how to make fabric scrap twine

I don’t know why I didn’t try this technique sooner. Really! This funky boho twine is so cute and can be used in a myriad of ways. I LOVE IT. If you haven’t tried making fabric scrap twine before, and if you have an abundant stash of fabric remnants (of course you do), then there’s no time like the present. Let’s do this.

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step 1 – cut fabric strips

Tear or cut scrap fabric into strips that are about 1″ wide. Tie two strips together at one end with a knot. 

 step 2 – start twisting

While holding the fabric strips taut, start twisting one of the strips in a motion that is “away from your body.” 

When the twisted area is about 1-2 inches long, pull the strip in towards you and over the untwisted strip.

Then begin twisting the second strip in the same fashion. Once twisted in a 1-2 inch length, pull that strip forward and over. 

Repeat this process over and over. Once you get to the end of strip, it is easy to extend the length by adding a new fabric strip.  The video below shows you just how easy this process is in making fabric scrap twine.

The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!

Love it but don’t have time to make it yourself? Check out Etsy for some great pricing on fabric twine.

Comments · 56

  1. I am making backpacks from scrap material with everyday supplies like toothbruses and toothpaste, combs, etc for needy people but couldn’t decide what to use for the backpack cords that wasn’t expensive. I think this will work nicely! Thank-you!

  2. Need some ideas! My machine didnt really like the thickness…can i do it by hand?

  3. What an awesome idea to use up scrap material and use as rope or twine for gift wrapping.
    Thank you for sharing your links with us at #274 SSPS Linky. See you again next week.

  4. I think I will use my scrap Christmas fabric and use it to wrap presents.

  5. yo tengo muchos restos de telas yare una alfombra para la terrasa pero no creo que al soltar el hilo torcido se quede torcido ,probare ,,gracias

  6. What a great idea. I’m taking this project to my library we meet every other Thursday or Wednesday thank you

  7. Hiya. I’m looking at the twist you are making here, and comparing it to the ball already wrapped. The ball has twine that is skinnier and tighter. Were those strips narrower than the 1″ you listed?
    Thank you.

  8. I notice that you used my photo from my etsy shop, YoYoCottage. I sell the fabric twine in case anyone would rather not make their own.

    1. I would ask that my photo be removed or that she puts your link in the post.

      1. There is a link in the caption under the photo. But if you prefer I delete photo altogether, I will. Thank you.

  9. How do you add the next piece of scrap? do you need to knot them together or will they stay put if you just twist them together?

    1. She overlaps a new piece when she runs out. I’m excited to try twisting the fabric by tying it to my drill. One drill going one direction and the other drill going the other direction. Love this new yarn idea

  10. Looks so simple but quite beautiful. Nice innovation as it can form anything.
    God bless you ma’am

  11. Why did I not get on this page before? I love your twine idea. Perhaps I can give a hint for making it easier. I have a lace making fission that I am going to use to pin my start on and then it will make the twisting easier.

  12. I am going to wrap this twine around a cat tree & if I have enough left I will wrap some clothes hangers.

    1. That’s what I was thinking 🤔 some plant hangers would be cute ☺️

          1. Gracias por compartir tu idea, lo aplicare en mis textiles sustentables. Si alguien le interesa conocer lo que hacemos , estamos a la espera! Saludos!

  13. J’aime beaucoup votre site, que de choses intéressantes à créer! Merci, Odile 🌺

      1. I love love love your website. I am definately going to make the scrap fabric twine to crochet some bags. It is such a fabulous up-cycle idea, well done!

  14. Wendy, why does it unravel when I let go of it? I’m obviously doing something VERY wrong.

    1. Joan, you must roll the scraps always to the same side – either clockwise or anti-clockwise. If you roll one time clockwise and the next time anti-clockwise, they will unravel when you let go. It happened to me, too.

  15. it can be turned into coasters, as well as bracelets for chunky beads.

  16. I agree with Teresa. I need some ideas of what to make with it.

  17. I LOVE this! I’m going to feature it at our Party in Your PJs link party (on my Grandma Ideas website) that starts this evening. Thanks so much for sharing! (I’m going to do this with my granddaughters!)

  18. I made some fabric twine a few years ago and turned it into a bracelet. It’s fun to do isn’t it, I did find it quite time consuming but curiously adictive too!

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