How to Use Leftover Fabric Scraps

Every sewer has a stash of fabric scraps from projects that have been finished, abandoned or "not gotten around to yet." Put those bits and pieces to use, once and for all, with some of these crafty ideas.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fabric scraps
• Sewing machine
• Needle and thread
• Polyfill stuffing
• Dried beans
• Cardboard

How to Use Leftover Fabric Scraps

1. One easy way to use leftover fabric is to make "square" beanbags. Cut two 4" squares of fabric and pin right sides together. Hand or machine stitch three sides closed.

2. Turn inside out, and fill with dried beans. Hand stitch to close.

3. Another idea is to make a stuffed fish toy. Use a pencil to trace a simple fish shape, about 3" x 6", onto a piece of cardboard.Cut out cardboard and use as pattern.

4. Use 2 pieces of contrasting fabric, about 6" x 6". Pin right sides together.Lay cardboard fish pattern onto the wrong side of fabric and cut around edges, leaving 1" margin. Hand or machine stitch, leaving about 3" open. Turn inside out, stuff with polyfill, and hand stitch remaining 3".

5. Finally, use up small fabric scraps to make bookmarks.Cut out a few pieces of 2" x 4" cardboard or poster board.Cut out fabric scraps to fit, over cardboard with a little overlap.Use sewing machine with a zigzag stitch to attach fabric onto cardboard (this makes a nice decorative edge). Trim edges of fabric, and you're done!

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use a glue gun or craft glue to attach fabric for bookmarks.

• Don't add buttons or "eyes" to fish toy if you're giving it to preschoolers.