Books filled with upholstery samples can be a source of fabric gifts and treasures. Instead of simply tossing upholstery samples in the trash, consider the following creative ways to use upholstery samples. Fabric upholstery samples can be used to make everything from scented sachets to fabric-covered boxes. They are great for group projects and well-worth saving and using in countless creative ways.
Scented Sachets
Beautiful scented sachets can be tucked away in closets or drawers or displayed on doorknobs or hooks. In any case they make great gifts for family and friends. Upholstery samples can be used in many creative ways, and one of the best ways involves scented beads or potpourri, ribbon, and lace. Also required is a needle and thread. A sewing machine is not required. Simply hand-sew three sides together using small stitches inside out. Turn it right side out, and fill it with aroma beads or fragrant potpourri. Lastly, fill up the pouch made with upholstery samples, and sew the opening closed. Sew on a piece of lace or ribbon for the sachet. Attach peel and stick flat-back faux jewels or sew on seed beads to further enhance scented sachets made from upholstery samples.
Placemats
When looking for creative ways to use upholstery samples, consider making unique placemats. Buy plain inexpensive placemats and iron-on interfacing to fuse the fabrics. Cut and position the fusion material, and carefully place the upholstery samples over the interfacing while leaving no gaps. Iron the upholstery fabric on the lowest setting possible to fuse the samples to the placemat. This will create a unique checkerboard affect, and no one will ever guess the placemats were decorated with upholstery samples.
Fancy Fabric Boxes
Sturdy cardboard boxes look absolutely beautiful when embellished with fabric. Use cigar boxes or lightweight wooden boxes, and cover them box with upholstery samples in coordinating colors. Glue on the fabric using small amounts of clear craft glue. Overlap the pieces and turn them in various directions. Finish the boxes by lining them with felt or velvet. This fancy box covered with upholstery samples will look amazing. Make several boxes to give as gifts, or consider selling them online or at a local craft show.
Doll Pillows and Clothing
Little girl’s love to dress their dolls in stylish clothing, and they love to play house with pillows and other accessories. When looking for ways to use upholstery samples, consider making doll pillows and no-sew clothing. Pillows can be hand sewn and stuffed, and shirts can be made by cutting an opening for the head and attaching a ribbon to the back of the waist to form a belt.
These are just some of the ways in which upholstery samples can be used to make creative crafts of many different types. Try the aforementioned ideas, and come up with some of your own. These creative ways to use upholstery samples will spark many more new ideas that will help you make something useful out of ordinary fabric rectangles and squares that might have otherwise been thrown in the trash.
