How to Use Scrap Fabrics

Fabric is a wonderful, colorful expression of you and how you like to design things. It comes in all colors and textures and your design palette is virtually limitless when you use it. Try looking at your scraps of fabric next time as another series of projects instead of as unusable waste, and you'll be surprised at what you can create. Those loose ends can end up as new pillows, eye pillows or gift wrap in just a few easy steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric scraps in a color of your choice
• Sewing machine/thread or needles to hand-stitch
• scissors
• small, dry black beans or lima beans
• fabric glue
• 1 bag of pillow stuffing

How to Use Scrap Fabrics

1. So you have a birthday party coming up and you want to "wow" your friend a bit. Why not wrap their present in fabric this time?Pick a piece of scrap fabric large enough to cover your gift and lay it out on the floor or table , front side down as you would with normal wrapping paper.

2. Pull up the sides of the fabric lengthwise first from both sides, and "seal" your seam with fabric glue. Then repeat the same process for the width sides, folding them in and lining the joining edges with fabric glue to seal.

3. The other way you can turn fabric scraps into bits of treasure is to make a relaxing eye pillow for yourself. Cut out 2 rectangular pieces of fabric from your scraps, 3 inches wide and 7 inches long.

4. Sew up both lengths and one width of the fabric, leaving an opening to insert small dried beans of your choice. Once filled, sew the final remaining edge and voila! A relaxing eye-pillow you can take to yoga class or use on the plane.

5. So your couch needs some color? It's as easy as 1-2-3 if you have scrap fabrics. Cut out 2 evenly shaped circles from your fabric scraps and hand or machine sew the edges almost completely together, leaving enough room to add pillow stuffing.

6. Stuff your pillows with pillow stuffing until sufficiently fluffy for you and then sew the remaining edge closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Add some dried scented herbs or potpourri into your eye pillow if you want a scented one.
• Buy fabrics from a fabric store that are already in scraps for deep discounts.
• Let your glue dry overnight if you use fabric to wrap presents, so it's not soggy or dripping onto things as you deliver it.

[Writer623]

on 5/27/2008 Great, useful, and in this economy, timely piece of work. Thanks!