Patchwork with smallest cut-offs
Boro sewing technique is great for using up tiniest scraps of denim. Originally the Boro patchwork is done by hand-stitching, but I have tried here something similar using a sewing machine instead. And it doesn’t look bad at all, so I would love to share this method in this free sewing tutorial with a printout heart shape.
Print or draw a shape
I assume we can use any shape for this Boro patchwork, we can even fill out a whole throw pillow or a handbag with denim cut-offs using this sewing technique. However this love-heart shape is easy to start with and it can be used as an applique for many handmade things.
You can draw your own love-heart or you can use this free printable pattern in two sizes:
You may wish to adjust the size of the heart depending on the needs of your sewing project.
Get your denim pieces ready
To start sewing this Boro patchwork heart cut out the shape on one piece of denim. Gather a few small pieces too and trim them to rectangles or squares.
Start laying the small pieces onto the denim heart shape. Have them overlapping and hanging over the edges, the messier the better! Play with it until you think it’s looking good enough. You can add lace or other fabrics too ;). Remember though that at this point it’s not very attractive, but it will be much better once it’s stitched and frayed.
Once you are more or less happy with it, pin every piece to hold in place. Then draw a diagonal line somewhere in the middle – this will be your stitching guide. Use a washable drawing tool here – chalk or sewing pencil.
Stitch along
Stitch along the drawn line, removing pins if needed on the way.
Now for the second line place the machine foot next to the first stitching line at any distance you feel is appropriate and stitch keeping parallel with that first line. I have the distance between lines appx 1cm. Then continue stitching the parallel lines until you have covered the whole shape.
Trim and fray
From the back of the Boro patchwork heart trim the excess to the original shape.
And now let’s fray and make this patchwork raggy. My favourite way to do this is to wet the denim and rub against itself by hands. Water seems to “lock” fibres and it makes the fray look very natural too. I have made a video here for the reverse patchwork where I use the same fraying method:
Just be a bit more gentle on this small beautiful heart! After rubbing, let it dry. Iron if needed.
Boro patchwork as an applique
You can now add this shape to your handmade stuff. Simply pin in place and stitch around, appx 0,5 cm from the edge.
The larger shape heart provided with the above free printout is good for sofa cushions, handbags or large storage boxes. The smaller shape will fit to cosmetic cases or mini bags… Do you have some ideas where such Boro patchwork heart can be used? Share them in comments!
For more techniques for working with denim visit my Know-How page with free step by step instructions >>>
