How to Make Earrings from Fabric Scraps

After wrapping up your latest DIY project you may have scrap fabric that you want to save for your next craft. If it’s a small amount, you may be wondering what project would be best for it. We’ve got your answer with fabric scrap earrings. This fun jewelry could match with coordinating handmade apparel or become a gift for a special someone who loves authentic accessories. Katie Snow of Periwink Boutique takes us step by step in making three unique pairs of earrings in our 2023 Craft Friday(s) series.  

Katie: Raise your hand if you have scraps of fabric lying around that you don’t know what to do with? If you’re anything like me, you probably have a pile of scraps tucked into a tote bag or stashed away in drawers taking up valuable storage space. Of course, you would want to use up all of your materials. If only there was a way to make use of these leftover fabric scraps. 

Well, my friends, fear not! Because I have a perfect solution for you! 

I’ll take you step by step through my process of creating three different styles of earrings using those leftover pieces of fabric. These one-of-a-kind earrings will not only make wonderful gifts but can also serve as unique additions to your personal jewelry collection. However, I should warn you that once you make one pair, you’ll want to keep making more! So, get ready because it’s time to get scrappy (pun intended)! 
 

Using your circle template, measure and cut two 1 3/4” circles from your swatch or fabric scraps. If you want your earrings to look identical, make sure to match the pattern repeats when measuring.

For this step, we will be wrapping the fabric around the button. From your materials, grab the following:

Center one of the fabric circles, pattern-side down, over top of the rubber form.  

Take one of your buttons and lay it dome-side down, over the fabric. Ensure the fabric remains centered and use your fingers to press the fabric and the button into the rubber form.  

As you press, the fabric will fold around the button’s edges. Make sure the lip of the rubber tool covers the edges of the button. Fold excess fabric into the hollow (inside) of the button dome to ensure the button’s edges will look smooth.

Use the plain button back—with the edge facing up—to secure the button into place (this will also hide the excess fabric).  Place your thumb press over your button back. We’re about to bring this button together!

Apply pressure to the button back with the blue thumb press tool. You should feel (and maybe hear) the back snap into place. This will secure the button permanently.

Remove the button from the rubber form and repeat this process for the second button. 

You now have two fabric buttons that are ready to be made into earrings. You will need two 10mm earring posts with butterfly backs and B-7000 jewelry glue.

I like to place my earring posts near the top of the circle. So before gluing, I flip my button design side up to determine which area I’d want to designate as the top to place my post. After positioning the button, I turn it design side down and pick up my earring post.

I apply a medium-sized dot of B-7000 glue to the flat back of the earring posts. Attach the earring post to the back of the button at the top, and let cure for 24 hours. Keep the earrings design side down while the glue dries.

Your button earrings are now complete! Attach them to an earring card for gifting or packaging.

See gifting and care instructions.

Make the other earrings

I prefer crafting on a cutting mat, although this is entirely optional. I find it beneficial to have an extra layer to protect my workspace, in addition to assisting with fabric measurements. 

Using a ruler, cutting mat and fabric pencil, measure and cut two 4” x 4” fabric squares from your swatch. If you want the earrings to look identical, make sure the sections you cut are matching.

To protect your workstation from the sticky glue, tape down a sheet of wax paper.

Lay your fabric on the wax paper pattern-side down. Using a 1/2” flat paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge® to the non-pattern side of both 4” x 4” fabric squares.

Fold each square diagonally in half, corner to corner, to create a triangle shape. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Trim any uneven edges. 

Identify which side of the fabric you want to be the front of the earring. Place that side face down on your workstation. The widest side (hypotenuse) of the triangle should be facing you with the tip of the triangle pointing away from you.  

Fold the triangle in an accordion pattern. With each fold measuring about 1/8” deep, fold the bottom of the triangle towards the top point of the triangle. Turn the triangle piece over and make another fold the same width. Repeat this folding back and forth until the entire piece of fabric is folded into one long strip. 

Apply a thin layer of fabric glue along the long flat strip, leaving a section in the middle unglued. Folding evenly, bring the two ends together. The fabric will fan out into a leaf shape. Leave a small circular opening at the top center of the leaf. Repeat these steps to transform your other triangle into a leaf.

Along the curve of the leaf, there are folds at the top that will need to be glued down. I like to add a tiny dot of fabric glue to the top two folds to secure them in place. Use mini fabric clips to secure all glued areas and allow 30-60 minutes to dry.

Now it’s time to add your earring hardware. For your materials, you will need:

Using the chain nose pliers, pry apart a 14mm jump ring and hook it through the small circular opening at the top center of the fabric leaf. Close the 14mm jump ring.  

Pry apart your 5mm jump ring and hook it around the 14mm jump ring. Leave this ring open, we’re about to add the earring hook.

Add the fishhook earring with rubber back to the 5mm jump ring. Make sure the hook of the earring points towards the back side of the leaf so the featured side of the leaf design will face front when wearing them. Close the 5mm jump ring to secure the earring hardware.  

Repeat these steps for the second leaf.

Apply Fray Check along the edges of the fabric leaves to protect the fabric from fraying.

Your origami earrings are now complete!

See gifting and care instructions.

Make the other earrings

Using your circle template, measure and cut two 1 3/4” circles from your swatch or fabric scraps. If you prefer the design of the earrings to be identical, considering matching the pattern repeat prior to cutting so the design of both circles look the same.

With your piece of cardstock, measure one 1 3/4” circle. Draw a line down the center of the circle. Cut out your circle and then cut the circle in half so you have two semicircles.

Prepare your workstation for gluing by taping down wax paper to protect your surface. 

Using a 1/2” flat paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge® to the non-pattern side of each fabric circle and one side of the cardstock semicircle pieces. 

Place one cardstock semicircle, glued side down, on the bottom half of each fabric circle touching the curved edge.

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge® to the cardstock then fold the fabric over so it covers both sides of the semicircle evenly. 

Now that we’re done gluing, you can remove the wax paper you taped down. Allow your pieces to dry for about 30 minutes before moving onto the next step. 

To conceal any imperfections and add a unique edge, grab your pinking shears and trim along the curve of the semicircle pieces.

Using a 1/16” hole punch, create a hole in the middle of the semicircle along the straight edge. Make sure you’re about 1/8” from the edge.

Now it’s time to add your earring hardware. Of your materials, you will need:

With your chain nose pliers, pry apart the 7mm jump ring and connect it through the hole you created in your semicircle piece of fabric. Add the 28mm circle connector to the 7mm jump ring and then fasten closed with your pliers.

Pry apart the 5mm jump ring and hook around the 28mm circle. Add the earring fishhook with the rubber back to the jump ring then fasten closed with your pliers.

Apply Fray Check along the border of your fabric pieces to reinforce the edges. Place them on an earring card for gifting. 

Your dangly hoop earrings are now complete!

Make the other earrings

Your earrings are now finished and ready for wearing! If you choose to give them as a gift, consider attaching the earrings to an earring card to make them feel a bit more special and professional looking.

You can even write a special note on the back of the card for the person you are gifting them to. You can purchase blank earring cards or make your own with a piece of cardstock and a hole punch. 

Care instructions

When caring for your earrings, you should avoid getting them wet so as not to compromise the structure and form of the fabric. You might notice that lint or dust may occasionally stick to the fabric. I like to gently dust off any accumulation with a clean, dry paint brush. This will help to get into any small crevices or folds. 

I would love to see what fabric you use to make your earrings! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

If you are interested in my fabric and wallpaper designs, you can check out my Spoonflower shop!