Shopping Cart
*continental US addresses only
Woven Wonders: Creative Uses for Handwoven Scraps
If you’ve been weaving for a while, chances are you’ve amassed a delightful collection of handwoven scraps. These bits and pieces, often the result of sampling or projects that didn’t quite hit the mark, might seem like mere leftovers. But in reality, they’re hidden treasures brimming with potential!
In this post, we’ll dive into three imaginative ways to breathe new life into your handwoven scraps. Discover how to craft eclectic mixed media gift tags that add a personal touch to any present, create festive holiday hoop ornaments that bring a handmade warmth to your decor, and fashion practical yet stylish mini wallets that blend functionality with the charm of handcrafted textile art.
Mixed Media Gift Tags
Before you discard those tiny bits of handwoven scraps, take a moment to reconsider. These small pieces can add a unique flair to your gifts by transforming them into handcrafted mixed media gift tags. With no strict rules and minimal supplies needed, you can let your creativity run wild. Use what you already have on hand and enjoy adding a personal, artistic touch to your presents.
Required Supplies
- Cardstock
- Scraps of handwoven wet-finished fabric ( Caveat: Tighter weaves work better than looser weaves)
- Washable Disappearing Purple Glue stick
- Yarn, jute or 1/8” ribbon
- Scissors and hole punch
Optional Supplies:
- Embellishments
- Metallic pens, sharpies, pens, watercolor pencils and/or paints
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Hot glue
The Process
1. Cut a 2” x 3.5” piece of cardstock.2. Clip off the top corners of the tag and punch a hole in the center of the top.
3. Paint the tag (optional)
4. Cut desired shape(s) from a handwoven scrap and adhere it to the tag with disappearing purple glue stick.
5. Embellish the tag further with anything you like. (Optional)
6. Cut an 8” piece of yarn, jute or 1/8” ribbon and loop it through the hole in the top of the tag
Handwoven Hoop Ornaments
Turn your handwoven scraps into the stunning centerpiece of holiday hoop ornaments. With just a few 5-inch squares of fabric and some basic supplies, you can craft beautiful ornaments that will add a touch of handmade charm to your home decor or make thoughtful, personalized gifts for special friends.
Supplies You'll Need
- 3” embroidery hoop
- 5” square of wet-finished woven fabric ( Caveat: Tighter weaves work better than looser weaves. Also, Thinner fabric, made with 8/2 yarn or smaller, works better than thicker fabric. If the fabric is too thick, the hoop won’t close.)
- 3 ½” square of felt
- Glue gun
- 12” of 1/8” - ¼” wide ribbon
- Scissors
- Optional: Embellishments, paint or stain for the hoop
The Process
1. Center the woven piece of fabric over the inner circle of the hoop. Then, place the outer circle of the hoop over the top of the inner circle and tighten the thumb screw.
2. Make the woven fabric taut by gently pulling on the edges of the fabric.
3. Trim the edges of the fabric away leaving about ½” of excess fabric around the edge of the hoop.
4. Fold the fabric over the back side of the hoop and hot glue it down along the edge of the hoop.
2. Make the woven fabric taut by gently pulling on the edges of the fabric.
3. Trim the edges of the fabric away leaving about ½” of excess fabric around the edge of the hoop.
4. Fold the fabric over the back side of the hoop and hot glue it down along the edge of the hoop.
5. Cut a circle of felt the same size as the hoop.
6. Hot glue the felt onto the back of the hoop.
7. Fold a 12” piece of ribbon in half and loop it around the thumb screw. Tie a knot on at the top of the ribbon.
6. Hot glue the felt onto the back of the hoop.
7. Fold a 12” piece of ribbon in half and loop it around the thumb screw. Tie a knot on at the top of the ribbon.
8. Optional:
- If you want to paint or stain the outer hoop, do that first.
- Once the ornament is made, decorate the woven fabric with embellishments.
