Of course, rag rugs come to mind right away. Once, in a craft store, I saw a “machine” that would use long strips of fabric sewn together to scrunch them up into strips of scrunchie looking material which was sewn together to make rugs. Try this link
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/treasure/msg112240477894.html

here it is again in case my html didn’t work:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/treasure/msg112240477894.html

With small amounts of scrap, one might be able to make fabric yarn, as shown here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ihanna/183962989/

There also appear to be many online buyers interested in larger quantities of fabric scraps. For instance: http://www.alibaba.com/manufacturer/14968147/Fabric.html

I have no idea how such large scale transactions would work or what the buyers plan to do with the scraps, but it might be worth some investigation.

Quilts!!!

If you want to make some cash, cut the scraps up into the same size and ebay them, a lot of people will pay for pre-cut quilting squares. If not, you could even just sell a bag at a time.

For larger scraps, quilts are the way to go, but for those smaller pieces that there’s no way you can sew, I’d suggest leaving them out for birds to use for nesting material. Of course this would only work for the scraps of a small individual project, not a large company. For them I’d suggest looking into a recycling program. Cloth makes a great insulator too, so diversifying into that area might be something to consider as well.

I understand that only natural fibres should be left out for nesting material.

I have used tiny scraps to decoupage boxes for storage. Just apply with Modge Podge and a brush. They look like a crazy quilt design and have a nice shiny finish that holds up well.

As for larger amounts of fabric, senior centers and quilting groups look for fabrics for charitable quilting.

Mary

If you have lots (and lots!!)of little bits, maybe you could use them to stuff cushions, or soft toys, if you are into making those sorts of things.

Regarding the e-bay suggestion above, you don’t need to cut the fabric into little bits. Yardage sells nicely on e-bay, even small pieces, as long as you don’t price things too dear. If you’ll have a steady supply, an e-bay store is the way to go as the listing fee is much lower and the listing duration much longer.

Hi Linda,

I am Carol (artsiecl) …..I wonder what the difference is in E-bay and an e-bay store….guess we have to pay more for the ebay store…huh?

email if you like……I have loads of all types of fabric….old denim too…….and loads of decorator fabric something like 30×30 inch pieces ….. I am artsiecl@yahoo.com email if you will…..

Have you got a local “scrap store” that provides schools and youth groups with materials for various craft projects?
I’ve used the one in Nottingham and found material scraps make wonderful beads. Smaller children can make fantastic collages with tiny pieces — particularly is the material is of different weights and fibre.

wasteonline.org has useful info on this including textile banks and charitable organisations. They make the point that your local council’s recycling officer should have information on what’s available locally.

Ask your local charity shops just what they’ll accept. Ask local schools if they can use fabric for textiles classes (do they still have Art & Textiles classes at schools?) I bet primary schools can use scraps for class projects. And Ebay. Seriously. Especially if there are large pieces, but I’ve seen scraps sold online, too.

There is a fabric manufacturer here in Dallas that gives away bags of scraps using Craigslist. They advertise in the FREE section and are specific about when you have to get there. They bag it in 50lb bags of mixed scrap and they do not allow you to sort through the bags.

I’ve been tempted many times to go down and get one because I do a lot of art dolls, but just haven’t done it yet.

Hi Elise,

I used to collect stuff to make dolls (was going to make pillows with doll faces and necklines on them)….tip, you can use pretty lace (heavy cotton and all) from clothing from garage sales. Also you can buy old ultra-suede clothing a light tan and paint or dye it different colors and have lots of variety…….carol ….

artsiecl@yahoo.com

this is a good way to recycled fabric. So it won’t waste money.

If you have enough scraps you can make the haybox/fireless oven that someone suggested under moulded polysterene. I’m living in a country with tailors on every street corner, just desperate to get rid of their scraps, and so I’m about to investigate this idea with the help of an old basket and these scraps.

What i do woth little bits of scrap material is :
#1 Look for ideas on the internet
(Thats how i came to this)
#2 Make bookmarks and to proit off them sell them. Be a Entrupernuer or however you spell that!

if anybody has extra scraps they are intrested in getting rid of , i can use them !!! no smaller peices than 4 x4 please tho , i am helping out with a cancer group making quilts for sick patients …. if anybody is willing to donate email me at
bearbeard@comcast.net

You can put tiny scraps out in the yard for birds to use when they create their nests.

You can scrunch the fabric sinto balls, and either sew them or wrap wires to keep them in that shape. Then you can sew them together to make gorgeous necklace and bracelets, or just connect them to hooks for festive earrings. More detailed instructions on http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/fabric_ball_necklace