From Trash to Treasure - A Fabric Wreath Tutorial

Monday, November 15, 2021

Remember when I made this Exploding Heart quilt a few months ago?? Well, the scraps from that quilt are now in this cute wreath!

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I actually dug the fabric scraps out of the trash while making that quilt. I just *knew* I would be able to turn them into something fun!

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I used my AccuQuilt to cut the pieces for the Exploding Heart quilt. It's crazy fast, and resulted in just 1/4" to 1/2" leftovers - the same amount if you were to trim the blocks after sewing! (Except you don't have to trim the blocks after sewing!)

Fabric scrap strip wreath

These leftover pieces haunted me after I dropped them in the trash can! They're all from the Parakeet collection by Kaffe Fassett Studios for Free Spirit Fabrics. I dug them out, knowing I could make something with them!

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I picked up a 12" wire wreath frame at my local JoAnn for just a couple dollars. (You can get them at Michael's or on Amazon too!) Then I cut my square scraps into strips. Most pieces were 5" to 6" long, and less than 1/2" wide. (You could cut your own strips from regular yardage too! I'd recommend 1/2" x 6" strips.)

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I mixed the pile of strips up, then started tying them onto the frame.

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I just crossed the ends and tucked one end under. I think that's called an overhand knot?? I did not do a double knot - just a single. Is that as clear as mud?!? 

Fabric scrap strip wreath

Whatever it's called, it was crazy easy! I just tugged on the ends to make it tight on the wire, then pushed it over and did another one.

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I found it was easier to work with the wreath hanging just over the edge of the table so I could put the next strip up from the bottom. 

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I worked on it for several days while helping the boys with their homeschool lessons.

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I liked working on just one section of the wire at a time. I'd put as many strips as I could on that section before moving on to the next one.

Fabric scrap strip wreath

A few hundred strips later, and it was all filled in! It has such a fun texture!

Fabric scrap strip wreath

From the back, I used my fingers to push all the strip ends through to the front.

Fabric scrap strip wreath

Then I used a Command hook to hang it on the front door!

Fabric scrap strip wreath

I figure the full sun will fade the fabric fairly quickly, but then I'll have an excuse to make a new one! I already have the fabric picked out too!

Fabric scrap strip wreath

Have you ever used your fabric scraps in a fun way?? 

5 comments:

  1. What a great way to use up scraps. Well done!

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  2. Fantastic idea. I have gritted my teeth and thrown out scraps because they were too narrow to do anything with. Now I have a plan. I think I could make small ones for Christmas ornaments!

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  3. This is fabulous recycling! ❤

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  4. I always love other people’s versions and feel like mine would be hopelessly ugly.

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