When I blogged about my scrappy improv blocks, I had several people mention that they were afraid to try it with their own scraps, since there really isn't a true plan for sewing. It does take some time to get used to sewing with reckless abandon in an improv style, but I thought that a few guidelines might help some of you take the plunge. Once you get the hang of it, this method of sewing is so much fun, and it's a great way to use whatever fabric you happen to have. The first thing you need to decide is how big you want your blocks to be. I use a 12.5 inch square ruler, and I find it makes things much easier. If you would rather use a regular quilting ruler, that's fine too! Get all of your fabric ready and divided in whatever way works for you. I have my scrap baskets divided into cool, warm, and neutrals. I also don't distinguish between scraps and strings. They all go in together, and you'll love using both with improv piecing. Start by sewing two pieces of fabric together. It's helpful if the sides you're sewing are similar in length, but not necessary. When you're finished sewing, just take your scissors and trim the excess. Add another piece to any side you choose. I always try not to sew around the first piece in a regular way, so that it doesn't end up looking too much like a log cabin block. If you don't come across a piece that is long enough to cover the side, or if you just want some variety, piece a couple of scraps together to make them long enough. As your sides get longer, you will have to piece smaller scraps to get enough length. Try to avoid sewing too many long strips on the sides or your block might end up looking like a log cabin instead of an improv block. I don't press my block until the end when I'm sewing like this, but you can if you choose. Continue adding to your sides until you have a block that is about 3-4 inches bigger than your square template. I know you're wondering why you are making blocks that are too big, but just trust me. The part that will make your blocks really special is coming up. Give your block a press and take it to your cutting mat. Line up your template along one edge of your block. Check our those extra side strips! Cut them off with care and don't throw them away. You'll need them later! I know when I look at quilts that are improv pieced I'm always impressed by the tiny little strips and fabric bits that seem so perfectly placed within the blocks. Well, you can get those neat little pieces without actually sewing teeny tiny pieces. We're going to use those fabulous little trimmed strips in your next blocks! One or two of those strips can really add a lot of interest to a block full of bigger pieces. If you really get on a roll, you can always make a really big improv block and cut several blocks from it! This also gives you the freedom to use pieces that are a little bigger, because there is a good chance that they will get cut when you cut your blocks out. You can do improv piecing with a planned color palette as well! If you choose to use scraps though, just remember that the beauty of a scrap quilt isn't fully realized until all of the blocks are together. In my opinion, that's when scrap quilts really show their wow factor! I really encourage you to try some improv piecing. Once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun, and I think it's really great for getting your creativity and sewjo going! Editied 8/25 to add- Here's a picture of the finished quilt, just in case you're wondering how it looks when the blocks are all put together! You can check out the post with more pics of the finished quilt HERE!
A super quick and easy way to make a potholder with scrap fabric you have lying around. These potholders are the perfect housewarming gift!
If you have an overflow of scrap fabric in your craft room you and your family can have lots of fun creating any of these cool scrap fabric projects. These DIY crafts with fabric are great for all ages to get creative with! If you're looking for a perfect upcycled project, here are multiple to choose from.
Do you enjoy arts & crafts ? Specifically fabric crafts. I have created a list of 20 fabric crafts ideas that i have enjoyed over the years.
In an unprecedented act of blogging fanciness I decided to make a video documenting how I create the woodgrain texture (so thoroughly p...
Providing the opportunity for children to explore weaving is such a beneficial activity. Here’s how to encourage weaving in your home or classroom with a large weaving loom! Follow our Creative Play Pinterest board! Weaving is such a beautiful activity full of learning potential for any age: from discovering patterns and textures to encouraging growth in fine motor skills and …
I have been inspired lately to make more patterns that will help you use up your yarn stash! I love doing this because its a great money-saver, more sustainable, helps eliminate waste.
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
A tutorial on how to make fabric from scrap threads and use your orts. Using wash away stabiliser or dissolvable fabric you can create a new fabric.
2x4 wood projects that are simple, inexpensive, and great looking! Over 27 Project ideas using 2x4 structural lumbar to inspire you!
If you've been around since the beginning of Lo & Behold Stitchery, you might remember that key fobs were my JAM. Back in the early days, I cranked out SO many key fobs in all sorts of variations and stocked my Etsy shop with them. They are super fun to make and very quick and rewarding! I eventually phased out of making them for sale, but I do still really enjoy making one from time to time! They make great teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, party favors....whatever you'd like! All you need is some scrap fabric, scrap batting and a key ring (which you probably already have!) Gather all of your supplies and lets get to it! PS - Looking for a printable PDF? I have this tutorial condensed into six lovely, printable pages for your convenience. Download it here. . . Okay, here's what you'll need: Basic sewing supplies (Sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat, scissors, iron, ironing board, etc.) You can find a list of all of my favorite supplies here. Fabric - One 3
I'm always on the lookout for new ways to gussy up a blank canvas. In fact, I shared one last week in my easy DIY painted canvas post. When I saw this tutorial on Our
Looking for ways to use up all the scrap wood in the corner of your workshop? Here are 70 simple projects to make in just a few hours!
These fabric greeting cards are great for using up fabric scraps and letting your creativity run wild. Super easy to follow instructions.
I taught a series of classes in Atlanta that used Kaffe Fassett fabrics. As you can imagine, we had leftovers! After about 5 workshops I dev...
In Lovely Landscape Quilts, you'll learn the process of creating amazing landscape quilts using using strips and scraps and simple techniques that anyone can
Amazing scrap wood project ideas! If you have scrap wood, you will love the inspiration and ideas from these 50 beautiful and easy DIYs!
