How to Use Up Fabric Scraps

If you sew or quilt, or even if your family wears, tears and outgrows clothing, loads of fabric pass through your home. The next time you have a bag of scraps or bits and pieces of material, consider these options.

Things You'll Need

• Potpourri
• Ribbon
• String
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Carpet pad
• Adhesive
• Scissors
• Stuffing

Instructions

1. Make homemade potpourri or buy a package. Wrap a bunch in a small piece of fabric and tie it with a ribbon for a sweet-smelling sachet. Toss them in your drawers or linen closets to freshen your clothing, towels and bedding.

2. Wrap gifts. Cover a package with the material cut to size and tie it with string or ribbon. Alternatively, if you are handy with needle and thread, stitch up a pouch and tuck the gift inside.

3. Braid long, thin strips together and wind them in an oval shape. Glue to a piece of carpet pad cut to the size and shape you want for a rag rug.

4. Make bedding, window treatments and even sofa covers for your daughter or neice's doll house. Whether she collects vintage miniatures or plays with Barbies and Bratz dolls, she will be delighted.

5. Create simple stuffed animals. Lay two pieces of fabric together. Draw or print out an animal shape, and cut the shapes out of both pieces of fabric. Place the pieces together, right sides touching, and stitch them together all the way around but for one small spot. Pull the fabric right side out through the hole. Fill with stuffing, dryer lint or more fabric and stitch the hole closed. If the two sides are different material, it will give the animal an old-fashioned look.

Tips & Warnings

• If you still cannot find enough uses for all of your fabric scraps, donate them to a local crafting group or thrift store.

• Do not use or save fabric that is damaged by mold or mildew.

Resources

• Rag Rug Instructions