Any ideas for ways to use discontinued upholstery samples?

Margaret
by Margaret
My daughter was given a box full upholstery samples. Looking for some simple ideas. Thought of making a quilt since many are the in the same general color family. Would appreciate any ideas. Visual samples would be very helpful!
  13 answers
  • Jessica C Jessica C on Nov 07, 2013
    They would make great throw pillows or handbags. I think they would be too heavy for quilting. Good luck!
  • Maria Ward Maria Ward on Nov 08, 2013
    If the fabric is pretty maybe it would make great art by framing them.
  • CC CC on Nov 08, 2013
    I work in a furniture store so I have tons of these...some are just too pretty to part with. I've made pillows, wall hangings, bags. I've included a couple of pictures...the possibilities are endless.
  • Thrifty Treasures Thrifty Treasures on Nov 08, 2013
    Frame some, use some to cover a canvas and paint an image on it, definitely pillows. Why not do a patchwork upholstery job? It could even be on something small like a footstool. Good luck!
  • Rose S Rose S on Nov 09, 2013
    Those samples are too heavy for quilting, but you could make glass cases, cell phone cases or even credit card cases out of them. Since the fabric is do thick, it may be hard to sew, so sew slowly and use a larger stitch. :-)
  • Sandy Harmon Sandy Harmon on Nov 09, 2013
    I have used these for dollhouse curtains and rugs. Also, my Mother made me a long cushion in a quilt like pattern for use on the front porch swing. She used the heavier upholstery ones so it is more durable.
  • Anita Erskine Anita Erskine on Nov 09, 2013
    I have used upholstery samples to make a small throw rug. You can back it with any "regular" fabric and chose the colors that complement your décor. Be sure to put some non-slip backing on the rug so no one slips and falls. Also, if you have friends who sew, you can make scissor or rotary cutter carriers. I'm sure there are patterns on line.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Apr 17, 2015
    google "free stashbusters" for more ideas ...lots of free patterns around!
  • Kay Smith Kay Smith on Jun 16, 2015
    I've framed some my friend gave me, used larger pieces for upholstery (chair seats), place mats, pillow covers.
  • Lynn H Lynn H on Dec 30, 2015
    Throw pillows for outside. Treat with Campdry. Cushions for hard kitchen chairs. Recover small antique footstool. Make handy carriers with pockets to use on walkers for elderly, etc.
  • Jean Jean on Dec 30, 2015
    If making and entire quilt seems a bit much they would probably be nice as pillows (still quilted together). I have a friend that makes purses out of them but they seem very complicated to me - she is a very skilled seamstress and I'm not.
  • Toni Toni on Dec 31, 2015
    A wall art, area rug, a guest room throw blacket
  • Laurie Harry Laurie Harry on Mar 24, 2016
    Would that fabric be washable? I'm not sure. If not, probably a quilt not a good idea. You could do patchwork tote bags. I used to make bags out of upholstery fabric and it is a good weight for them.