My grandma had gifted me left over fabric she had from some projects. Some of the fabric wasn’t much to speak of, but she had made me a crib sheet from one of the fabrics that I used with both of my children. So, there was a lot of sentimental value with the fabric, and I was looking for a project to complete that I would be able to cherish for year to come. As well as a project that didn’t require much fabric.
I can’t remember where I found this idea, but it looked like you simply tied fabric onto a string of lights. And that was truly it! I love how this project required minimal material and minimal amount of time.
Required material:
- Left over fabric
- Scissors
- String of lights
I started off by cutting the fabric to have similar length in pieces. Also, to create as many pieces as possible to cover the entire strand of lights. My fabric was in different shapes and sizes, so I didn’t measure and just eyeballed the strips I was cutting. I used scissors to the fabric, but I wish I used my rotary cutter for cleaner lines.
I then tied a knot in the fabric around the lights. I added two fabric ties between each light and when I had extra fabric, I added it where I saw fit.
As I was tying the knots in the fabric, I noticed that is would then become hard to see the fabric pattern. A lot of the white on the background of the fabric was being displayed. To correct this, I folded the top and bottom of the fabric for when I created the knot, the pattern would then be displayed. It took a little extra time to add this step, but man was it worth it!
I had at first chosen to use two different fabrics. I had one with a leaf pattern and one with a Halloween pattern. I thought that these two patterns would work well and then I could use the lights with my fall and Halloween décor. After starting the project, I did not like how the two fabrics looked together. So, I decided to stick with only the leaf pattern.
Once I had all the fabric on the light strand. I decided to plug the lights in to see how well it truly looked. I adjusted the placement of a few pieces that were covering the lights.
Next, I added the lights to a fall sign and added a string of leaves from the Dollar Tree to go along with it. I like how the lights gave my sign a nice glow and I’m sure I can also incorporate these lights with my Halloween décor too.
I’m looking forward to finding more items to create with my left-over fabric. Even if there isn’t much fabric left, it’s nice to be able to put it to good use!
10 More Clever DIY Ideas to Repurpose Leftover Fabric
we will share 10 clever DIY ideas for leftover fabric. From a simple tote bag to a stylish headband, there’s something for everyone! So get creative and see what you can come up with.
Here are our top ten DIY ideas for leftover fabric:
1. Tote Bag
This is a great way to use up a small piece of fabric. Simply cut a rectangular piece, fold it in half, and sew the sides together. Then, turn it inside out and hem the top edge.
2. Apron
An apron is another easy project that can be made from leftover fabric. Cut a rectangle that is about 30 inches wide by 36 inches long. Hem all of the edges, then tie the straps around your waist.
3. Curtains
If you have a large piece of fabric lying around, why not use it to make new curtains? Measure the window where you want to hang them and cut the fabric accordingly. Sew the top and bottom edges together, then hem the sides.
4. Tablecloth
A tablecloth is a great way to dress up your dining room table. Cut a piece of fabric that is at least 54 inches wide by 108 inches long. Hem all of the edges, then fold it in half lengthwise and sew the edges together.
5. Scarf
A scarf is a great way to keep warm in the winter months. Cut a piece of fabric that is 60 inches wide by 36 inches long. Fold it in half width-wise, sew along both short ends, then turn it right side out.
6. Potholder
This is a quick and easy project that can be made from a small piece of fabric. Cut a piece of fabric that is about 12 inches wide by 18 inches long. Fold it in half lengthwise, sew the edges together, then turn it right side out.
7. Baby Bib
A baby bib is a great way to keep your little one clean and dry. Cut a piece of fabric that is about 15 inches wide by 20 inches long. Hem all of the edges, then fold it in half width-wise and sew the edges together.
8. Dog Bed
If you have a furry friend at home, why not make him or her a new dog bed? Cut two pieces of fabric that are each 36 inches wide by 48 inches long. Sew the two pieces together, leaving a hole for stuffing, then turn it right side out.
9. Pillow
A pillow is a great way to add some comfort to your bedroom. Cut a piece of fabric that is at least 18 inches wide by 36 inches long. Sew the two short ends together, then turn it right side out. Stuff with some batting or fiberfill and sew the opening closed.
10. Headband
This is a quick and easy project that can be made from a small piece of fabric. Cut a strip of fabric that is about 20 inches wide by 12 inches long. Fold it in half width-wise, sew the edges together, then turn it right side out. Tie it around your head and enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed these ten DIY ideas for leftover fabric. As you can see, there are plenty of things that you can make with just a little bit of fabric. So get creative and have some fun!