness of each fabric.

5. Creating Upcycled Fabric

I teach how to make new fabrics from scraps. When sewing I end up having a lot of fabric remnants in a variety of sizes. In the past I either used to throw them away or snip them even smaller and use as stuffing for pillows or dolls but lately I have been looking at the scraps with different eyes and seeing the potential of new “fabric” there.

The technique that I focus on here is actually a way to create new fabric “yardage” which can be used as is or can be used as fabric to create other products.

6. Creating ScrapFabric

I teach how to make new fabrics from scraps. My motto is waste not want not. Every time I create with small pieces I wonder how I can work so small and then I go even smaller.

I have a number of techniques that I have created for working with small pieces and then when I go smaller I find that I need to adapt and create even yet another technique.

Over the years I have challenged myself to find more creative uses for these scraps. I use only what I have on hand and the one criteria is that the end result must be aesthetically pleasing and practical.

There are many different patchwork techniques for using small pieces of fabric. This time I wanted to create abstract pieces of fabric made entirely from VERY small scraps without using any special materials. No vilene no special glues, no bondaweb and also no chiffon or netting

The technique has to be possible with only a sewing machine, a domestic with a straight stitch, fabric scraps and thread. This time the fabrics don't have to be ironed at all.

It can be used as abstract art quilts, as patchwork backgrounds for embellishing on, as fabric for creating clothing such as a vest or a coat. It can also be used as fabric for pillows, bags and pouches and very colorful fabric beads.. The applications for this quilted, textured fabric are endless.

For this technique one can also use very small scraps of stained clothing as well as remnants from other projects to create something unique and personal while also being economical.

7. T Shirt Strips

I have been looking for a way to create patchwork art fabric which can be used for art or to make clothing which is warm and soft and not stiff.

The technique can also be used to create fabric for making coats and jackets.

You will learn how to create a t shirt patchwork applique art piece as well as how to applique t shirt strips onto a tunic.

Creating Products with these Techniques

While these seven techniques have served me well, I’m continually discovering new ways to incorporate fabric scraps into my projects. The world of scrap quilting is full of potential.

1. Fabric Art

2. Zippered Pouches

4. Pillows

5. Tote Bags

6. And Even Clothing

Embracing Creativity with Scraps

Creating scrap quilts is a journey of creativity and resourcefulness. Each piece tells a story. By transforming fabric scraps into beautiful projects, one can produce stunning art and embrace the memories tied to each fabric.

So, let’s keep our imaginations alive and our fabric stash thriving! With the techniques outlined here, you can dive into using your fabric scraps with enthusiasm. There’s no limit to the possibilities, and I can’t wait to see the magic you create.

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The 7 Scrap Quilt Techniques can be found here - https://www.etsy.com/il-en/shop/PriganArt?ref=shop_sugg&section_id=53903583