Beyond the Caftan: 3 Clever Ways to Use Your Ankara Fabric Scraps
If you caught my recent Instagram reel, you know I am completely head over heels for the Ankara Caftan I made after a long time away from my sewing machine. There is nothing quite like a loose, flowy maxi dress in a vibrant African print to make you feel instant, effortless glamour.
How to Do It: Cut 2-inch wide bias strips from your leftover caftan fabric. Wrap flexible leather cording into a double loop sized perfectly to your wrist. Wrap the bias fabric strips tightly around the cord, tucking the end neatly into the rolls with a bobby pin.
How to Do It: Take a long rectangular strip of your remaining fabric, iron the edges flat, and fashion it into a bold top knot headwrap or tied hair bow.
The Look: Tying your hair up with a matching print brings the eye upward and elevates the entire outfit into a high-fashion look.
The best part about working with Ankara fabric is how forgiving and easy it is to sew. After sewing something up, you're almost always left with leftover yardage or awkward scrap pieces.
Don’t throw those scraps away! Today, I’m digging into the Thriftanista in the City vault to bring back some of my favorite DIY easy scrap busting projects so you can use every last inch of your fabric.
Ankara Fabric Bracelet
The Problem It Solves: If standard store bought bangles always slide down awkwardly onto your hands, this custom fit DIY is for you!
How to Do It: Cut 2-inch wide bias strips from your leftover caftan fabric. Wrap flexible leather cording into a double loop sized perfectly to your wrist. Wrap the bias fabric strips tightly around the cord, tucking the end neatly into the rolls with a bobby pin.
The Look: Lightweight, pliable statement arm candy that stays right where you want it—and perfectly matches your caftan! (Check out my full original step-by-step tutorial
DIY Ankara Button & Dangle Earrings
The Problem It Solves: Finding a use for tiny, odd shaped fabric cutouts.
How to Do It: Press small 2-inch fabric scraps into a cover button kit, then glue earring posts to the back for instant custom studs. Alternatively, roll long triangular strips and glue to make colorful Ankara dangle earrings.
The Look: Fun, lightweight statement jewelry that repurposes even the smallest remnants.
The Problem It Solves: Styling long, leftover fabric strips without needing a sewing machine.
How to Do It: Take a long rectangular strip of your remaining fabric, iron the edges flat, and fashion it into a bold top knot headwrap or tied hair bow.
The Look: Tying your hair up with a matching print brings the eye upward and elevates the entire outfit into a high-fashion look.
Which of these Ankara scrap DIYs are you trying next? Don't forget to check out The Thriftanista Closet for my latest thrifted and handmade finds!
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