Oh Scrap! FAQs: everything you need to know before you start

Welcome to Oh Scrap! 🎉

Whether this is your first year joining the challenge or you're back for another August of sewing from your stash, I'm so excited you're here!

Oh Scrap! is all about looking at your fabric leftovers with fresh eyes. Instead of letting them sit forgotten in a box (or worse... ending up in the bin 😬), we're challenging ourselves to turn them into garments we'll genuinely love wearing.

If you've got a question before you begin, you'll probably find the answer below.

What is Oh Scrap!?

Oh Scrap! is a free, month-long sewing challenge that takes place throughout August.

The challenge is simple: rummage through your fabric scraps and create a garment using the leftovers from previous sewing projects. It's a chance to be creative, reduce waste, save money and finally give those treasured scraps a purpose.

More than anything, it's about discovering just how much potential is already hiding in your stash.

When does the challenge take place?

The challenge runs from 1st–31st August.

You're welcome to start whenever you like, but if you'd like to be entered into this year's prize draw, make sure your finished project is completed and shared on Instagram before the end of August. You need to tag me in the post (not just mention me in the caption) so I can count your entry.

Is Oh Scrap! free to join?

Yes!

There are no entry fees, memberships or sign-up forms. If you love sewing and have a pile of fabric scraps waiting to be used, you're ready to join in.

Do I need to register?

No registration is needed.

Simply start sewing, share your project during August and tag me when you post your finished make so I can find your entry.

Can I submit an old make?

No, sorry! The idea is that you’re reducing your scrap pile so get rummaging through your fabric scraps.

When should I share my finished garment?

Whenever you’ve finished! Just upload it to Instagram and make sure to tag me in the post (not just the caption) and include #ohscrap26 in the caption.

Can I make more than one garment?

Of course! If this sparks something in you then go with it! This challenge might be the thing that gets you out of your sewing slump.

What counts as a fabric scrap?

If it's left over from a previous sewing project, it counts.

That might be:

• Tiny offcuts
• Fat quarters you've never used
• Half metres you've been saving
• Leftover pieces from dressmaking projects
• Fabric you've forgotten you even owned

Every scrap deserves a second chance.

My scraps are tiny. Can I still take part?

Absolutely.

Some of the most creative projects come from smaller leftovers. You could try:

• Patchworking fabrics together
• Colour blocking
• Feature pockets
• Contrast sleeves
• Waistbands
• Facings
• Collars and cuffs
• Decorative details

Sometimes limitations inspire the best ideas.

Do I have to use only scraps?

Well, yes. That’s the fun part! No buying new fabric for this challenge. Just using up what we have so it doesn't go to waste.

Can I use any sewing pattern?

Yes!

Use whichever pattern inspires you. Whether it's a Cinnamon Daisy pattern or another favourite from your collection, the challenge is open to everyone. Or feel free to whip up something self drafted!

I'm a beginner. Is this challenge for me?

Definitely.

Choose a project that matches your confidence level and enjoy the process. There are no expectations to create anything elaborate, every finished garment is something to celebrate. This is the perfect sewing challenge for beginners as it'll pull you out of the need to make something "perfect"!

What if my fabrics don't match?

That's often where the magic happens.

Mixing colours, prints and textures can lead to garments that are far more unique than anything you'd have chosen from a fabric shop.

Don't overthink it, play around and see what combinations you can come up with.

Do I have to share my make on Instagram?

No.

You're very welcome to sew along quietly at home if that's your preference.

However, if you'd like to be entered into the prize draw, you'll need to share your finished garment publicly and tag me in the post (not just mention me in the caption) before the end of August so I can find your entry.

Are prizes available worldwide?

Yes!

I'll be sharing details of this year's prizes throughout the challenge over on Instagram. Make sure to mention your location in your post caption so I can allocate prizes accordingly. Prize winners will be selected at random and contacted via DMs.

Why should I sew from my scraps?

Because your fabric scraps are already full of possibility.

Every garment you make from your leftovers saves money, reduces textile waste and helps you get more value from fabrics you loved enough to buy in the first place.

You might even discover your favourite handmade garment was waiting in your scrap basket all along.

I'm in! What's next?

It's time to gather your scraps, spread them out, start playing with colour combinations and choose a project that excites you.

Don't forget to share your progress and your finished make so we can all celebrate your creativity together.

I can't wait to see what you create this August.

Happy sewing!

Emma 💛