In the world of fashion and textile production, fabric scraps have always presented a dilemma. Long considered an inevitable production waste, these fabric remnants are now a source of inspiration for upcycling. Many companies now see them as a useful, even valuable, resource, and that's a good thing.
This transformation is part of a broader movement to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry, while promoting innovation and creativity .
And in this article, we've teamed up with Atelier Brunette to offer you a little sewing tutorial to make from your fabric scraps to create a pretty sleeveless puffer jacket.
A project by Atelier Brunette and Maéli to reuse your scraps
Atelier Brunette is one of the companies we've had the opportunity to collaborate with. It distinguishes itself through its commitment to more sustainable production, adopting upcycling strategies at every stage of its value chain. This company exemplifies how eco-responsible practices can be integrated effectively and beneficially. From clearing out end-of-line stock to transforming certain scraps into pouches included with orders, Atelier Brunette is multiplying its initiatives aimed at minimizing textile waste. Selling fabric remnants with slight imperfections at reduced prices is another facet of this approach, giving a second life to materials that would otherwise be neglected.
However, despite these various initiatives, fabric scraps from the production of prototypes or garments remain inevitable. It is in this context that Atelier Brunette participated in our upcycling challenge, challenging us to repurpose some of their fabric scraps in a creative and original way.
To meet this challenge, we opted to create a sleeveless down jacket, which allows us to ingeniously repurpose its scraps to design a garment that is both unique and beautiful!
We used three different techniques: patchwork, creating a yoke on a pattern, and making bias binding. Three upcycling techniques that we will explain below.
The sewing tutorial to make the sleeveless puffer jacket with your fabric scraps.
Creating inserts to incorporate your fabric scraps
Creating a yoke on a pattern, in addition to being an interesting technique for easily incorporating your fabric scraps, avoids weighing down the garment.
This method, applicable to all patterns, consists of:
• Cut the pattern on the desired part of the yoke.
• Add one centimeter seam allowance to each side.
• Assemble the yoke thus created with the rest of the pattern at 1 cm.
As always, we recommend pressing the seams open for a neat finish. This step will restore the pattern's original shape, enhanced by the newly created yoke.
For this project, we chose to create a yoke on the upper front of our sleeveless vest. For the main piece, we used sherpa fabric, sourced from textile recycling (we still have a few remnants available right here ). This fabric adds an extra touch of softness, highlighting our commitment to comfort without compromising our environmental principles. We then created the yoke using the patchwork technique.
Patchwork, ideal for assembling small scraps of fabric
Patchwork , a traditional technique, has been revived in recent years and is proving to be an ideal way to showcase these little treasures . By harmoniously combining various patterns and colors, we can create a garment that not only reduces waste but also highlights the diversity and beauty of the fabrics.
Here are the different steps we followed:
• Initially, we selected coupons of the same shades/hues with different patterns or materials (cotton, velvet, checkered patterns, polka dots, etc.).
• We cut 12cm x 12cm squares from fabric scraps, then arranged them to harmonize the colours and patterns.
The next step is very simple: sew 1 cm from the edge to join the different squares, then press the seams flat on one side with an iron. This ensures a neat finish. Repeat this step until you have a piece with dimensions similar to the yoke you've chosen.
We recommend backing the patchwork with a scrap of cotton, for example, for a flawless finish. At Maéli Paris, we often use vintage curtain linings that we repurpose and transform into fabric remnants ( find them here ). They have the advantage of being plain and lightweight.
Finally, we assembled the patchwork with the rest of the pieces, sewing at a 1 cm seam allowance.
Making bias tape from very small scraps of fabric.
The latest technique for reusing small fabric scraps is making bias binding. This upcycling technique is also very simple to do. It will add an extra detail, capable of transforming the look of a garment with a simple touch of color or texture.
For this, we have:
• Assembled one by one our fabric scraps on the bias, taking a 5 mm seam allowance.
• Cut out a large strip 4 cm wide.
• Pre-fold this bias tape with an iron, folding the two ends inwards by 1 cm (the strip ready to be applied is then 2 cm wide).
All that remained was to attach the bias binding to the armholes and the bottom of our sleeveless down jacket.
A little tip for this application: it will be easier to make with soft, lightweight fabrics.
And here is the result of our work.
These methods, developed by Maéli and made possible by Atelier Brunette , perfectly illustrate how a passion for sewing can drive more responsible fashion. With a little creativity, it's possible to create beautiful pieces, giving new life to your best fabric scraps. In this way, we actively contribute to building a greener world, weaving together the threads of a more responsible textile industry that is more aware of its impact on our planet.
Every piece of fabric has a unique value, let's not forget that ;)
