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!
Use your scrap of fabric to make larger pieces of fabric. Learn how with this tutorial on how to create fabric yardage out of scraps.
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
Reclaimed salvaged recycled denim clothing fabric scraps for crafting and repurposing in sewing quilting junk journaling smash books and more This listing is for a Lot of 100 scrap pieces of denim fabric recycled from clean used lightweight denim blue jean clothing Salvaged from thrifted light weight denim clothing These pieces can be irregularly shaped cotton and cotton mixes Various shades of denim in various stages of wear Various lengths and widths Smoke free studio
Want to wow everyone with your applique then check out how to create interesting fabric for applique pieces - tutorials
Clever sewing tip about sewing batting: see how to join batting scraps for your projects at no additional cost - my favorite batting scraps hack!
Use up all your small pieces of fabric with these scrap fabric sewing projects! It's fun to make small projects in your leftover fabrics!
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
We are sew excited to share our ultimate guide on how to make a crazy quilt! From planning to stitch type, we've got everything you'll need!
5 Ways To Use Up Your Crumbs - Scrap Quilting (Part 1) Most quilters I know have scrap collections. Since we tend to acquire fabric...
How to make a new useable cloth from the tiniest scraps of fabric
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!
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
A collection of 12 scrap quilt ideas from top quilt designers featured in the book Scrap School, published by Martingale + Lissa Alexander.
Check out these fun crumb quilt ideas - let's use those little pieces of fabric you aren't sure what to do with. Crumb quilting is a delightful and resourceful technique that involves piecing together the
How to quickly stitch up a randomised panel of patchwork squares.
A scrap of fabric that I was practicing a new transfer technique on. I think it's gonna work.
**This is a quilt pattern in DOWNLOADABLE PDF not a finished quilt. You can download the pattern after you have purchased it.** Finished Size: 32" x 60" Advanced Foundation Paper Piecing Something has this fur baby's attention. This is a foundation paper pieced art quilt wall hanging. The pattern is for the advanced paper piecer and contains some very small, but not impossible piecing. It's very scrap friendly. Complete fabric requirements and color choices are included. The pattern is tiled to be printed on 35 sheets of 8 1/2" x 11" paper and taped together. The second pdf has whisker placement pages for printing (17 pages required). Please read "Getting Started with Foundation Paper Piecing" before you start the quilt. It is a "class" in using my patterns and will answer many questions. If you are unable to download all the files, please contact me.
Since we are all stuck at home madly sewing every last scrap together ;) hahaha! Impossible I know! I thought I would post this scrap binding tutorial from a little while back… just in case you can’t get to the store to buy binding to match all those newly finished quilts! Here is a great way to use every last scrap no matter how skimpy the size. I have the hardest time throwing away odd sized strips… you know the ones left at the end of your yardage once you’ve cut all your 2½” strips (or whate
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
If you're a quilter , you know the pain of having a huge fabric scrap pile and nothing to do
Looking for easy leftover hardwood flooring projects? In this article, I'm sharing a few pieces you can create with your hardwood scraps or any other plank-style flooring. You will love the possibilities, especially if you're a beginner!.
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 …
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
Do you love scrap quilts? Do you wish you could create your own? Today I share time tested tips and tricks for scrap quilting success.
New to string or strip piecing blocks? Check out video tutorials to see different ways to do the string piecing technique as well as some ideas for patterns and information to get you started.
Learn how to sew a rainbow color wash quilt pattern using leftover fabric scraps. It's so fun and easy to do! Free tutorial with video.
Tilkkutöitä
Pre-cut paper squares for use in English Paper Piecing.
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.
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.
This is a recent project from 1st grade. We started the lesson by watching several youtube short biography video's and montage clips on Matisse. I love doing these Matisse cutouts, because it challenges them to use their cutting skills. You can really get an idea of the students motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We talked about some of the types of cutouts Matisse did, like the starburst, splash, spirals, zigzags and wavy lines. Students kept both positive and negative cutouts and could use both parts of each of their shape as part of the final arrangement. We spent a total of 4 days and ended the lesson with one of my favorite art books, When Pigasso Met Mootisse, by Nina Laden.
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
How to regrow green onions, scallions, spring onions from kitchen scraps infinitely! 2 fast easy ways to grow cuttings in water or soil indoors & outdoors!
Ok, time to start attaching the blocks together! Sashing is used to attach the blocks together. When I decided to make a Quilt As You Go scrap quilt, I choose the traditional log cabin block for the top because it...
Well I've been busy creating lately and thought I would share a tutorial with you. This one shows you how to use newspaper on your layouts i...
A Textile Designers guide to the art of Fabric Manipulation to use in simple craft projects
