5 ways to use up your fabric scraps
Do you have a lot of fabric scraps lying around, not sure what to do with them? Look no further! Here I will show you five creative ways to upcycle your fabric scraps and make something beautiful and handmade. From making keyfobs to tote bags, coasters to lanyards, I’ve got you covered! Follow along as I walk you through these creative and fun ideas, complete with step-by-step instructions on how to turn those fabric scraps into something special.
1) Make a key fob
Not only are key fobs a great way to use up scrap fabric, but they also reduce fabric waste. It's important to consider the environmental impact of our sewing habits and finding creative ways to use up our leftover materials is one way to do so. These key fobs are not only functional, but they also add a pop of colour to your keyring. Get creative with different fabric combinations to make each key fob unique.
All you need to make a keyfob is a small scrap (roughly 6" by 4") of fabric, a 1" scrap of wadding and a 1" keyfob.
1. Fold fabric in half, then half again so you have a 1" strip
2. Slot the wadding scrap in the folds
3. Top stitch down either long side
4. Sew the two raw ends together to make a loop
5. Attach the metal keyfob.
These make perfect gifts for family and friends. Also if you have small children they make excellent teacher gifts for the end of the school year. It would be even better if you get your kids involved in making them. 
2) Make coasters
Next up, let's make some coasters! All you need for this project is some fabric scraps, wadding and a square template, like a coaster or a ruler. This is another great project for reducing fabric waste as you can use even the smallest of scraps. Use two pieces of fabric 6" square per coaster and sandwich them together with some wadding in the middle. Sew around the edge leaving a small gap to turn the coaster right side out. Then topstitch around the edge for a finished look.
3) Make a lanyard
Lanyards are a great way to use up scrap fabric, especially those smaller pieces that might not be enough for larger projects. Plus, they're functional and can be used for holding keys or ID badges. Here's how to make one:
- Scrap fabric
- Sewing machine and thread
- Lanyard quick release clasp 3/4"
- 3/4" lobster clasp
1. Cut a strip of fabric that is 3 inches wide and about 38-44 inches long.
2. Fold the strip in half lengthwise with the right sides together, and sew along the long edge, leaving the ends open.
3. Turn the fabric right side out and press it flat.
4. Fold the strip in half so the two open ends meet.
5. Slot a lobster clasp onto the fabric strip.
6. Attach a lanyard clip to the loop at the end of the lanyard.
7. On either end attach the two halves of the quick release, taking care to make sure the lanyard lays flat. The easiest way is to put it on and hold the two ends at the back of your neck.
8. Add a few rows of stitching to hold the lobster clasp in place in the centre of the lanyard.
This lanyard is simple to make and a great way to reduce fabric waste. It's also an example of environmental sewing, where we try to minimize our impact on the environment by using up what we have rather than buying new materials. Experiment with different fabrics, colours, and patterns to make lanyards that match your style and personality.
4) Make a patchwork tote bag
Have you ever noticed that YouTube is a fantastic resource for sewing? There are lots of free patterns, including patchwork tote bag patterns. Because tote bags are larger you can use up lots of scraps making them.
A favourite of mine is the Missouri Star Quilt Company.
https://youtu.be/S7i6Wrl4rZ8
Herr is a picture of one I made using the tutorial t the start of my sewing journey.
5) Get creative!
Finally, get creative, turn your scraps into crazy binding for quilts, or into pieces of fabric using crumb quilting. Use the internet or YouTube to find inspiration.
Good luck and join us on Wednesday on the Uphouse Crafts Group banner pic Wednesday to show off what you have made. You might even get to be the banner picture for the week.