Don’t throw away your long scraps of fabric. Instead turn them into recycled fabric rope and make something useful with it. Here are some great ideas for scrap fabric twine projects to use up even the smallest scraps of fabric.
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I have to admit, I’m a self proclaimed scrap hoarder. Be it yarn scraps or fabric scraps, I rarely throw even the tiniest piece away, lest I find a crafty use for it down the track.
Small fabric scraps can be used for small sewing projects, like this patchwork trivet, or hexagon table runner.
Long thin scraps are harder to find uses for, until now.
If you don’t have a collection of long fabric scraps, you can tear up old sheets, worn out business shirts or other unwanted fabric.
Why you should upcycle your fabric scraps into Scrap Fabric Twine
1. Reduces waste and is environmentally responsible
The EPA(US) estimates that textile waste occupies nearly 5% of all landfill space. Granted, most of that is unwanted clothing, but as crafters we have a responsibility to use materials efficiently and not contribute to landfill unnecessarily. Diverting scraps from landfill to make something useful, like a rug or basket (and not having to buy that product new), is a very tangible way to reduce our consumption and carbon footprint.
2. You’ll save money
Using up all the fabric scraps you have is free, so it’s the perfect money saving craft project to keep you busy right now.
3. Clears clutter and frees up storage space
If you’re anything like me, you might keep all the fabric scraps ‘just in case’. All those really long thin pieces can tangle together and make a big mess. It’s amazing how quickly fabric scraps accumulate. Making a concerted effort to use up scrap fabric in projects will help you free up storage space to help de-clutter your home.
4. It’s addictive!
You’ll get hooked on making rope with scrap fabric. It’s super addictive and sort of meditative, and because it doesn’t require too much concentration, you can make it while you watch a movie or your favourite TV show. The perfect multi-tasking craft!
5. Scrap Fabric Twine has so many uses
Scrap fabric twine can be used in so many ways. I’ve rounded up a list of 13 projects and ideas just to get you started. If you know an avid gardener, gift them a spool of homemade twine, it comes in so handy for tying up stuff.
Scrap Fabric Twine Project Ideas - 13 Interesting ways to use up fabric scraps
Take your scrap fabric recycling to the next level with these upcycling projects that can be made with hand twisted scrap fabric cord.
The uses for scrap fabric twine are endless. Here are a few ideas to get your creative upcycling juices flowing.
If you don't fancy making your own fabric twine, you can purchase pre-made recycled fabric cord from various handmakers on Etsy.
How to make Scrap Fabric Twine
Here's the original tutorial showing you how to make recycled rope from fabric scraps. It includes a handy video which clearly explains the twine making process.
Using fabric strips in contrasting colours really shows off the twists
and sort of makes it look a little bit like baker’s twine. A great way for using up long fabric scraps.
Recycled Fabric Twine Spiral Mat
Fire up the sewing machine to stitch your fabric twine into spiral disks. They can be joined together to make a small mat, runner or large rug.
The same technique on a smaller scale can be used to make coasters, placemats and trivets.
Recycled Fabric Twine Upcycled Planter
Cover an unsightly plastic pot or container with brightly coloured scrap fabric twine to make a cheerful home for your indoor plants. I've recycled a plastic yoghurt tub for this project.
Gift Wrapping with Scrap Fabric Twine
Scrap fabric twine makes a great alternative to ribbon or cord when wrapping gifts. I've made this red and white twine to resemble candy canes for Christmas gift wrapping, but any colour of scrappy cord would look great.
Woven chair seat with Recycled Fabric Twine
Using the same traditional techniques as rush weaving, damaged seats of old chairs can be updated with fabric twine. Not only is fabric rope an inexpensive alternative to traditional rush fibre, it is also very strong and will take a lot of wear.
Scrap Fabric Twine Recycled Christmas Ornaments
Mismatched Christmas ornaments get an eco-friendly makeover with the addition of some scrap fabric cord.
Scrap Fabric Rope bowls
Scrap fabric twine can be used in place of rope to make machine sewn fabric bowls or baskets. The technique used is almost identical to making a spiral mat, but instead of keeping the cord flat, the sides are curved up while stitching.
Fabric Twine Woven Potholder
A small potholder weaving loom can be used to weave these handy scrap twine trivets. If you have access to a larger loom, this weaving technique would make a very sturdy door mat.
There are plenty of instructions for how to use weaving looms on Youtube.
Fabric Twine Macrame Plant Hanger
This easy plant hanger requires no special skills. If you can knot a cord you can make this easy hanging plant basket from scrap fabric rope.
Scrap Twine Woven Lampshades
These mini chandelier lamp shades were stripped down to their wire frames and woven with scrap fabric cord to update the look.
Drum Lampshade Makeover
Don't discard old drum lampshades. They too can be easily wrapped with fabric twine. This project involves winding the rope around the stripped wire frame, but if you have a frame-less lampshade, the twine can be wrapped directly over the shade covering the existing fabric.
Scrapbusting Fabric Twine Bracelet
Simple silver jewellery findings elevate a small piece of scrap fabric cord into a unique bracelet. This would be a lovely idea to use a sentimental piece of fabric from a wedding dress for example.
The same method could be used to make a scrap fabric necklace.
Fabric Rope Wrapped Bangle
This ingenious crafter has made bangles using the slats of broken mini Venetian blinds by gluing them in a ring shape and wrapping with fabric. If you don't have any blinds to upcycle, you could totally wrap any old bangle with scrap fabric twine to give them a colourful new look.
Leave me a comment with what you’ve made from your fabric scraps.
Brilliant!!! Love this post. I’ve made lots of fabric twine since your original post and these ideas are great. I love the idea of tying up presents and weaving potholders or mats. The bowls I made are so pretty. Thanks!
Hi I just finished my scrap yarn basket.
I need to change my bottom rounds. Way too big. How can I do this without destroying my entire project ? There must be a way. Please respond thanks
I’m afraid the size of the base dictates the size of the whole basket. Once you are finished the only way yo change the size of the base is to unravel back to the size you need.
Thank you for this great idea. I am looking forward to beginning this project.