5 ways to MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FABRIC !

[@patriciaingram803]

Thanks so much for the tips. You are very inspiring and know what you’re doing too!

[@sosewmad]

You’re most welcome if you need any help let me know

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

Wonderful and very useful tips Cara! For my woven scraps - even drappy ones like viscose, I've started making matching small crossover bags, clutches, and depending on the garment, beach bags! I also like to use my scraps for hair bands or matching gift bags for when I make pajamas or shirts as gifts for friends and family.

[@sosewmad]

That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks for getting in touch

[@angelavorhees5946]

Thanks for the tips, especially useful to those of us still contemplating fashion sewing. 😊 I am a quilter and home dec sewist. Love that blouse you are wearing. Looks very nice on you. And I really like your haircut. You're quite the stylish lady.

[@sosewmad]

I thank you for your kind words it’s lovely to have you here. I wish I could quilt but it doesn’t interest me in the way that sewing does. 😊

[@seamist8228]

I agree with you. The fabric is beautiful.

[@megroberts2395]

So useful!! Thanks so much 🙏

[@sosewmad]

You’re welcome it’s lovely to hear from you

[@marciahighsmith4820]

I love the idea of cutting out all the things you can. I used to always cut out continuous bias and then I would use it in place of facings on more casual clothing. I kept it rolled on cards from store bought bias. Mine was always nicer. Thanks for the tips. They were great! Thank you so much!

[@sosewmad]

Thank you for getting in touch. It’s so lovely to hear from you

[@catherinepritchard489]

Great watchable video as always. Your blouse is fab too.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you so much!

[@caroldavies6666]

Cara I love all of your vlogs but I have to say this one has given me lots of inspiration. Now feel ready to take a fresh look through my scraps/remnants. Feeling adventurous😂

[@sosewmad]

Oh that’s so lovely! I’m glad that you found my thoughts useful, have fun with your fabric, its such a brilliant hobby, keep me posted

[@sewingseamswithdeb]

Brilliant video with somegreT tips. I love watching you and listening to your gorgeous accent. ❤❤❤

[@sosewmad]

That’s very kind, thank you it’s lovely to hear from you

[@dialuario514]

Cara, loved all these tips and seeing everything you’ve made using these tips. Also, your hair looks great! ❤ Di

[@sosewmad]

Thank you so much Diane. Hope you’re keeping well it’s always so lovely to hear from you thank you!

[@AvrilBrown-ld6gm]

Hi Cara - I found that really useful and have made a note of your tips. So thank you 😊

[@sosewmad]

You’re welcome! It’s lovely to hear from you x

[@stellaberrelly5377]

Thank you Cara I thoroughly enjoyed watching and such useful tips which I am sure will be very handy. 👏🏻

[@sosewmad]

You’re more than welcome it’s lovely to hear from you

[@catherinepritchard489]

I used some leftover but precious silk satin for the pocket bags on my Thea trousers recently. Very satisfying not to waste expensive fabric. Lovely to chat over the cutting table yesterday and your jacket was great too.

[@sosewmad]

It was an absolute pleasure to meet you, we’re so lucky to have this hobby to bring us together 😊

[@annemarks5943]

Great tips, especially number 5. Will certainly be using that one.

[@sosewmad]

thank you for getting in touch. It’s lovely to have you here

[@chriswatson1698]

I have been using three of your techniques for a long time. I don't use bias binding. I am a facing person and I have garments with joins in the facings and in the inside of cuffs Now that I am a size 18, I have to buy twice my length for trousers, on 150cm fabric. When I was younger and wore size 12, the pattern pieces fitted side by side if one was placed upside down. So, to save a lot of money on making trousers: - stay thin.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you for getting in touch it’s lovely to hear from you xx

[@suecouch3636]

Love your videos Cara. You inspire me. This video about making the most of your fabric was great - very helpful for the newer sewers. I particularly love the contrasting facings etc you put in your garments. I think it gives the garments further style and flair.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you sue, it’s lovely to hear from you, have a great week

[@sewsarahstyle]

Great vlog thank you! you know I always try and make as much as I can co ord wise!!!😅

[@sosewmad]

Lol definitely! Thank you

[@leannekenna]

Love the practical ideas, and happy to see that I am on track and using the same tactics. 🤗

[@sosewmad]

It’s great to share ideas together. Glad you enjoyed the video. Lovely to hear from you.

[@Barefootsewer]

Brilliant vlog. Love your blouse , the colours really suits you

[@sosewmad]

Thank you so much it’s lovely to hear from you

[@houseinnorthcarolina9439]

Cara, what a helpful video. Thank you. Suzanne

[@sosewmad]

You’re welcome it’s always lovely to hear from you. I’m curious what’s the weather doing in your neck of the woods?

[@sewmytroublesaway]

I love the tip to use the scraps right away after cutting out the main project. I hate having remnant pieces lying around waiting to get forgotten about. I'm hoping to get a little repertoire of patterns that aren't too fabric hungry and not too particular about fabric type.

