A brand new month means a brand new Aurifil Artisan challenge, and this one is all about embracing the beauty of scraps! July has us digging deep into our scrap bins, finding hidden gems, and turning fabric fragments into something truly spectacular. Because sometimes, the most creative projects begin with what’s already in our stash.
This month, we encouraged our Artisans to get scrappy, using remnants from past makes, bits and bobs from their studio, or even the exclusive scrap bundle included in their Artisan Welcome Pack. Whether stitched into bold patchwork, intricate appliqué, or unexpected new forms, the goal was simple: let the scraps lead the way. The result? A joyful celebration of resourcefulness, ingenuity, and the art of making something meaningful from what might have been tossed aside.
To all of our July participants— thank you for sharing your vision, your innovation, and your scrap-savvy brilliance. You’ve shown just how powerful a little leftover fabric and a lot of creativity can be.
Amy Freyn
July’s Aurifil Artisan challenge was “Let’s Get Scrappy”, and I used the colorful scrap bundle from FreeSpirit Fabrics that was included in the Artisan Welcome Package to make a neck scarf.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt in 2615, 6722
Megan Fowler
This patchwork neckerchief was made entirely from stash leftovers and finished with coordinating Aurifil Cotton 50wt thread for both piecing and topstitching. It’s the perfect blend of modern color play and campy charm—complete with a handmade snap loop for easy wear.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt in 2000, 2887
Ben Millett
I created a variation of a sleeveless undershirt from scraps of Kona Cotton in White and Snow, using as inspiration three things: (1) the burlap basic block design of Maison Margiela from Fall 1997 Ready-to-Wear worn by Jeremy Pope for the Met Gala 2025, (2) Hal Fischer’s photography series “Gay Semiotics”, and (3) my quilt “Hanky Code”.
I quilted by hand with seed stitch and running stitch. The large spool of 12wt in 2800 had only previously been used with “Hanky Code”, so I found it fitting to use the rest of the spool on this garment. I knew there was a limit to large spools, but hadn’t found it with 12wt until now!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 12wt in 2800, 6725
Sofia Natty
For the July challenge, I got scrappy and turned myself into art. I drew over a photo, made templates of my features, and raw-edge appliquéd them onto fabric. I don’t have snakes for hair (promise), but I added them as a reminder that mythology — like history — was mostly written by men. And when the patriarchy writes the stories, powerful women often get rewritten as monsters. So this one’s for the Medusas of the world: You are beautiful. You are sinless. You are worthy of protection.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt in 6738, 1147, 2314, 2140, 2314, 2515, 2535; Cotton 40wt in 2024, 2530; Cotton 28wt in 2021, 2410; Cotton 12wt in 2455, 2026; Wool 12wt in 8520, 8130; Cotton 8wt in 2250, 2735
Karlie Hunter
This was my first time trying hand appliqué with a few white cotton fabric scraps, and I think I fell in love! The thread really gets to be the star of the show on this sweatshirt, and I will definitely be using this technique again.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 8wt in 2250, 2735; Cotton Floss in 6711 (3 strands)
Claire Houghton
A simple way of joining the strips together, so they can be used more conveniently in projects. Lay out on water soluble fabric, then machine stitch over the top, before washing away.
