Scrap Stitching: Turn Your Fabric Strips Into Something Beautiful
Do you have a pile of fabric strips in your scrap basket? Maybe you’ve been saving those cut-off edges from quilt projects, unsure what to do with them. Here’s a fun, colourful technique to transform those leftovers into something useful and beautiful — Scrap Stitching.
This method combines strips of fabric with decorative machine stitches, cords, ribbons, and braids, giving you a whole new piece of fabric to play with. It’s the perfect way to experiment, relax, and let your creativity flow.
What You’ll Need
- Base fabric (30cm x 50cm / 12” x 20”) — stabiliser, calico, or interfacing work well
- Fabric strips (1cm to 7cm / ¼” to 3”) in matching or contrasting colourways
- Ribbons, braids, cords, yarns, or novelty threads
- Sewing machine with decorative stitches (a cording foot is optional but fun!)
- Scissors
How to Scrap Stitch
- Start with wide strips
Lay your first strip across the short side of your base fabric. Use a straight stitch and flip method to add more strips side by side. Don’t worry about gaps — you’ll cover them later! - Layer narrower strips
Once your base is covered, add thinner strips across the wide ones or over joins. You can leave them raw, tuck them in seams, or embellish them with ribbon and braid. - Play with decorative stitches
Choose machine stitches you don’t normally use. Try variegated, contrasting, or tonal threads to couch strips in place. Mix it up — the more variety, the more texture. - Add fun details
- Fold narrow strips in half before stitching for dimensional edges.
- Leave raw edges for texture and movement.
- Add yarns or cords for bold accents.
The Result?
You’ll create a richly textured, colourful piece of “Scrap Stitched fabric” that you can cut up and use for:
- Journal covers
- Needle cases
- Postcards
- Bags
- Or any small textile art project
There are no rules — just more colour, more texture, and more fun! 🎨✂️
👉 Ready to dive in? Pull out your scraps, threads, and ribbons — and start stitching today. For specialty threads and creative supplies, visit our shop at Art Quilt Supplies
