Are you looking for ways to save some money without completely changing your lifestyle? A simple way to save is by using up any fabric scraps you have lying around.
Following are five ideas for using fabric remnants:   Rags: Using remnants to make rags is simple, easy and saves you from buying rags.
All you need are some old clothes.
First cut off the sleeves or other extremities, then mark off 12" x 12" squares and cut them out.
Cotton flannel is great to use for soft, absorbent rags.
   Rugs: Making braided rugs out of your old fabrics is an inventive way of using remnants.
You can start out by braiding three long pieces of fabric together.
When the braid is done it can be formed into a coil and sewn together.
These types of rugs can also be crocheted, sewn and hooked.
   Bags: If you would like to use your fabric remnants without completely shredding them you can make them into fabrics bags.
To begin with you will need and old shirt, two 12" x 16" scraps, and two pieces of longer, equal length fabric for handles.
  Begin by folding the fabric handles in half lengthwise.
Sew a seam along the open ends, turn them right side out and iron them flat.
  With the scraps make two 12" x 16" rectangles, then match with the lining pieces.
Next, slip the ends of one of the handles in between the two pieces of fabric where the top of the bag will be.
Then pin the pieces together to keep everything in place.
Sew the top seam of the bag to secure the handle.
Repeat this process for the other side of the bag.
After that pin both sides together with the lining facing out and sew the bottom and side seams.
Turn the bag right side out and you are done.
   Pillows: Homemade throw pillows are a great way of perking up an old couch or bed.
This money saving idea can make use of old shirts or any other fabric scraps you might have around.
You will need fabric scraps arranged into a rectangle, stuffing, thread and a needle.
  Once you have arranged the fabrics as you want sew them together to form the front and back panels.
Lay the panels flat, outside in.
now you can sew a seam around three sides of the pillow while using needles to hold the two panels together.
Leave enough space to add the stuffing.
  Next, turn the outside panels outward and add the stuffing.
Then sew the opening for the stuffing closed and you have a homemade decorative pillow.
   Quilts: Besides being an economical way to keep you warm, quilts also serve as a channel for creativity.
In order to make a rag quilt one web site recommends 144 6-inch squares, 72 5-inch squares, and matching thread.
It also recommends using a thinner batting.
  Each quilt block will require two fabric squares and one batting square.
Put one piece of batting between the squares.
Follow by sewing a seam around all four sides and two diagonal lines forming an X across each square.
In the end you should have 72 blocks.