How to Make a Scrap Fabric Ornament (Beginner friendly upcycle project)

Turn your leftover fabric into a cute handmade ornament! This project is perfect for using up tiny scraps, learning simple hand stitches and creating something meaningful from materials that would've gone to waste! 

Here's how to make your own heart-shaped felt ornament, but you can create any shape you like!

What You'll Need:

  • Scrap fabric (I'm using felt, but any scrap fabric will do!)
  • Paper + Pencil
  • Needle
  • Embroidery Thread
  • Scissors
  • Stuffing (Any soft material, I used scrap paper)
  • Small piece of string or ribbon for hanging the loop

Step 1: Draw and Cut Your Shape

On a piece of paper, sketch the shape you want, hearts, stars, circles, anything!!

Your shape will need two sides, so either:

    • Trace the same shape twice on your fabric, or
    • Fold your fabric and cut once for two identical pieces

I went with a simple heart shape using leftover felt

Step 2: Prepare your thread

Thread your needle with embroidery thread and tie a knot at the end.

Embroidery thread is thicker than normal thread which gives off that cute handmade look

Step 3: Start Sewing with Blanket Stitch

Place your two fabric pieces together.

Starting at one side, begin sewing around the edge using a blanket stitch

This decorative stitch keeps the two layers secure and adds a lovely border around your shape.

Step 4: Stitch Around the Edge

Continue blanket stitching around your shape, keeping your stitches evenly spaced. 

Aim to close about 3/4 of the ornament, leaving a gap for stuffing

Step 5: Add Your Stuffing

Once you're about 3/4 the way around, stop sewing

Gently open the gap and add the inners (soft fabric scraps, left over yarn, or in my case scrap paper that was headed to the bin!)

Fill it enough to give your ornament some shape, but not so much that the stitching stretches

Step 6: Finish Stitching the Shape Closed

Continue your blanket stitch until you reach back to where you started

Secure the thread with a small knot and hide the end inside the ornament if possible

Step 7: Add a Hanging Loop

Cut a small piece of string or ribbon 

Fold it into a loop and sew it or tie it to a top stitch on the ornament.

 

Now it's ready to hang on your tree, keys, car mirror, or wherever you desire! 

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