Huge list of sew and no sew projects for fabric scraps. Make gifts, jewelery or home decor items out of the trimmings, crumbs and other items you would normally toss in the scrap bin.
Here’s a lovely idea for using up some of your scrap fabric! You can now create these beautiful fabric butterflies and moths. You can make anything from a magical brooch pin, or as ornaments for your cozy home, or just a fun little project for you to create good-looking fabric butterflies and moths. Use this […]
This simple step HST scrap trick will save you time in the sewing/quilting process and make your HST scraps a breeze! Quilt faster and use up those scraps!
Iris Folding Iris folding is a paper craft technique that involves folding strips of colored paper in such a way to form a spiraling design. The center of the design forms an iris — similar to the shape of the iris of a camera lens. Iris folding originated in Holland. Designs initially were made using […]
24 different uses for shredded paper ensures your private information doesn't end up in the wrong hands and gives you creative ways to recycle scrap paper.
I resisted for a while but I eventually fell down the crochet hole and cast on a scrappy blanket! I have so many leftover sock yarns and mini skeins and wanted to use them. I'd never been tempted by the knitted scrap yarn blankets before and was waiting for the right project, I found it when I met up with Dani at the Curious Handmade Christmas Party. We met at the Patenoster pub in London, which was so much fun meeting up with everyone, it is very near to the First Dates restaurant, we both love this t.v. show so we took a walk to have a look. Anyway, I digress, Dani had just started a scrappy granny stripe blanket and had bought it with her to work on whilst we had a natter. Oh my, it was stunning and that was the moment I knew what I was going to use all my minis on. I'm calling mine the Cosy Nana Stripe Blanket, as my two gorgeous grandkids are picking the yarn for each stripe and the blanket will be for us to snuggle under. I'm not following the instructions for a traditional granny stripe as I use one colour for each row rather than two rows so each row is a different colour. I made a chain of 300+2, you can make it as big or as small as you want with multiples of 3 chains plus the 2 stitches, this is Attic 24's Granny Stripe tutorial. I've got all my minis in a basket and I get Caiden and Darcie to pick 5 or 6 balls and put them in my project bag to used for the next few rows. So far I've loved how all the colours have worked together, though the yarn i buy are all very soft colours which tend to work together. This is how far I've got with the blanket and I've got to say this is one of my all time favourite projects. It's such a therapeutic project and not easy to put down as I want to get to the next colour. One thing I am doing is magic knotting the yarn together so I don't have lots of ends to sew in which was another reason I love this project, here's a good tutorial by Jane Richmomd for Magic Knot. I thought I'd share what I'm reading today for Ginny's Yarn Along, it's The Muse by Jessie Burton. I've been reading a lot of thrillers lately so this is a nice change of pace, it flits from Spain 1930's to London 1960's and is a compelling read. I'm also linking to Nicole's Keep Calm and Craft On. Thanks for stopping by and happy knitting/crocheting xxxxDebxxxx
Scrap wood can overtake your workshop making it feel crowded and disorganized. Here are some guidelines for deciding what cutoffs to keep and what to toss.
Check out these simple scrap wood projects and ideas to try! These easy small wood projects are perfect beginner woodworking projects too!
One of the most fun items in the craft store is washi tape, a thin adhesive tape made of pretty paper. Here are 12 brilliant DIY craft ideas for washi tape.
Here’s a lovely idea for using up some of your scrap fabric! You can now create these beautiful fabric butterflies and moths. You can make anything from a magical brooch pin, or as ornaments for your cozy home, or just a fun little project for you to create good-looking fabric butterflies and moths. Use this […]
UPDATED JULY 6, 2022 — CLICK HERE TO SEE MY CRUMB PIECING TUTORIAL TO LEARN HOW I SELECT FABRICS AND SEW MY CRUMB BLOCKS. INCLUDES A VIDEO TUTORIAL. A little over a week ago on February 22 I …
This easy zipper pouch tutorial shows exactly how to sew a simple bag using scrap fabric and a zipper of any size. Great for beginners!
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
Children use collage materials to make patchwork houses from cardboard and fabric scraps.
Written plus video tutorial shows you how to sew a zipper pouch - great practice for zippers and fun and quick gifts to make
Teddy bears make cute and cuddly keepsakes and toys for kids and adults alike. If you've ever wanted to make a teddy bear, it's easy to do! You can use any kind of fabric, use a sewing machine or hand sew your bear, and then personalize it...
This step-by-step tutorial for How To Make Easy Paper Mosaics for Kids is amazing! Let's make beautiful, custom DIY paper mosaics today.
Don't know what to do with all of that scrap wood? Here are 71 clever ways to reuse leftover wood lying around your workshop!
How To Make A Fun Fabric Fish - DIY Sewing Free Tutorial and Pattern
Nestled amongst the cozy skeins of vibrant yarn, the Garfield amigurumi brings the sass and charm of the world's favorite orange tabby cat to life. This
Explore Scotland's heritage with 11 free coloring pages. From castles to kilts, ignite creativity while learning about Scottish culture!
Looking for some cool things to make with leather scraps? There's something cool here for everyone to craft!
I love the colour and shape of sea glass, my sister and I spent a lot of summers at the beach scouring the sand for gems. This is a quilted cushion cover but you can make it into a decorative quilt/ wall hanging/table runner, there are so many options.
Stitch a fox applique with this step-by-step tutorial. Free templates included.
Want to wow everyone with your applique then check out how to create interesting fabric for applique pieces - tutorials