- Decorate the top of the ornament with a bow or other holiday decorations.
Handwoven Mini Wallet
Years ago, I purchased a mini wallet that quickly became an indispensable part of my daily routine. Little did I know how much I would come to love this compact pouch! It holds my IDs, credit cards, gift cards, and cash, all without the need for a bulky purse. It slips effortlessly into my pocket or backpack, keeping all my essentials within easy reach.
As I gazed at my stack of handwoven scraps, inspiration struck. These colorful remnants could be transformed into perfect mini wallets. Not only are they practical, but they also double as charming gift card holders. Giving a gift card tucked in a beautiful handmade mini wallet is like presenting two gifts in one!
Supplies You'll Need
- 9.5” x 5.5” piece of wet-finished woven cloth
- 9.5” x 5.5” piece of fabric for the lining
- 9.25” x 5.25” piece of lightweight iron-on interfacing to put on the wrong side of the woven fabric if the fabric is thin.
- Fabric scissors
- Straight pins or fabric clips
- 1” x ¾” piece of Sticky Back Hook and Loop Tape. Be sure to use the type that will hold upto 5 pounds.
- Sewing machine & thread
- Optional: Rotary cutter, cutting mat and ruler
Caveats
- Yarns comparable in thickness to 8/2 and 8/4 cotton work well for this project. If the yarn is thinner, the wallet won’t be sturdy enough. If the yarn is much thicker, it will be too bulky for this project.
- If you use a piece of woven fabric with vertical stripes, align the edges of the wallet with the vertical lines of the stripes before you cut so the stripes match up when you close the wallet.
The Process
1. Prepare the materials
- Cut out a 9.5” x 5.5” piece of woven fabric and lining and a 9.25" x 5.25" piece of lightweight iron-on interfacing.
- Zigzag around the edges of the woven fabric.
- Lay the adhesive side of the interfacing on the wrong side of the woven fabric. Iron the interfacing onto the wrong side of the woven fabric following instructions on the interfacing.
- Stack the woven fabric and lining together.
- Cut off a 1 ½” half-square triangle from the top corners. If you aren’t using a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, follow these steps:
- On the top edge of the fabric, put a dot 1 ½” to the left of the top right corner and 1 ½” down from the same corner.
- Cut off the corner by connecting the dots.
- Repeat the process on the left side.
2. Construct the wallet
- With right sides facing, pin or clip together the woven fabric and lining.
- Sew a 5/8” seam allowance around the wallet, leaving a 3” opening at the bottom.
- Cut away the excess fabric at the bottom corners and around the angles on the top of the wallet. Be careful to leave a bit more than 1/8” of seam allowance at all corners and angles.
- Trim ¼” of the seam allowances of the lining. Do not trim the seam allowances of the woven fabric.
- Place the fabric on the ironing board lining side up. Fold the bottom seam allowance of the lining to the inside of the wallet and press.
- Flip the wallet over and repeat this process for the woven side.
- Turn the wallet inside out, pushing the corners all the way out so the corners and angles are sharp and press.
- Edge stitch 1/8” around the wallet, closing the opening at the bottom.
- Lay the wallet handwoven side down. Fold up 3 3/8” of the bottom of the wallet.
- Iron the fold.
- Sew the sides seams 1/8” inch each edge. Reinforce the top of each side seams where the body of the wallet connects to the flap.
- Fold the top flap over. Iron.
3. Affix the velcro
- Cut one 1” x ¾” piece of Velcro Sticky Back Tape.
- Keeping the two parts of the Velcro together, center the scratchy side on the body of the wallet and adhere it to the wallet. Press tightly.
- Fold the flap over to adhere the soft side of the Velcro to it. Press tightly.
When you need a break from the loom, why not dive into the world of creative possibilities with your handwoven scraps? These vibrant remnants hold endless potential for stunning, unique projects. Unleash your creativity and have fun as you explore opportunities to showcase your weaving through smaller handcrafted treasures.