5 Ways To Make and Use Scrap Fabric Hearts

Hello sweet friends! I hope this new week finds you well. After making masks for the past three weeks I needed to take a break. I had been wanting to say “Thank you!” to several essential workers as well as a few sweet friends and family members. I decided to find 5 Ways To Make and Use Scrap Fabric Hearts.

You can construct a fabric heart in under 30 minutes. It is a suitable project for older children or younger children with adult supervision.

The Supplies and Tools

• 2 pieces of scrap fabric cut 7 1/2 inches square (Think sheets, old dish towels, shirts and more!)
• Scrap ribbon, lace or other trim cut 7 1/2 inches long
• Heart Template
• Sewing machine or needle and thread (Younger kids do well with yarn too.)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Stuffing for the heart: I used lavender buds, rice or cluster fiber. But these are creative times. Cotton balls or dryer lint could work too.

Heart Template

Print out on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper. I used cardstock as I was going to be making several hearts and needed a sturdy pattern.

5 Ways To Make and Use Scrap Fabric Hearts

Cut out the pattern and pin onto the top fabric.

Some of the hearts shown were made from a worn-out quilt. Areas that still had wear left were repurposed for this project.

Place the piece of square backing fabric (right side down) as the bottom layer. Pin the top fabric (right side up) to the bottom fabric. If desired, insert a piece of folded ribbon, lace or other trim into the “V” of the heart to use as a hanger. The ribbon is sandwiched between the two fabrics.

Sew the heart-shaped fabric to the backing fabric following the edge of the heart shape. You can use a sewing machine or sew the heart by hand using a basting stitch or backstitch.  Leave an unstitched space on the side of the heart. I have indicated the open area between the two yellow pins below.

Fill your heart with the desired stuffing. Sew the heart shut. Trim the excess backing fabric off.

TIP: If using lavender buds use a small plastic funnel to easily pour the buds into the heart. A spoon works too!

How To Use The Hearts

ONE: If you fill your heart with lavender buds they make a dreamy sachet to softly scent clothing and other linens.

TWO: All Natural Therapeutic Neck Warmer. Please use all-natural cotton or linen. Fill the heart with grains or beans. I used rice. Do not over-fill the heart. It should be pliable to rest on the shoulder and neck. Warm the heart in the microwave for 30-second intervals until the desired temperature is achieved.

This heart was made from an old French teatowel that was in tatters. I couldn’t bear to toss it as it has Mr. Decor’s initials. Hand-dyed antique cotton lace and a vintage button add a sweet touch.

THREE: The fiber filled hearts are a fun decor element.

For the next two ideas contruct a flat heart using a thin interior batting layer. Since I am sheltering in place I opted to use a thick 100% wool felt as that is what I had on hand.

Stitch in the same manner as described above but sandwich the wool between the top and bottom fabric.

FOUR:  Use the wool filled hearts as lovely small potholders for removing a hot cup or plate from the microwave.

FIVE:  The lanolin in wool also keeps needles and pins from rusting. So the hearts are excellent in the sewing room.

Now a bonus use is one I hope everyone will do.

SHARE THE LOVE

To thank some of the essential workers who are blessing me I placed a single heart in a ziploc bag.

SAFETY TIP: I first put on gloves and placed the heart inside the bag. I then wiped down the bag with an antibacterial wipe. Instructions will be given to each worker to not open the bag for 3 days to ensure it is virus-free.

May your day be filled with happiness and joy!

Laura