Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Sewing Mistakes
We’ve all been there – you set out with the best of intentions for your next sewing project, only to realise somewhere along the way that it’s gone wrong. Maybe you cut the fabric the wrong way, botched a seam, or accidentally shrank something beyond recognition. Whatever the case, don’t despair! Instead of throwing away your hard work and precious fabric, why not upcycle your project into something entirely new and just as rewarding?
At Fabrics Galore we have come up with some creative ways to salvage those "sewing disasters" and turn them into amazing up-cycled pieces.
Jazzy Knickers from a Failed Jersey Project
We all love working with jersey fabric for t-shirts and dresses, but sometimes things don't go according to plan. Whether you’ve sewn the sleeves unevenly or misjudged the sizing, your jersey project doesn’t have to be a total waste of time. Instead of discarding that ruined top, how about turning it into some fun and fabulous knickers?
The Acacia underwear pattern by Megan Nielsen is the perfect solution. It’s a simple project that makes use of jersey fabric remnants, and even better, the pattern is free when you sign up for Megan Nielsen’s newsletter. You can make a pair for yourself or a friend – it comes in a curvy version or kids' sizes if you’re feeling generous and making them for friends and family.
Grab the pattern and you'll never worry about wasting jersey fabric again.
Oven Gloves from a Felted Jumper
Bombazine Oven Mitt Pattern
Did you accidentally felt a beloved wool jumper in the wash? It's a heartbreaking mistake, but don't reach for the recycling bin just yet. That shrunken, dense wool fabric can be repurposed into something super useful: oven gloves!
Felted wool is fantastic for heat insulation, making it perfect for oven mitts that can protect your hands in the kitchen. Pair it with scraps from old curtains, cushions, or upholstery fabric for the outer layer, and you’ll have a unique, practical item for everyday use.
Check out the Bombazine Mitt pattern and give your jumper a second life in the form of chic, eco-friendly oven gloves. Once again, they make great gifts. We have made quite a few of these at Fabrics Galore.
Eye Mask from a Mismatched Cotton Top
We all know the feeling of sewing a gorgeous cotton top only to find out it doesn’t fit quite right, or the seams don’t line up as they should. If you’re in love with the fabric and just can’t bring yourself to throw it away, how about turning it into a bedtime eye mask?
Not only is this a quick and easy project, but it’s also a great way to enjoy your favourite fabric every night. You can even add a touch of luxury by lining the mask with silk or satin for a truly indulgent accessory.
Tilly and the Buttons offer a free eye mask pattern that’s perfect for this type of upcycling.
Floor Pouffe from Soft Furnishing Disasters
So Zo What Do You Know Floor Pouffe
Even the most carefully planned projects like curtains or blinds can sometimes go wrong. Maybe the fabric ended up not quite straight or the measurements were slightly off. Don’t worry - instead of scrapping the whole thing, why not use those soft furnishing remnants to make a floor pouffe?
A floor pouffe is not only practical but also stylish, and it’s a great way to make use of those larger fabric scraps. Whether you need extra seating for guests or a comfy footrest, a DIY pouffe can be the perfect addition to any room.
So Zo What Do You Know offers a free pattern for a floor pouffe, which is great for repurposing fabric mistakes. We love the denim version that Zoe herself made using leftovers from a patchwork denim coat, or you could even use old pairs of jeans.
Additional Ideas for Upcycling Sewing Mistakes
If none of the above projects appeal, there are plenty of other ways to upcycle your sewing mistakes:
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Fabric Bunting: If you’ve got mismatched squares or odd fabric shapes left over from a project, why not sew them into a cheerful string of bunting? It’s a great way to decorate a room, a child’s bedroom or add a festive touch to a garden party.
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Patchwork Cushions: Combine small pieces of fabric from multiple failed projects into a patchwork cushion. It’s a wonderful way to turn scraps into something beautiful and practical. See the first-class example of a cushion using our leftover brushed panama fabrics by @sewnbybruce .
- Tote Bags: Fabric that didn’t quite work for clothing or soft furnishings could be perfect for a reusable tote bag. Use leftover fabric to make stylish, eco-friendly bags for groceries or day-to-day essentials. Have a look at the By Hand London Ruffle Bag for a very pretty version of a tote bag
Share your Upcycling Ideas
Mistakes happen, even to the most experienced sewists. But with a little creativity and the right patterns, those sewing mishaps can easily turn into exciting upcycling projects. So next time something goes wrong with your sewing, resist the urge to throw it away – try one of these ideas instead and turn your mistake into a handmade treasure.
Please share your upcycled sewing projects and even the sewing disasters which led to them – we will feature as many as we can on our socials. If you are one of those skilled sewists who rarely make mistakes, you can also check out our remnants for bargain end of roll fabrics which might suit one of the upcycling projects above.
