Ever find yourself overwhelmed by those little fabric scraps you just can’t bear to toss away? I mean, I know I'm not the only one who feels a pang of guilt every time I see a beautiful piece of fabric go to waste! So, I thought, why not craft some adorable bookmarks? Not only would these little treasures keep my place in my favorite books, but they’d be a sweet reminder of the projects that once were. And let’s be honest, what could be more satisfying than transforming tiny remnants into something useful and pretty? Just yesterday, I pulled out an old floral print that reminded me of my grandmother’s sewing room — it felt like a hug from the past. Doesn’t that make you want to dive into your fabric stash and create something meaningful?
Items You’ll Need
- Fabric Scraps
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Fusible Interfacing
- Iron
- Cutting Mat
- Rotary Cutter
- Ruler
- Fabric Glue or Hot Glue Gun
- Embellishments (e.g. buttons, ribbons, etc.)
- Soundproofing Spray or Fabric Paint
- Paper for Template Making
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
I'll start by gathering all my equipment. I have my fabric scraps, scissors, sewing machine, thread, fusible interfacing, iron, cutting mat, rotary cutter, ruler, fabric glue, embellishments, soundproofing spray, and paper for templates ready to go!
Step 2: Decide on Bookmark Size
I think a good size for a bookmark is about 2 inches by 6 inches. I'll grab my ruler and cutting mat to measure and cut the fabric.
Step 3: Cut the Fabric Scraps
Using my rotary cutter, I'll cut out rectangles from my fabric scraps measuring 2" x 6". I’ll choose fun patterns and colors that will make the bookmarks pop!
Step 4: Prepare the Interfacing
Next, I'll cut matching pieces of fusible interfacing that are slightly smaller than my fabric cutouts. This will add some stability to my bookmarks.
Step 5: Iron the Interfacing
I’ll place the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric and press it with my iron to fuse them together. This will give my bookmarks a nice sturdy feel.
Step 6: Sew the Edges
Now I’ll take my sewing machine and sew around the edges of each bookmark with a straight stitch. I’ll leave a small gap to turn them inside out.
Step 7: Turn Them Inside Out
I’ll carefully turn the bookmarks right side out, making sure the corners are pushed out nicely for a crisp look.
Step 8: Sew the Opening Closed
Using a needle and thread, or back at the sewing machine, I’ll close up the small opening I left earlier. My bookmarks are taking shape!
Step 9: Embellish the Bookmarks
Time for the fun part! I’ll get creative and add buttons, ribbons, or small charms to embellish my bookmarks. I think a little ribbon at the top will look fantastic!
Step 10: Apply Soundproofing Spray or Fabric Paint
If I want to be extra fancy, I might use soundproofing spray on certain areas or fabric paint to add some artistic designs. I'll take my time here to make them unique.
Step 11: Create Templates for More Designs
While I’m at it, I'll use my paper to make templates for future bookmarks. I’ll cut out different shapes and sizes to mix things up next time.
Step 12: Final Touches
I’ll give everything a final press with the iron to smooth out any wrinkles. Now, my fabric scrap bookmarks are finished and look absolutely adorable!
Step 13: Enjoy and Share!
I can’t wait to use my new bookmarks! Maybe I’ll even gift some to friends or use them in my favorite books. Crafting these was such a joy!