I’ve been looking at my bag of scraps I’ve been collecting over the last year, and wanted to do something with it. I’ve made a scrappy scarf in this post, but wanted to just make pieces of scrappy fabric for upcoming projects.
If you check out that scrappy scarf post, I used long pieces of fabric. Here I’m using tiny scraps. As I was making this scrappy fabric, I was reminded of the masks I made back in March, and several of the tutorials I made for this blog. I would recommend using either batiks or dyed fabric since they are the same on both sides.
First you need fabric scraps. Here is my bag I started at the beginning of last year.
To create this fabric you need a water-soluble stabilizer. I’ve used Solvy and Vilene. Add that with scraps, and decorative threads.
Lay down a piece of the stabilizer on your table. Add snips of fabric.
Continue until you have filled up the area. Here I added some sparkle with thread I’ve had for years, and never use!
Next cover with another sheet of the stabilizer.
Before taking this to the sewing machine, pin the edges and in the middle to stabilize the scraps.
Take to the sewing machine and sew straight lines.
To make sure all of those bits stay in place, after completing the above lines, sew lines going the other way.
And the sewing is finished.
Now this piece goes for a soak in water.
Make sure all of the stabilizer has dissolved before putting the piece out to dry. I put it on a towel, blotting to get rid of the water. Then let it dry.
That’s it! Here are my pieces again. The pictures don’t do the pieces justice. They sparkle!
This last one was made of fibers only, no fabric.
I plan to cut these up and use these on cards, and possibly pendants. I’m looking forward to making more of this scrappy fabric.
For more inspiration, check out the Off The Wall Friday linky party.
Hope you are having a great week.
I can attest to the fact that this is a fabulous way to use up fabric scraps and other fibers! I save my thread scraps in a basket by my sewing machine, and they add a lot to the collages. Maybe time to follow your lead on this, Lynda!
I love that technique. I used to make the scarves and they sold well. I especially like your last one!
Love the ‘fibers only’ piece! I agree that hand dyed and/or batiks work best. I think we’re getting back into our zone!!!
I agree that the grid stitching is best for scarves or any useful product, but when I make it, I do free motion scribbling over the stabilizer. And often with metallic thread…sparkle!!!!!
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Judy, Would love to see what you do!
Sherrie, I loved using all of these scraps. I liked these better than my scarf. Yes, the fiber one I loved best I think!
Luann, Yep we’re getting back in the zone!
Kathy, The last one I did some free motion but ended up making the grids. I love the idea of metallic thread. I put that metallic thread in with the scraps, but didn’t think about stitching. Thanks!
That’s such an interesting technique! I would love to see how you use it.
Hi Lori, Check out tomorrow’s post. I show one of the things I did with them but more to come!
This is a wonderful tutorial Lynda. I see ‘time with my Grandgirl’ written all over it! Thanks for putting this together.
Lorrie, Thanks! That would be a great activity with the grandgirl!!
This is beautiful idea. I have soooo much scraps, I mean lots of small pieces that can be used using this technique! Now I’m trying to use this as of connecting these squares together in making quilts. This is just awesome.
Alberta, Thanks. There are so many ways to do this. I’ve been wanting to do a new post on using solvy. You can also use threads or ribbons. Fun! A quilt would be neat for sure. Thanks for dropping by.