Do you have constantly growing fabric stash and no idea what to do with it? We are here to help you be your most stash-tastic self! To use every scrap of fabric is not only sustainable sewing – it can also be a lot of fun!
1. Make a bag (or many)
Our new free bag pattern is already dubbed the ultimate scrap buster by our sewing community. Not only can it be made in almost all types of fabric and leather, but it can also have a contrasting lining. Yes, you guessed it – that lining could be made of another, contrasting scrap.
Make by @gatheringgoods
2. Make a mock shirt
The mock shirt, or dickie, is a true wardrobe hero. It transforms existing garments and takes only a couple of hours to make. And, with the upcoming Holidays in mind, we would argue that this nifty accessory is the perfect last-minute gift to make and give.
Sew it with or without frills, and skip buttons for push fasteners if buttonholes make you nervous. You can adjust the size of the bib to fit your scrap.
Makes by @raquelinchii and @spence_sews
3. Use scraps for details in new makes
Give scraps a second life as details in your new makes. It is rewarding to spend time on details, even those that only you as a wearer see.
Use your bright or patterned scraps as pocket lining, neck lining or as bias tape to finish of your seams.
Follow Kirsten Schaefer’s step by step guides to make your own bias tape and to sew bias binding to make a garment that is beautiful from the inside out.
Makes by @skuli_made_in_yorkshire, @seamstoanend and @karin_makingthings
4. Make a patchwork
Remember the patchwork pillows and throws you did in school? Well, time to brush up on your skills! Combine scraps in similar colours or make it clashingly bright. By sewing pieces together, you can create yardage from scraps, to be used as fabric, but bear in mind that it will not be as flowy as “normal” fabric due to the seams. We love this tutorial by D.I.Y with Sew Unique by Adunni
Another variant is to use larger remnants to create fabric blocks. Why not have different fabric front and back on your cuff top? Or vary the bodice and skirt on your multi sleeve midi dress? Talking about sleeves – consider shortening, or omitting the sleeves altogether, to make the fabric fit for the whole pattern.
Makes by @seamstoanend, @juudvhooijdonk and @septemberfaden
5. Play tetris with your pattern pieces
With our patterns, you always get instructions on how to lay the pattern pieces to get the most out of your fabric – but that’s not the only way. You can place most of our bodice and back patterns on the fabric fold even if it is not according to our guidance and vice versa – but add or remove the seam allowance as needed.
You can also try folding the fabric differently. Just make sure you follow the grain line.
I loved the picture that was on Pinterest of the top but sadly it’s been taken down . I have many pieces of Japanese old remnants and modern ones to make a top or jackets ( which in Australia is not worn as much heavy jackets only light) but could not get the pattern of one that had a button near the collar so I had a coat to wear. But then I saw your beautiful tops etc made of pieces and fell in love. I have tried to get lessons but I don’t leave the house (phobias) so I am still trying to work out how to display and join the pieces.