Aurifil Threads used: Aurifil Clear Monofilament, Bright Hues of Aurifil Cotton 8wt
Christine Joubert
What is a good project? A project where you can learn something and be proud of what you’ve made! And that’s exactly what happened with this one, when trying to use very tiny strips and pieces of fabrics! Couching, embroidery stitches, appliqué, circles, triangles and an eye. Really enjoyed sewing this tote bag!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 12wt in 5005, 1114
Amanda Loewen
I used the Free Spirit scraps included in our Artisan Welcome Box to make a scrappy rope bowl. I followed a free YouTube tutorial from Sew Can She – all you need for this project is long skinny fabric strips, clothesline, and thread to hold it al together! I used my favourite shade of Aurifil thread – Medium Orchid – to compliment the greens and teals in this scrappy bundle.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt in 2479
Steffi Glaves
I made 2 bows by sewing thin strips of FreeSpirit fabrics together, then crocheting around the edges with my 0.4mm hook. I tried out a little freeform patchwork for the first time, and used the sample I made to make a little button heart charm. I used a mix of threads for the edging, embroidery floss and 28wt cotton in pink and green. I’m going to wear it to my next crochet class!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 28wt from Foundations collection in pink and orange, Cotton Floss in green
Mary Burroughs-Mayer
For the July project, I had a blast using the FreeSpirit Fabrics scrap bundle from my Aurifil Artisan box to create this fun Hexagon Handbag! I sewed the thin strips into 60-degree diamonds using foundation paper piecing, and love the gradient this created. Choosing a thread to quilt this was tough, though, and a perfect situation for using Aurifil’s Invisafil monofilament! I also used repurposed leather handles from an old tote bag and love that this make is eye-catching, functions AND sustainable!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 80wt in 2615; Cotton 50wt in 2745; Monofilament in Clear; Cotton 12wt in 2882
Vivian Doan
Loving my July Aurifil Artisan Scrap Challenge using the Aurifil x FreeSpirit Fabrics Scrap Bundle. These colourful coasters were made using fusible fleece and employed the Quilt As You Go method. Then I top-stitched on the ditch over each seam with two decorative stitches on my Bernina sewing machine. A leftover piece of pink coloured Kona was used for the binding, and then I chose a 12wt to do a nice textured blanket stitch on it to tack it down. I was 100% inspired by the coasters that @megancollins_a made recently.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt 2830, 2430, 2021, 5005; Cotton 12wt in 2479
Aimee Hagedorn
It was Beetle Mania in my house for the July challenge! Fabric scraps, wire bits, and some hand sewing brought this lovely beetle to life. Hoping there will be a fabric pest control problem by the end of the summer!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 12wt in 1154, 2435, 2510
Mira Jones
If you know me, you’ll know that I love my scraps.., so naturally Aurifil’s Artisan challenge for July was the perfect opportunity for me to explore and play with various different thread weights, some of which were new to me, and see what I could make with the gorgeous bundle of FreeSpirit Fabric scraps from my welcome pack. I must say, this challenge was sheer, unadulterated fun and I especially enjoyed seeing the different textures I got from using the various thread weights while experimenting with free motion embroidery, hand stitching and sewing on paper.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 40wt in 2692; Cotton 28wt in 1104, 1231, 2530, 2120; Cotton 8wt in 2545; Cotton Floss in 2220, 2479; Wool 12wt in 8530, 8540
Sarah Morris
I used scraps from my stash along with vintage fabrics to create TLQ’s Tiny Houses quilt top. From there, I used my favorite Baptiste Fans quilting design and Cotton 8wt hand quilting thread to try to complete my project. I love that the background fabric is all mismatched shades of natural. This will contribute to the overall vintage feel of this scrappy, using-what-I-have quilt!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 8wt in 4241
Sandy Saengsuk
We make them. We use them. And somehow, they’re still here, holding pins and tiny pieces of thread, ready for the next stitch.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt in 2115; Wool 12wt in 8464
Jessica Jones
This playful seahorse quilt was created to showcase the vibrant potential of FreeSpirit Fabrics scrap bundles and Aurifil threads. With layered textures, swirling stitches, and bold colour, it brings the materials to life in a whimsical, stitched underwater scene.
Aurifil Threads used: Monofilament; Cotton 40wt in 3817; Cotton Forty3 in 2024, Tula Pink Dragon’s Breath Collection
Luci Camorani
I sewed up a panel of fabric strings and used the Lined Drawstring Bag pattern to make the Everyday size bag, perfect for small gifts or holding some notions. It was a great challenge for me because normally I throw out fabric strings, but I might have to rethink that in the future!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt in 2024, 1231
Sashanna Hart
My scrap bins are always overflowing, and summer somehow seems like the perfect time to really dig into them. I hadn’t made a gift for my goddaughter yet, and I thought that it would be lovely to use scraps from previous, loved projects to make something extra special for her. I used scraps from my green bin to make this sweet baby quilt and quilted it up using three varieties of Aurifil in a wavy, organic pattern.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 28wt in 4651, 2410; Cotton 40wt in 2510
Barbie Mitchell
This month’s Aurifil Artisan project breathes new life into “scraps,” showcasing the incredible potential of AURIFIL X FREESPIRIT | 2025 SCRAP BUNDLES & Aurifil 80wt for modern needle-turn appliqué. I machine-stitched these vibrant FreeSpirit offcuts into a cohesive larger fabric, then precisely cut them into circles—the perfect canvas for intricate needle-turn appliqué. The fine 80wt Aurifil thread is truly a dream for this technique, practically disappearing into the fabric while providing exceptional strength and a beautiful, clean finish. These scrap bundles are a fantastic resource, proving that even the smallest pieces can lead to stunning, large-scale textile.
