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Tutorial: Scrap Fabric beads A great way to use up odd fabric

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Tutorial: Scrap fabric beads

Tutorial: Scrap fabric beads

Anna from Journey into Creativity uses scrap fabric and thread to make these beautiful and colorful fabric beads.  They’d make gorgeous jewelry! Her blog is written in Greek but you can use see from the photos what to do, or you can use Google to translate it to English.

I’ve recently been diving into some fun ways to use up those fabric scraps we all have lying around, and I stumbled upon a fantastic project: making fabric beads. It’s a super easy and relaxing craft that turns those leftover bits into adorable, customizable beads for jewelry or decorations.?

Why Fabric Beads?

Well, if you’re like me, you hate wasting even the tiniest piece of pretty fabric. These beads are a perfect solution! They’re lightweight, soft, and you can make them in any color or pattern you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your accessories.?

 

All you need are some fabric scraps and thread. Take a small piece of fabric and roll it into a tight ball, just like you would with clay or playdough. Once you have the desired size, start wrapping it with thread to hold the shape and add some texture. Keep wrapping until it’s nice and secure, then tie off the thread. Voila! You’ve got yourself a fabric bead.?

I gave this a try and ended up making a bunch of these little beads. It was surprisingly therapeutic, and I loved seeing how each one turned out a bit different depending on the fabric and thread I used. I even made a cute brooch by grouping a few together. The possibilities are endless!?

If you’re interested in giving this a go, I found a helpful tutorial that walks you through the process. It’s in Greek, but the photos are pretty self-explanatory, and there’s an English translation in the comments. Check it out here:?

Happy crafting!

Click below for her tutorial:

Fabric Balls, by Journey into Creativity

[photo from Journey into Creativity]

Looking for beading supplies? Check out these jewelry-making supplies at BeebeeCrafts . For more DIY tutorials on making projects with beads check out our sister site Craftbits.com where we have a full section with over 100 bead craft ideas dedicated to DIY beading crafts and projects.

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Comments

  1. Hi. I would like to try these whilst being snowed in here in Norfolk!
    BUT how fo you make them so you can string them to make a necklace? If you know and are willing to share I would appreciate the help. Thanks Liz

Have you read?

Sewing Pattern Saturday Review: DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern

Sewing Pattern Saturday is my weekly way of highlighting independent Etsy designers who are creating sewing patterns that are thoughtful, practical, and genuinely useful in everyday life. These reviews are written from a real sewist’s perspective, looking beyond the listing photos to how the pattern actually works, who it’s suited for, and whether it’s something you’d realistically make and use. It’s also about supporting small businesses on Etsy who are offering well-designed alternatives to mass-produced products.

This week’s feature is a DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern, and it’s one of those patterns that quietly makes a lot of sense once you look a little closer.

First Impressions

At first glance, this pattern is very clear and purpose-driven. The shape is familiar, the design is straightforward, and everything about it feels intentional rather than overcomplicated. It’s not trying to be decorative or trendy. Instead, it focuses on comfort, practicality, and functionality, which is exactly what you want in a reusable period product.

The pattern includes multiple size options, which is a big plus. Being able to sew pads for different flow levels or personal preferences makes this pattern far more useful than a single-size design.

Practical Use & Everyday Wear

Reusable period pads are one of those handmade items that really earn their keep. Once you’ve made a few and figured out what works best for you, they become part of a routine rather than a novelty project.

This pattern is designed with everyday wear in mind. The shape looks comfortable and secure, and the snap placement makes them easy to use with regular underwear. They’re suitable for daytime use, overnight protection, or lighter flow days, depending on the size and fabric combination you choose.

They’re also discreet, washable, and reusable, which makes them appealing for anyone looking to reduce waste or save money over time.

Skill Level & Sewing Experience

This pattern is well suited to confident beginners and up.

You’ll want to be comfortable with:

  • Sewing curves

  • Layering fabrics accurately

  • Using a zigzag or stretch stitch

  • Installing snaps or fasteners

While the pieces are small, accuracy matters. Taking your time with cutting and stitching makes a big difference to comfort and durability. That said, this isn’t a difficult pattern, and it’s very manageable if you’ve sewn basic items before.

Instructions & Pattern Design

The pattern design is clean and practical, with clearly defined pieces and logical construction steps. This is the kind of pattern that becomes easier with each one you make. Once you’ve sewn your first pad, the rest come together quickly.

Because the pads are relatively small, it’s also a great project for using up fabric scraps, especially flannel, cotton, or absorbent layers you already have on hand.

Fabric Choices & Customisation

Fabric choice plays a big role in comfort and absorbency, and this pattern allows for plenty of flexibility. It works well with:

  • Cotton or flannel for the top layer

  • Absorbent cores like bamboo or terry

  • Waterproof or water-resistant backing if preferred

You can easily customise thickness, absorbency, and size to suit your needs. It’s also a nice pattern to personalise with colours or prints that feel calm and comfortable rather than clinical.

Finished Result & Long-Term Use

Once finished, these pads feel sturdy, reusable, and genuinely practical. They’re the kind of handmade item that doesn’t sit in a drawer unused. Instead, they quietly become part of your routine.

They also wash well when sewn carefully, which is essential for something designed to be used again and again.

Is This Sewing Pattern Worth Making?

If you’re looking for a reusable period pad sewing pattern that is straightforward, customisable, and genuinely useful, this one is a solid choice. It’s practical, well thought out, and ideal for anyone wanting to sew eco-friendly alternatives for everyday life.

This DIY Period Pad Sewing Pattern fits perfectly into Sewing Pattern Saturday. It’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful, functional, and exactly the kind of project that shows how powerful handmade sewing can be.

Pattern name: DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern
 Available on: Etsy
 Best suited to: Confident beginners and intermediate sewists interested in eco-friendly sewing projects.