DIY Projects to Upcycle Fabric Scraps

Scraps of fabric

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to make use of materials we already have in order to cut down on waste. Not only does this help the environment, but it also does its part in helping individuals save money and to have a tidier and more organized home. Plus, finding projects that take advantage of DIY projects allow for a creative outlet!

With that being said, for anyone who has extra fabric scraps laying aroundwhether they’re leftovers from a sewing projects or fabric from garments or linens that you no longer want or needshould enlist in the ideas below to put those scraps to good use and upcycle them in a fun and functional DIY project.

Fabric Covered Bed Frame

If you have a funky fabric or one in a beautiful hue that would complement a bedroom, using it to cover a bed frame is the perfect way to ensure that it doesn’t go to waste. This project works best on a four-post bed frame. To complete it, make sure you have enough fabric. This is a great way to put an old set of sheets or curtains to use as it requires quite a bit of fabric.

Cut the fabric into strips that are about one inch wide. Wrap the fabric around the bed frame post, hot gluing them as you go. Do this until the frame is completely colored and you’ll have given your bedroom a completely new look.

Cord Keepers

Tangled electronic cords and wires

Loose cords plague most households, eventually becoming piles of tangled electronics that no one even knows what to do with. Prevent this in your home by using fabric scraps to make useful cord keepers. To do so, cut fabric scraps into oblong oval shapes. Keep in mind that you will need two pieces of fabric for each cord cutter. Layer a piece of medium weight interfacing to the back of the first scrap of fabric, covering the interfacing with another oval.

Stitch around the perimeter of the fabric pieces about a quarter of an inch inward from the edges. About two inches should be left open for turning.

Use the open space to turn the fabric right side out and press down so they lay flat. Stitch about an eighth of an inch away from those pressed edges, closing up the opening. Cut two pieces of velcro per cord keeper and attach one to opposite ends of the stitched fabric, one on the front and one on the back. These are now ready to wrap around chargers to keep your home tidy and organized.

Memory Game

If you have kiddos around, making a board game and using the chance to upcycle fabric is truly killing two birds with one stone. This is an extremely simple project. Find fabric scraps in different colors and patterns, ensuring that none of them are too close to one another. Cut each fabric scrap into two circles. Hot glue the circles each onto their own square of cardstock paper.

The beauty of this game is that you can make it as easy or as challenging as you want, depending on the age of your kids. Make as many matches as you have fabric for. You also may want to laminate your cards after the hot glue dries to make them more durable.

Light Switch Covers

A person pressing a light switch

If you want to add some serious flair to any room with an easy project, all you need is some beautifully patterned fabric scraps. Covering your light switch plate with an eccentric fabric is sure to make your room unique and serves as an eye-catching accent.

To complete this project, trace your plastic light switch cover on the backside of your fabric scrap, allowing a half inch of extra fabric around all sides. Mark the light switch space with an “X” so you know where to cut out a space for it. Cut around the edges as appropriate.

Brush a thin layer of mod podge onto the fabric, then carefully affixing it to the light switch cover. Fold the edges over the cover and brush mod podge over the fabric until it’s completely covered and firmly stuck down. Use a craft knife to cut out the center of the switch hole and use the same knife to poke through where the screw holes are located.

Brush another layer of mod podge onto the front and back of the switch cover and let it dry. After that, it’s ready for use.

These projects are easy yet impactful in the fact that they make a difference in any home and make it easier to create less waste, upcycling fabric scraps for the better.