So you’re sitting at your sewing machine thinking what shall I make? Sometimes you just want a couple of quick and easy sewing projects to satisfy your sewing craving or help you get out of that sewing lull you find yourself in. If you are new to sewing, starting with a smaller project is a brilliant way to build your confidence and develop your sewing skills. Keeping fabric remnants in your stash is ideal for those ‘let’s get sewing’ moments. It just so happens that we have some useful and still rather beautiful ends of rolls sitting in our fabric remnants section waiting for you to snap them up. The great news is we have a 50% offer on at the moment, so you can grab yourself a bargain. Browse our selection of fabric remnants here.
10 ways to use your Fabric Remnants
Quilting Projects
Quilted projects make wonderful gifts that you’ll love to make, whether it’s a patchwork picnic blanket or a decorative cushion – a beautiful quilting project as a gift idea certainly won’t disappoint. By choosing a range of pretty remnants, you can create a really unique item.
Here are our suggested fabrics for quilting projects:
Blue Cotton Broderie Anglaise Fabric
Lilac and White Herringbone Linen Cotton Mix Fabric
Makower Leaf Pewter Cotton Fabric
Scarf
An easy project to get you started with sewing, or a quick and satisfying make to finish off any outfit. You only need less than half a metre to create yourself a lovely accessory. As we head towards the Autumn/Winter season, a scarf is a must for your transitional wardrobe. We have some gorgeous linen fabric in our remnants sale, perfect to make the infinity scarf feature in the photo. Blackberry Cordial Laundered Linen is always a popular choice or the Mallard Laundered Linen, great for an Autumnal look.
T-shirt
Making use of remnants is particularly nice when you’ve just splashed out on that expensive fabric (you’ve probably had your eye on for a while) to make yourself a pair of trousers, and now need a top to go with them.
The Regan Top, featured in the photo, is a foundation piece favourite. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy make that will act as a key garment for your handmade wardrobe this is the one. Are you all about the printed fabrics? Our top picks are Spring Morning Print Viscose Fabric and Fire Blossom Print Viscose Fabric.
Making your own clothes is all about creating garments that are right for you and to suit your personal style. Choosing ribbing for the cuffs and neckband to match your individuality can really change the look of a top. How about the Slate Grey Ribbing?
Bag
Do you like to sew bags? They are easy sewing projects that you can have so much fun with. With lockdown restrictions lifted we find ourselves venturing out the house more, for leisure and to work, and bags provide us with that useful way to carry essential possessions. Acting as a unique statement and adding style, bags really can complete an outfit. There’s a bag for every occasion, so surely you can’t just make one? Not to mention, it’s a great starter sewing project for beginner sewers too.
This Daydream Craft Cotton is so pretty and perfect for a bag project.
Pattern Weights
A practical solution that can be made attractive. These handy tools are ideal for keeping your pattern pieces in place without the need for pins! Once you try pattern weights you will never go back to using pins, that’s for sure. All you need for this quick and easy sewing projects is fabric scraps and dried rice, lentils or split peas. For each pattern weight the amount of fabric required is approx 10cm (4 inches) x 20cm (8 inches). Browse our choice of fabric remnants and make yourself a pretty set of pattern weights for dressmaking or if you know someone who loves sewing they make a great gift! For a nautical theme, the Plain Sailing Marine Cotton fabric would be ideal or the Makower Grove Chicken Cotton is cute and fun.
Don’t forget we are offering 50% off on all fabric remnants until midnight Sunday 19th September. Get yours here.
Water Bottle Cover
Nothing quite says winter like a hot water bottle. They are a great way to keep warm, cosy and relaxed on cold days. Now’s the time you’re probably thinking of what festive gifts to get friends and family. A handmade water bottle makes for a special present to a loved one. Also a simple sewing project perfect for beginners!
Snuggle up with a hot water bottle, here’s our top pick fabrics to make yours up in.
Sweatshirt Melange Pale Plum Marl
Navy, White and Coral Tartan Check Brushed Cotton
Fabric Necklace
I always accessorise with a necklace, it’s not often you’ll see me without one. They can absolutely transform a look, my outfits tend to be fairly plain so adding a fabric necklace lifts it and adds that little bit of something. You can make your own statement necklace with minimal cost and wear it with pride knowing it’s something homemade. It’s always a great feeling when someone says ‘where did you buy it from?’ and you get to reply ‘Well, I actually made it myself’.
If you’re like me and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE red for a necklace, here are a couple of fabrics that might take your fancy. Makower Linen Texture Red and Aztec Navy and Red Cotton Stretch.
Bucket Hat
It certainly feels like bucket hats are here to stay. Everywhere I look, I spot at least one person wearing the popular 90s fashion trend that is the bucket hat. From gingham to floral prints, it’s safe to say they are still in style continuing to be a staple for a casual look. Whatever your style, there might just be a fabric in our remnants section for you and your bucket hat. Here are our favourites, Slate Grey Denim, and Flying Flock Cotton Lawn.
Tie
Have you tried your hand at tie-making? Why not sew a classic men’s tie for the perfect gift. Sure gentlemen get gifted a tie fairly frequently but sewing a tie yourself in a fabric that suits his personality, changes the game completely! Who doesn’t love a handmade gift. You’ll need approx 80cm of fabric. For a floral look, try the Meadowland Dark Navy Linen Viscose Mix or for a smart style, you could go for the Birds Eye Check Indigo Fabric (and even make a matching pair of trousers, if you have time).
Scrunchie or Headband
There are so many different accessories you can make with fabric remnants, the list just goes on and on. Plus they don’t take much time at all on the sewing machine. Simple scrunchies, twist turban headbands, makeup remover pads, a drawstring bag. What accessories would you make?
Take a look at the fabric remnants we have left in stock here, with 50% off you’ll be sure to find a great deal. Be quick, as the offer ends on Sunday 19th September 2021.
We hope you enjoyed our 10 ideas for what you can do with your fabric remnants, there are so many other ideas of how you can up-cycle those left over bits of fabrics. We’d love to hear your sewing project ideas, you can share your photos with us on our social media channels @sewmesomething
You can access step-by-step guides and photo-tutorials on how to make all of the projects featured in this blog by joining our Sewing Studio. To find out more about how to learn to sew online and our Online Sewing Studio, take a look here.
Comments