Aurifil Threads used: Needle turn appliqué circles – Cotton 80wt. I always use the thread to match the appliqué fabric colour.
Belle Brunner
A scrap strip woven pillow hand quilted with Aurifil Cotton 12wt and 8wt. A rope wristlet using strip scraps and Aurifil Cotton 40wt thread.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 12wt in 2835, 8520; Cotton 8wt in 2735, 1231; Cotton 40wt in 2530
Julia Crook
I experimented with scrap fabrics from my stash for this month’s challenge, using a watery theme for inspiration. Scraps were cut and stitched to a cotton backing using hand-stitched embellishment and couched threads. I used Medium Blue 8wt 2735 for the couching, which gave an interesting texture to the surface of the work. Hand stitching with 80wt cotton to embellish the background.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 80wt in 2745, 2000; Cotton 8wt in 2735
Vicki Reid
Creating my dream bag using this beautiful colour palette of Freespirit fabric scraps and a mixture of different weight Aurifil threads.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 40wt in 5016; Cotton 12wt in 2435; and Wool 12wt in 8530
Tara Glastonbury
It’s been a while since I dug into the denim scrap bin, but it was the perfect place to find pieces for a bag version of my Blue Giant pattern. I’m hoping to make a couple of these to take to Carrefour EPM in France – only 8 weeks away! Pieced with Aurifil 40wt, quilted and topstitched with 28wt. I’m really happy with how it turned out, but I can’t see myself going into production any time soon!
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 40wt & 28wt
Amari Thomsen
This challenge taught me that no scrap is too small! I turned these super skinny scraps into a large string block and then into a handy zipper pouch! These scraps offered the perfect color combo to feature a bright Spring Green thread.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 50wt 1231
Tamara Darragh
For July’s Aurifil Artisan Scrap Challenge, I transformed tiny fabric leftovers into a padded iPad zipper pouch. I collaged the scraps into a butterfly and free-motion quilted it onto linen using 12wt threads from the Groove Collection, then stitched a wildflower garden around her with 50wt thread. The back features a woven-look panel pieced from more scraps and quilted for added texture. A green zipper and a beaded zipper pull finish off this cheerful, functional piece. Enjoy!
Aurifil Threads used: Quilting the butterfly and backing: Groove Collection,
Quilting the butterfly body: Cotton 50wt in 2692,
Piecing, free motion quilting the front linen, attaching zipper: Cotton 50wt in 2026,
Hand embroidered antenna for butterfly: Cotton Floss in 4241
Janice Reimer
The idea for this project has been floating around in my head for the last couple of years, and I finally took the leap and committed to making it happen. I think it’s so cool seeing how quilting techniques (EPP, FPP) can still be used to create a totally different type of art.
Aurifil Threads used: Cotton 80wt in 2810; Cotton 50wt in 1148
Lou Orth
Using the Free Spirit scraps given to me as part of the Aurifil Welcome package, I have stitched up a mini divided drawstring pouch. I quilted the raw strips of fabric straight onto the batting to make the outside and pockets of the pouch. Scraps have also been turned into twine to create the ties of the drawstring.
Aurifil Thread used: Cotton 40wt 2530, 2865 & Cotton 50wt 2600
We encourage you to click through and take a closer look at each Artisan’s brilliant take on this challenge. A huge THANK YOU to our 2025 Aurifil Artisan team. Your creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm shine through already, and we’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us!
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