Would you like to have new types of creative fun whilst saving money AND reducing your environmental impact? Sewing clothes from fabric scraps gives you all these things, AND the results are always completely unique. Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learnt over the years about sewing clothes from scraps. And although there’s never a right way or wrong way to approach sewing with scraps, these pointers will help you get started quickly if it’s something you’d like to try.
Support the podcast over on Patreon!
**Download the guide that accompanies this episode ‘How to Sew Clothes From Fabric Scraps’**
Listen to the following related episode:
Ep. #116: Improv Scrap Play with Sherri Lynn Wood
Fast track your fabric knowledge with the downloadable ‘Introduction to Garment Fabrics’ guide.
Pattern suggestions for self-piecing:
Brindille & Twig (all children’s)
Boxy Tee
Lounge Sweatshirt
School Sweats
Vintage Pants
Wide Loungers
Grainline Studios
Linden Sweatshirt
Scout Tee
Willow Tank & Dress
Helen’s Closet
Jackson Tee & Pullover
Orchard Top & Dress
Sam Apron
York Pinafore
Named Clothing
Ninni Culottes
Tessuti Patterns
Amara Vest
Athina Top
Kate Top
Myka Top
Tosca Tunic
True Bias
Marlo Sweater
Waves and Wild
Driftwood Dolman (men’s/straight fit)
Field Trip Joggers (men’s/straight fit)
Field Trip Joggers (teen-male/straight fit)
Heyday Dungarees (adult’s)
Heyday Dungarees (children’s)
Pattern suggestions for pattern-led piecing:
Bel’Etoile
Isa Sweater, Dress & Top adults
Isa Sweater, Dress & Top kids
Blueprints for Sewing
Geodesic Sweatshirt
Saltbox Tee & Tank
Elizabeth Sweetwater
Ziggy Top
Boatneck Colourblock T-shirt
Striped Zipper Jacket
Jennifer Lauren Handmade
Emmie Tee
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club (most of them)
Megan Nielsen
Karri dress
Misusu Patterns (most of them) which include childrens as well as adult designs.
Sew Liberated:
Nest Sweatshirt
Tessuti Patterns
Lennox Sweatshirt
Tilly and the Buttons:
Sonny Jacket - there are lots of other panelled jacket patterns that would work equally well, but I’m suggesting the Sonny because it comes in a very inclusive size range.
Here are some wonderful, creative businesses and individuals who are creating awesome garments with piecing fabrics:
@tannerfrostbowen
@zerowastedaniel
@holycowsberlin
@broken.supply.co
@lesreloux
@softpawvintage
@threadandsprout
@isabelle_sews
@judywillimentross
@theconsistencyproject
@the.light.touch
@rachiesews
@m.o.s.s.o.m
@kionek
@spunkybruiser
@sweetfindupcycled
@elizabethsweetwaterpatterns
@pettypopcornmakes
Improv quilters, modern quilters and boro practitioners are also a fantastic source of piecing inspiration. Take a look at the following:
@sherrilynnwood
@momiyamatakao
@modernstitchwitch
@encodedstudio
@spontaneousthreads
@blue_movement2017
Two more resources that might be useful:
Improvisational Quilting for Garment Sewists e-course - Sew DIY
Making a Scrap Patchwork Hovea Coat from Leftover Fabric - Megan Nielsen blog