[@sosewmad]

I love your handle, I think that’s brilliant so my troubles away that would describe me very well! Thank you for your lovely words. Lovely to hear from you.

[@sewmytroublesaway]

@@sosewmad thank you 😍 I love your handle too! 🤩

[@yvonneimms9762]

Great tips, thanks Cara. Collar stands are a great way to use up fabric with co-ordinating button bands. I also use remnants of silk for the front of a blouse and use a contrasting colour jersey for the back and sleeves.

[@sosewmad]

Thank You Yvonne,they are perfect examples of how to use it and make the most of your fabric , brilliant!

[@sewmytroublesaway]

I also like getting different colourways of the same fabric, that go well together, and then I can colour block another garment when the remnants aren't big enough to make a whole project by themselves.

[@sosewmad]

Oh that’s a great idea. I absolutely love that.

[@kaseycruze3662]

I’ve been sewing quilt as you go placemats this week. I absolutely love small projects and being able to use fabrics from my stash! I’ve not sewn a garment in many years, but your lovely blouse is giving me ideas! ❤️❤️

[@sosewmad]

Thank you so much it’s lovely to hear from you

[@annerobinson647]

Thanks Cara. Great tips.

[@sosewmad]

You are so welcome!

[@AnnFHallahan]

Another tip, use different fabric / scraps in same colourway in a top/blouse. Add several smaller pieces together to make one big piece then use this to cut out the pattern required. Fab vlog as always, thank you

[@sosewmad]

Oh, I love that as an idea, thank you very much I’ll be adding that to my list!

[@angelahurst6963]

Thank you Cara for some very helpful tips. I’m just getting back into sewing after a 20 year hiatus.😊

[@sosewmad]

Have fun and enjoy every second!

[@KarenScott6]

Hi Cara, it was super meeting you today. All but your last tip I do. But that last tip makes so much sense. I have loads of bits around a metre in my stash and I never get around to using them. Thank you

[@sosewmad]

It was so lovely to meet you too, wasn’t it’s such a special occasion!

[@lisagandola2254]

Thank you for these tips. I hate wasting fabric. Also, i often buy a fabric with a certain pattern in mind then i change my mind and find myself having to do pattern tetris because the pattern requires more fabric than i actually have🤦‍♀️

[@sosewmad]

Lol we’ve definitely all been there! Lovely to hear from you thank you

[@marilynkelly315]

Great ideas, thank you xx

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Marilyn it’s lovely to hear from you

[@clairerosey9921]

I love the tips! Can I just say that it’s really really important to check that you have every pattern piece cut out correctly prior to cutting into the left over fabric, especially if you seem to have saved more than you thought you would. Finding you only have one sleeve is never fun so if you have cut anything out on single layer double and triple check you have everything. Sounds obvious but it happens!

[@sosewmad]

That’s brilliant advice thank you. I’ve definitely done that and it’s so frustrating.!

[@clairerosey9921]

@@sosewmad I have ADHD so you can imagine how many times I can check something and still do it wrong 🤦🏻‍♀️.

[@annielovesvintage]

I also think if you are buying fabric especially it’s sometimes worth measuring the pattern pieces first. I cut a Summer in New York Dress out of 1.4m of fabric when the pattern said I needed 3m. Mainly because I got two skirt pieces side by side, but I also think pattern companies really over estimate the amount of fabric you need.

[@sosewmad]

That’s fabulous advice xx

[@aldonastraczek]

Hello Cara, when i have really small pieces of fabric, i Will make clothes for small kids as many friends still have some; therefore, whenever i annot buy less than 1m of jersey, i willl cut a small tshirt and sew it up at the same time as mine esp since my machine will be threaded in the right colour

[@sosewmad]

Ah, that’s perfect I hadn’t thought about making clothes for children. I don’t have any small people in my life but what a great idea. I hope others read that and it helps them to

[@sandrarj6429]

Some really great tips there. I just want to add that you should consider if the type of fabric you're cutting out is suitable for the pattern. Consider fabric weight and wearability, texture against the skin, etc. I've made a few bad choices in the past and had to throw them away or make them into something else.

[@sosewmad]

Great tip, absolutely, nothing worse than realising the fabric is just not right for the project, I’ve definitely done that!

[@nicky-Sewandsnip]

Great tips Cara.

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Nicky

[@janicereilly514]

Hi Cara, some great ideas there. I have been sewing intermittently for about 50yrs (I don't feel that old 😂) but I still tend to follow the lay plans. I am always a bit concerned that I will be off grain and as I am usually a size 20 you cannot always fold the fabric to the middle for 2 on fold/on grain items but will definitely think more about using scraps for facings/pockets etc x

[@sosewmad]

Hi, it’s so lovely to hear from you. I’m glad I’ve given you some ideas.

