Patchwork quilted cushions

My scrap collection was becoming a burden, so I made these patchwork quilted cushions ☺️

I try to keep my fabric stash minimal, only buying fabric for specific projects - but sometimes the recommended yardage is way off, sometimes the fabric is only sold in 3 meter lengths, and sometimes the shape of the sewing pattern pieces generates a lot of waste. I had my too-small-for-another-garment scraps separated into “pretty” (mostly GOTS or organic) and “ugly” (why did I ever buy this) bags, and a couple of places in mind for some new cushions.

I improvised patchwork cushion tops with pretty scraps, quilted them simply to some batted lining I’d bought a while ago for a project that never happened, backed them with a piece of too-thin twill I’d bought for another project, then stuffed them with shredded ugly scraps. The shredding of ugly scraps took me muuuuch longer than the rest, but I’m glad I did it - the cushions are soft and can be fluffed up like normal cushions.

I’ll buy a walking foot and a darning foot to do more interesting quilting next time (thanks @isabelle_sews and @whatnextjanet for the tips!), and it turns out I really like random patchwork with fabric I love 😍 Because I try to intentionally choose fabrics for my makes that will work with other clothes I’ve already made, I think many of these scraps look great next to each other!

I’ve emptied my huge bag of ugly scraps + overlocker waste + knitting swatches, used up most of my leftover bobbin threads, and kept a small box of pretty scraps for future patchwork projects. I’ve started cutting my old toiles into strips to make rag yarn, which I plan to try crocheting into rag baskets and drawer dividers for my crafting stuff (thanks for the ideas @shell.nico63 and @lisbeth.wahl.fiberart).

Transforming my scrap burden to pretty and practical objects is a very satisfying way to start the year! I only have a small apartment so space is really at a premium, I can’t have these taking up precious cupboard space.

#scrapbusting #scrapquilting #sewyourscraps #improvpatchwork #beginnerquilter