This week, I’ve been looking at my pile of tiny offcuts and wondering what they could be used for. I really want to encourage people to use up every scrap of fabric to save as much as possible from landfill.
I decided to build up tiny scenes and hand sew them in place. And honestly… I’ve fallen in love with them and think you will too!
So, today let’s use up those tiny scraps!
How to sew a countryside scene using scraps:
You first need to cut a base piece for your scene. Try to use a medium weight material with a tight weave and minimal to no stretch. I’d recommend using linen or denim.
Gather together your tiny scrap pieces. Pick out the colours and textures you would like to include in your scene.
You can use any fabric type you like but I found stretchier fabric, such as jersey cotton, more difficult to work with so bare this in mind.
Roughly arrange your chosen pieces on the base fabric. Try moving the colours around to see what looks best next to each other. Be inspired by the fabric you have and let the scene slowly build in your mind based on what you like the look of.
Then cut the pieces into whatever shapes you like for your scene. I cut curves to make hills and straight lines to create a layered sky.
Once happy with the arrangement, it’s time to sew them in position. I pinned the pieces in place then hand embroidered round each one. I chose to use running stitch around individual pieces and blanket stitch around the entire edge.
Keep in mind the thread colour- I enjoyed matching the thread to each piece of fabric but you could choose contrast colours and make it part of the design!
Once your base scene is sewn in place, why not add some extra features? As seen above, I added a brighter yellow piece along the base to emulate a field of flowers and a little house made from a square with a triangle on top.
Keep embroidering the extra features in position till you are happy with how it looks.
I added a few French knots to the flower field but you could also sew some birds in the sky, little sheep or even a little person. There really is no limitations to what you can add!
This decided to mount this piece onto some card. If you would like to do this, I found the best way was to punch a line of holes into the card using my needle then place the piece on top and sew it in place using these holes as a guide.
And just like that your little scene is complete!
One joy of this pocket sized artwork is that you can easily carry it with you and pick it up when you have a few free moments.
I feel very excited about making a series of these embroidered scenes using different materials and sewing techniques.
If you decide to make a little scene I would love to see how it turns out in the comments below! Likewise if there is anything in particular you would like to see me make, please do leave a comment below 🙂
x
The Craft Cycle 
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