Create your own fabric hang-ups
Ever thought about using wardrobe leftovers to spruce up your space?
There are actually lots of quick and simple ways we can upcycle our unwanted, old, or damaged clothes and fabrics to save them from going in the bin. These may include things like patchwork bags, tapestry hangings, pencil cases, pouches, tote bags, fabric wall frames, rag-rugs, Macrame, cosmetics bags, fabric hang-ups and loads more!
Check out this guide written created by Kenny at Moss Side’s Social Stitching Group - as part of our Community Support offer - to learn how to create your own unique fabric hang-up and give your home some thrifty glam…
What is a shaped fabric hang-up?
A shaped fabric hang-up is a type of hanging decoration which could be hung on a wall in your home, or it could be stuffed with dried lavender flowers to keep your home smelling sweet, especially when placed in your wardrobe, drawers, or under your bed.
Fabric hang-ups are one of the simplest scrap fabric projects and can be made by anyone, and they can be made in any shape by reusing our unwanted fabrics.
Why should I reuse my unwanted fabrics?
Thrown away fabric and textiles have a huge impact on climate change. The majority of our thrown away clothes are sent to landfill where they contribute to a global carbon footprint. A report by Common Objective found that 57% of the world’s unwanted clothing is sent to landfill.
When clothes are sent to landfill, it takes about 20 to 200 years to decompose them, and London recycles states, “textiles can take hundreds of years to decompose and can release methane and CO2 gas into the atmosphere as part of this process”.
So, turning our unwanted textiles into something useful can help to give them a second life and benefit the environment too.
How to make a shaped fabric hang-up (step by step)
What will I need?
Pattern (see below).
Unwanted fabric (note: it can be any type of textile).
Pinking Shears (basic shears / scissors can be used, alternatively).
Dried lavender (for fragrance).
Tiny cuts of unwanted soft fabrics, e.g. velvet, cotton, wool, etc (for stuffing).
36cm by 2cm strap (for hanging).
Sewing machine or hand Needle (for stitching).
Step 1:
Print out the shape pattern (template provided in the link below). Do this by printing each shape to fit in half a page of an A4 size piece of paper. In absence of a printer or if you would like a different shape, simply trace the desired shape on to half a page of an A4 size paper. Cut out the shape and use as a template for the fabrics.
Step 2:
Place the cut-out pattern / template on the unwanted fabric, then cut out using the pinking shears or scissors. The pinking shears will gives it a beautiful border.
Step 3:
Pin the cut-out fabric shapes with the reverse sides together, stitch around the outer edge, allowing a 0.7cm seam allowance and leave a 2cm gap for stuffing.
Step 4:
Flip the fabric in on itself and fill with the tiny cut soft fabric scraps. Remember to add dried lavender in between the filling. Afterwards, stitch the remaining gap together
Step 5:
Using pinking shears or scissors, cut out a 36cm length by 2cm width of a different unwanted fabric (preferably a strong one). This is used for the strap or ribbon. Note: the same fabric used for the stuffed shape can equally be used, in absence of a strong fabric.
Step 6:
Fold the 36cm length of cut out strap fabric in half and stitch to the top of the stuffed shape to form an 18cm long hanging loop.
Step 7:
Lastly, hang the finished shaped fabric hang-up on the wall in any part of the house or place in the wardrobe, drawers, or under the bed.
Let’s say no to textile waste and play our part in helping Manchester to become a zero-carbon city by 2038!
Download the printable pattern template here.
References:
Common Objectives (2018) ‘Ethical Fashion Group’ cited online at: Clothing Waste Statistics & Facts | Sustainable Fashion (commonobjective.co)
London recycles (2024) cited online at: Londonrecycles.co.uk