[@jennetthamilton971]

I recently made a long sleeved tshirt. Unfortunately no matter how I laid out the pattern there wasn't enough fabric for the long sleeves. I cut the sleeves as long as possible, then using the scraps I pattern matched those to make the sleeves longer. It took some time and thought but unless I point it out, the seam where i needed to join the matched pieces together isn't noticeable. I've also used a remnant piece of fabric on the inside of a waistband, on the underside of a collar and the cuffs and the inside of the collarband when not having quite enough fabric. I plan on making a blouse from a piece of silk fabric i found at a thrift store. I know i dont have quite enough fabric for the pattern i want to use so I'm using a contrasting fabric for the front and back yokes. Because the silk is a multi coloured check, i picked out one colour from those checks for the contrast. I also couldn't find silk so i decided to go with sheer fabric. My new top is going to be totally unique! Thanks for all the wonderful tips.

[@sosewmad]

Wow I absolutely love the sound of all those wonderful tips how fabulous to make your fabric go so far. I hope others read your comment so they can share with your knowledge. Thank you

[@clairec20]

Thanks Cara for a great vlog. Your top is lovely ❤

[@sosewmad]

Thank you so much it’s lovely to hear from you

[@gayprendergast7102]

Love your outfit...great colours on U.

[@sosewmad]

That’s very kind lovely to have you here

[@AudreyDicks-z6l]

Thank you, very helpful vlog !!

[@sosewmad]

No problem at all it’s lovely to have you here

[@suebrown5500]

Great tips! I’m in the process of making a striped shirt cut on the bias and hoping it works. Great idea to cut another project straight away from the left overs - particularly as sometimes the pieces are an awkward shape and finding the grainline after they’ve been put away and folded /crumpled is quite hard work. You could do some crazy quilting too. Btw I love your blouse - what is that glorious fabric please and do you happen to know if it’s still available. Thanks again, Sue ❤ SewfarSuegood

[@sosewmad]

Thank you for your lovely words Sue, and thank you so much for buying me a kofi I really appreciate your support. Unfortunately I brought this last year so it’s unlikely to be available, but check out the @dottodotstudio in East Hoathly in case they still have it xx

[@jenniferewart]

Thanks Cara, great tips. I have recently started to use any remaining fabric immediately after cutting out my main project. Just got so fed up with having so many remnant pieces hanging around ! I now have numerous boxy tops, the Remy Raglan top being one of them . Love your Hannah blouse, do you happen to know if there is a sew along available, I remember you saying in a previous vlog that it was a tricky sew ?

[@sosewmad]

Thank you for your kind words sadly I haven’t seen a sew long for the Hannah blouse so sorry about that, but take your time and it does make Sense eventually!

[@tracyfrost]

Cara what is the blouse you are wearing please? I also love the fabric.

[@sosewmad]

Hi Tracey I’m wearing the Hannah blouse by Atelier June, the fabric was purchased last year I’m afraid and no longer in stock

[@houseinnorthcarolina9439]

Cara, what is the pattern you used for the top you made with the grown-on sleeve. I thought you said Elbe Pullover, but I can't find the pattern online. Suzanne

[@sosewmad]

Hi Suzanne, the top that I’m referring to is the LB pullover by paper theory patterns it’s so versatile!

[@ClaudiaHeggie]

Hi Cara, I very much liked your post. Great advice. A question though: Is it a general rule that apart from 2 way stretch, velvet one can cut all other fabrics also against the grainline, it won't affect the drape? Claudia

[@sosewmad]

Hi, thanks for getting in touch you’re absolutely right there are some fabrics where the drape would be affected but in my experience many viscose, cottons, lawns aren’t affected in that way, but you’d need to feel the fabric and see.

[@leeannlott1800]

Well, I am attempting to make fabric from premade clothes & linens of all sorts. I am a tall and large older woman.I have taken some shirts, bed skirts, pillow cases, etc to make tiered dresses, I am very pleased with my designs. When you open your mind to various possibilities, you have many more choices. I am also picking up remnants for color blocking and using on garments with princess seams, etc... Then I've picked up things such as drapes and table clothes they are big enough to make a hanfu style wrap skirt or pants and a jacket or vest. Also sheets. How about a 100% satin formal? There are plans to make a summer pants outfit from an imported 100% dark brown sheet. I am planning a new winter coat, also. I thrift many of my fabrics. Actually I only have 3 precious expensive fabrics for a special project. And I will be using remnants of upholstry fabrics for suit jackets. I really am stretching my money and fabrics. I am also remodeling some of my existing clothes. I think the fabric seeing a second chance is stretching the fabric.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you so much, wow there are some fabulous tips here, I hope others take time to read this, we all benefit from this, amazing, I really appreciate your support and time to tell us your tips

[@jennyturner6399]

Thanks for sharing Cara. Also, if you measure the pattern pieces before buying the fabric, you might be able to buy less fabric than the recommended amount. 💙🧶🌈🍓

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Jenny that’s a great idea! Hope you’re keeping well x