What Can I Do With Left Over Fabric?

Do you have odd yards of fabric left over from miscellaneous projects such as reupholstering, window treatments, bedding or even clothing? Well, those odd pieces of fabrics might not be as hard to make use out of as you think! We all deserve to get our money’s worth out of our purchases. If you already bought the fabric, chances are that you most likely love it. Let’s find creative uses for it in your home.

Throw Pillows

A very simple project for your leftover fabric is to make throw pillows. You do not need a lot of fabric to make the pillows look great; even two different corresponding fabrics on each side can work.

Just head over to your local fabric store and buy filling or pillow forms and you will soon have a cost effective new throw pillow. In my personal opinion you can never have too many throw pillows. Sofas can hold a lot and they don’t all have to match!

Make sure the colors, patterns and sizes go well together. Nothing says relaxation more than fluffy pillows! If you are an experienced sewer, try adding a decorative trim around the edges for an added touch of elegance.

Upholstered Seats

Do you have upholstered seats on your dining room chairs? Small pieces of fabric can be utilized here as well. The seats do not have to match. The patterns just have to coordinate with the room. For example, do you have six dining room chairs? Why not try upholstering the two end chairs in one fabric pattern and the other four in another?

Reupholstering dining rooms can be an easy do-it yourself project if the chair has a square or rectangle seat. Here are some simple instructions:

1. Start by unscrewing the seat from the frame.
2. Wrap the fabric on top of the existing seat.
3. Staple gun it on the bottom
4. Screw the seat back on the frame.

Yes, it is that simple. You are sure to impress your next dinner guests!

Window Valance

How about utilizing the odd fabric pieces for a window valance? Small, simple windows in bedrooms, hallways or laundry rooms sometimes need just a touch of color. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Here are another set of simple instructions:

1. Measure down from the top of the frame so that approximately the top third of the window is covered by the valance.
2. Tuck the sides of the fabric over.
3. Attach a white muslin fabric on the back
4. Sew on a rod pocket.

The valance rod that the fabric slips over is typically inexpensive and easy to install. For an added touch of elegance, try a decorative rod to accent the window.

What do you do with your leftover fabric? Any other suggestions?