We were excited to watch this week's Great British Sewing Bee episode. It was re-use and recycle week. We have been inspired by the bee and have been getting creative with our remnant fabrics!
What are remnants?
Remnants are our end of bolt pieces of fabric that remain after packing all your lovely orders (fabrics that we aren't able to sell are recycled using First Mile). They vary in size and so it's necessary to get creative when cutting out projects. They work well for patch-working different fabrics together, making smaller items, zero waste patterns, and linings! There's loads of ways to use them, so read on for some of our favourites...
Perfect patterns for remnants include any with interesting seam lines and smaller pieces. You can also create your own seam lines with cleverly placed pattern hacks, but have a look below for some ideas to get you started.
Patterns with interesting seam lines and smaller pieces of fabric
Atelier Brunette - Le Sac Banane
Paper Theory - Block Tee
Chalk and Notch - Marcel Dress
Friday Pattern Company - Elysian Bodysuit
Smaller items such as underwear, swimwear and cropped tops work really well with remnants - get experimenting with your layout on a remnant and you'll find you might be able to fit a whole tank top or pair of undies out of the leftovers of a project! Perfect for matching sets.
Patterns that use 1 metre or less fabric
Tilly and the Buttons - Romy Tee
Friday Pattern Company - Square Neck Top
True Bias - Zoey Tank
I AM Patterns - Malo Skirt
Megan Nielsen - Cottesloe Swimsuit
Tilly and the Buttons x Evie La Lùve - Iris Knickers
Kate Eva Designs - Pisa Bow Bag
Pattern Fantastique - Sulis Hat
Zero Waste Sewing Patterns
Zero waste patterns offer a great chance to do some creative pattern cutting. Zero waste patterns allow you to make the measurements directly onto the fabric, allowing you a chance to adjust the layout and lengths more easily according to the size of remnant you have. We are big fans of the new Zero Waste Patterns book by Birgitta Helmersson!
We are constantly adding to our remnants, and don't forget that these remnant pieces are reduced by at least 10%. So if you are feeling inspired after reading this blog post then head on over to our remnant page. Don't forget to tag us in your sunshine remnant makes on instagram and use the hashtag #SewingSunshine