It’s almost impossible to order precisely the right amount of fabric. Most of us order extra, just in case, and so end up with quite a bit leftover. Even if you manage to be fairly accurate with your order, there will always be scraps left over at the end of a project, whether you are taking on a big project like reupholstering your sofa or making curtains, or something smaller. If you work with fabric a lot, you might have bags full of discarded scraps and little bits that don’t seem to fit anything, that you insist on keeping, because they are sure to come in handy one day.
If those bags of fabric are starting to take over your house, or you are driving your loved ones mad, here are some of the things that you could do with those bits of leftover fabric. Who knows, you could even start selling some of your creations to earn some extra cash.
Face Coverings
At the moment, one of the best things that you could make with leftovers is face coverings. They are quick and easy, but now that we’re wearing them more, most of us are getting bored with disposables, and want to add something more eye-catching to our new favourite accessory. If you’re not sure where to look, the fabric from the Yorkshire Fabric Shop is high quality and durable, and you can find some flexible enough to create a double layer mask on their website.
Hair Scrunchies
Who would have thought that the ‘90s staple hair scrunchies would ever come back into fashion? But they are! Hair scrunchies are super easy to create with just a little fabric and some elastic and can make a bold but easy fashion statement.
Sleep Masks
Sleep masks are always handy, whether you are looking to nod off early, or just want to relax and block out the day. A cool sleep mask can even help with headaches and migraines. If you’ve only got small chunks of fabric, stitch them together to make a trendy patchwork sleep mask. Also, make sure to check out Yarnie, a needle craft newsletter that sends out free patterns bi-weekly, including free sewing patterns for beginners. Not only that, you can find a lot of inspiration and tips related to needle crafts.
Phone Socks
Phone socks are a great way to add a protective layer between your beloved mobile and everything else in your bag, preventing scratches and other damage, and making it easier to find when you are in a hurry. Even a thin sock, with some left-over cotton, can be enough to protect your phone. Add a drawstring opening for extra security.
Jewellery
Making fabric jewellery is an excellent idea if you’ve only got very small bits of fabric, or thicker material, which is too inflexible to use for other things. Create cool pendants, large flower brooches, cover headbands and bangles, and use different colours and styles in the same piece to create something that really stands out.
If you are new to sewing, another great way to use leftovers is for practice. Spend some time practising new stitches and seams, and you’ll never have to worry about getting it wrong on more important pieces. Whatever you do with your leftovers, don’t waste them!