8 small meterage sewing pattern ideas

I’ve put together a list of some fun sewing project ideas that use small amounts of meterage – most of them under a metre or less! They’re quick and easy makes which will help you use up leftover pieces of fabric, or keep the cost down with only buying remnants.

Have a browse through this list of accessories, garments and lovely things for around your home!

1. Sommar Camisole by Paradise Patterns

A fun and quick little make – this is a great pattern for using up small amounts of jersey fabric. You could also use the internal shelf bra section to make your own underwear, using even less meterage!

2. Audrey Hood by Merchant and Mills

One from their ‘Less than a metre’ collection – the Audrey hood is such a cute pattern. It would be brilliant for using up leftover water resistant fabric, like oilskin. I think I’d get a lot of use out of something like this – it’s perfect for light rain and pairing with coats that don’t have a hood.

3. Basic Instinct T-shirt by Secondo Piano

I’ve made this t-shirt countless times. It’s the perfect basic t-shirt shape, and it’s also a free pattern. You could even colour block it if you were using up leftovers of different coloured cotton jersey.

4. Underwear!

Not a specific pattern, but sewing your own underwear is another great use of leftover jersey fabric or elastic. I wrote a post about this last year, including listing a few different pattern options.

5. Hair scrunchies

I also posted a tutorial on how to make your own hair scrunchies from scraps – using two different methods. I also love giving these as gifts – especially those I’ve made from lovely silk and satin offcuts.

6. Hot Water Bottle Cover by Merchant and Mills

This is another lovely free pattern. I made a patchwork version of this over Christmas, and I’ve been using it to keep me warm on chilly nights! You can be very creative with you scraps on a project like this. It’s a classic shape, but you could make any patchwork pattern you like. I added some hand quilting to my version too.

7. The Pomona Shorts by Anna Allen

Such a versatile pattern, and a lovely, simple sew. The Pomona Pants are a perfect introduction to making your own trousers (and shorts). The pattern comes with pieces for both the shorts and trousers, but the shorts can be good for using and awkward fabric amount, or a remnant that’s not quite big enough for the full trousers.

8. Eva Quilted Tote Bag by Bethany Lynne Makes

This tote is make from little patchwork triangles, and I think would be such a creative project. I would love to see fabric from all of my projects over the years, combined together into one make. The panels are quilted together, and then the bag is fully lined with a zipper pocket and slip pocket for keeping things organised.

I hope you enjoyed this little list of low meterage projects. It can feel great to use up fabric that’s been sitting around – which can often happen with awkward amounts and shapes. I think I’ll be making the Audrey Hood next!