Don't let those valuable strips of fabric go to waste! Leftover quilt binding can be creatively repurposed for a variety of projects, from small sewing endeavors to practical household organization, ensuring every last inch of your fabric finds a purpose.
Why Keep Leftover Quilt Binding?
Discarding excess fabric, especially perfectly cut strips of quilt binding, often feels wasteful. Even if you don't frequently make scrap quilts where these strips could be seamlessly integrated, there are numerous ways to give them a new life. Keeping them on hand supports sustainability, reduces waste, and provides a readily available resource for future small projects or quick fixes.
Creative Quilting and Sewing Projects
Leftover binding is perfect for adding a professional touch or creating entirely new, smaller items. These projects are excellent for honing skills and using up those smaller pieces.
Small Project Ideas
- Mini Quilts & Mug Rugs: Short lengths of binding are ideal for finishing the edges of miniature quilts, coasters, or mug rugs, adding a polished look to these quick makes.
- Potholders & Trivets: Give your kitchen accessories a coordinated or contrasting edge with leftover binding. It provides a durable and attractive finish.
- Quilt Labels: Create custom, handmade labels for your finished quilts. A small strip of binding can be folded, stitched, and then attached to the back of your quilt to sign your work.
- Piping & Decorative Accents: Use binding strips as piping to add definition to cushions, bags, or apparel. They can also serve as decorative straps or loops for hanging items.
- Fabric Baskets & Bowls: Coil and stitch longer strips together to form unique and sturdy fabric baskets or bowls, perfect for organizing your sewing supplies or small items.
- Scrap Quilts: While not always practical for every quilter, longer strips can be pieced together to create borders, sashing, or even incorporated into the blocks of a larger scrap quilt design.
- Bookmarks: Stitch a binding strip into a simple, durable bookmark for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
For more inspiration on using fabric scraps in quilting, explore resources like Missouri Star Quilt Company's scrap project ideas.
Innovative Household & Organizational Uses
Beyond traditional sewing, leftover quilt binding offers practical solutions for everyday living, helping to keep your home tidy and adding a touch of handmade charm.
Smart Solutions for Everyday Living
- Cord Management: One incredibly practical solution is to use these strips for cord management around your home or sewing studio. They are perfect for neatly tying up unruly cords for your iron, sewing machine, or phone chargers when they're not in use, helping to keep your spaces organized and free of tangles.
- Gift Wrapping Ties: Replace traditional ribbon with a fabric strip for a unique, eco-friendly, and personal touch on gifts.
- Book & Journal Markers: A simple binding strip can be turned into a durable and attractive marker for books or journals.
- Key Fobs & Lanyards: Stitch a loop or attach hardware to create personalized key fobs or small lanyards.
- Hair Ties & Headbands: If the fabric is soft and flexible, binding strips can be fashioned into comfortable hair ties or headbands.
- Pet Toys: Braid several strips together to create durable tug toys for pets (ensure the fabric is safe and doesn't unravel easily).
Tips for Storing Leftover Binding
To make the most of your leftover binding, proper storage is key:
- Categorize by Color or Length: Group similar colors or lengths together to easily find what you need for your next project.
- Roll or Fold Neatly: Keep strips from tangling by rolling them into small bundles or folding them flat.
- Use Clear Containers: Store your binding in clear bins, jars, or drawers so you can quickly see your inventory and get inspired.
