#129: How to Sew Clothes From Fabric Scraps

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. 

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**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