Sewing Stashbusters: 25 great ways to use up your fabric leftovers

by Kate Haxell

It's a perennial problem for you have a little fabric left over from a major project, too much to throw it away and not enough for another big make. Sewing Stashbusters has the eco-friendly answer, 25 projects specially chosen to use up the odd metre or less of fabric, so you'll have a clear stash drawer and a clear conscience. To keep you organised while you craft, there are pincushions, knitting bags, and a knitting needle roll. For when you are out and about, you might want to make yourself some garden bunting, or a patchwork coat for your dog. For your wardrobe, make a pretty tie-on collar with buttons from your store, or sew-on patches for your denim. And at home you can make a cat-shaped doorstop or a Dachshund draft excluder. Pockets, pouches and purses can be made in contrasting pieces of fabric, while puffs and rosettes will use up even the smallest pieces in your stash.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2021

About the author

Kate Haxell learned to sew at an early age, making clothes for her long-suffering teddy bears. Her skills have sharpened since and she now sews for real people. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Irene Adler · Rating 3 out of 5]

More scrap busting than stash busting, but that is a good thing in any case.

I did think at first these projects would only appeal to those with a bo-ho, chintzy, patchwork aesthetic - which is what you get in the photos. But if you only sew with natural coloured linen, then your scraps are all natural coloured linen and the same projects would have that vibe. More imagination required, but possible.

The book has an introduction, 4 chapters and reference pages:

Intro

Ch 1 - At Home:
- Pillowcases from larger scraps - this is the project that got me thinking 'but if it weren't in bright coloured floral fabric, how would it look?' I think these would suit any interior decor in fabric to suit
- Lavender bags - meh, although a bit less old-fashioned than usual
- Hexie cushion - basically English paper piecing
- Bolster pillow
- Cat door stop - I'm wondering if that would stay upright? It's very high for the width and possibly top heavy. Plus - filled with dried lentils? Hmmm
- Sausage dog draft excluder / tea cosy / oven glove

Ch 2 - Out and About:
- Storage pouch - bit too much time and effort for a simple project for me, but you do you. Useful, though I would streamline the making.
- Safe storage belt - cool, although finding the right belt parts might be a struggle. Recycled one used in example.
- Damp proof picnic mat - I've made things very similar as play-mats for babies for friends.
- Washbag / tote bag
- Bunting - I hate how bad balloons and tinsel etc are for the environment. Make reusable bunting once and done for all future celebrations and events.

Ch 3 - To Wear
- Apron / Peter Pan Collar / Big Bow Hairband / Dog Coat
- Obi Belt - not really, but it is reminiscent of how an obi belt looks
- Sew on patches - I use this method of making patching all the time. Sooo much better than ready made patches as you pick the size, fabric weight and pattern.

Ch 4 - For Crafters
- Sewing Kit - Doesn't everyone use an old biscuit tin for this? Really? This is nicer and the built in pincushion chair arm cover is gold. Tempting.
- Knitter's bucket bag / pin cushion (more English paper piecing, small enough project to see if you can be faffed) / Knitting needle storage roll / thimble necklace pin cushion - for those that like pretty as well as functional, and can be bothered.

Techniques as needed for projects in the book (includes some simple crochet) / Templates / Suppliers (US and UK only, some online) / Index

Lots of good size illustrations with written steps underneath, plus final product photos. A really nicely laid out set of projects.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book for small stash-busting projects. My favorite is the quilt that combines patchwork fabric with crochet granny squares (Damp-Proof Picnic Mat p 41). I've honestly never seen that, and I think I've seen a lot! Plentiful photos, clear illustrations and projects that run from kinda kooky (Cat Doorstop) to very useful (Double-sided Oven Glove, Knitter's Bucket Bag).

[Tina Ambury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear instructions. Library loan for the knitters bucket bag.