An easy serger scrap catcher will put an end to this nightmare!
My sewing area, which is on the way to the kitchen, is a terrifying sight almost every day. It's only when I finish a project that I look around to find the embarrassing pile of scraps, paper, and thread all over the table and floor. Sometimes I use a plastic bag or a cereal box, to catch the mess, but after a while, the bag or the box falls off the table because of the weight of the scraps and it's a mess all over again. To be frank the plastic bag ends up being a sore site anyway and really brings down my sense of order in my humble workroom. Since I know I am not the only one that happens to inflict this nightmare on their family members, I have decided to come up with an easy and hopefully elegant solution.
For this serger scrap catcher, you will need very few materials. All of which you can probably find among your leftover fabric, so there is no need to go hunting for more fabric. In case you do though, we've put some helpful links in the materials list.
Materials List
- 1/4 yard of fabric to match your furniture or taste.
- 1/4 yard of contrasting fabric. I am using a leftover scrap of linen.
- stiff fusible interfacing.
- batting: the thinnest you can buy (optional)
- 2 yards of 1″ bias tape. Follow this tutorial to make your own: Making continuous bias binding tape
- thread
- sewing machine
The FREE detailed PDF instructions are available on Craftsy.com.
You can download it FREE there.
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Step 1: Cutting your pattern
This serger scrap catcher is designed to fit most home sergers. Mine is a Bernina with a base which will be sitting the mat measuring a depth of 8″ and width of 11 1/2″. You can see a picture of it in the photo. If your serger is around this size, which most are, the catcher will fit perfectly. The design leaves about an inch spare around the base so there is some flexibility as well. If your serger is a considerably larger, professional model, you may have to adjust the size of the pieces in the cutting schedule below.
I have made the pattern in a simple series of rectangles with the following measurements. You can modify this if you have a larger or smaller than standard machine. Basically, you just want to make the pattern 1″ bigger than the width of the bottom of your machine.
- Piece #1: 12″ X 18 ” Back/Mat Cut 2 pieces. One piece will be for the front and another for the back so you can use contrasting fabric as you will see below.
- Piece #2: 12″ X 8″ Pocket Cut 2 pieces. One for the front and one for the lining.
- Piece #3: 8″ X 4″ Side Cut 2 pieces. As above.
- Piece #4: 8″ X 4″ Side Cut 2 pieces. As above.
- Piece #5: 12″ X 4″ Bottom Cut 2 pieces. As above.
When tracing your own rectangles make sure pieces #1, #2 and #5 are the same width.
Cut pieces 1 to 5 of batting and fusible interfacing as well. Please note the batting is optional. I used it because I wanted to give the catcher some body and rigidity to make sure the pocket would remain open at all times to be able to catch any size scrap.
Step 2: Fuse the interfacing to all pieces
If using the optional batting, sew the batting to pieces 1 to 5. If you are an accomplished quilter, I am sure you could make a true work of art. Unfortunately, I'm not yet a real quilter, so I sewed lines up and down the rectangle as best as I could. Not very impressive I know, but I am keeping my focus primarily on the practicality of this project. From the plastic bag that I was using before to what I have in mind is already a big leap forward.
Step 3: Making the pocket
Take piece #2 and place it print side up, then take pieces #3 and #4 and pin to the sides of pieces #3 and sew 5/8″ seam allowance.
Top stitch both seam allowance and trim. This is an optional step which I have done it to keep the seam allowance flat. It will help guide me to not trim too close to the seam. I am finding the batting a little thick, but I am using the materials I had.
Step 4: Attach decorative bias binding to the top of the pocket
I have used satin bias binding, but you can use cotton or a stretch lace.
Step 5: Topstitching the pocket
Topstitch 1/4″ from the seam on both sides to shape the pocket. This how it should look at this point.
Step 6: Attaching the bottom (piece #5)
Start sewing on the shortest side of the bottom.
In the end, I did not line the bottom. I only used the fusible interfacing and the batting. Another layer would have made it too thick for my machine. If you use a very thick fusible interfacing, you will not need the batting at all.
When you get to the corner, stop, and keep the needle down, lift the foot and turn the top piece around to align with the bottom one. You are in fact pivoting the corner.
I have used the pencil marks that I have made before to guide me so I know see where to turn the corners.
Trim the corners to 1/4″ and turn the pocket right side out to topstitch the sides.
This step can also be done at the end, but because the pocket is very thick, I think it will be better for me to do it while I can manage the size of the scrap catcher.
Step 7: Putting it all together
Start by sewing the sides. I am forced to use the quilt clips you see in the picture because of the thickness of my work. Sew one side at a time. Remember to mark the corner as in step six. The mark will help you pivot the corner.
Step 8: Sewing the bias tape
Start anywhere where the serger will sit, miter your corner as in this tutorial. If you don't know how to it, this tutorial will help you:
The finished product measures: L 17 3/8″, W 11″. The pocket depth: 3 1/2″, H 6 3/4″
I am looking forward to using this scrap catcher and no more cereal boxes or ugly plastic bags taped to my serger. In fact, I like the concept so much that I am going to make one for every sewing machine I have. This is my take on a solution for the mess from sergers and sewing machines. Of course, it is not the only one out there and perhaps you may not even agree with the construction.
We'd really love to see what other options and variations you may come up with. Please keep us posted in the comments below. 
The FREE detailed PDF instructions are available on Craftsy.com.
You can download it FREE there.
I have sewed the pocket part, but….I never saw any instructions on where to add the lining? Do I just make another pocket from the lining and lip into the outside pocket???
Hi Brunetta, yes that is what you do, I never did put any lining because I wanted to be able to see when the pins drop. Otherwise, I will be buying pins every other week. However, if this is not your concern, by all means, do make a lining.
I note that my previous comment hasn’t been published. I have a workaround for my problem. I’m going to bind the seams on the right sides.
bonjour
voila genial plus de dechets parterre que du bonheur bravo
Its amazing when the answer to a problem can be found in your stash! You all are amazing to find the answer for the rest of us and share it. No wires, ample size, probably will find I have all necessary materials when I clean up my sewing area, and simple to make. I appreciate all of your projects, especially the free ones and thank you for being so accessible. AuntBinCO
You are most welcome! Load a picture if you an so I can see your scrap catcher, cheers!
This is just what I need for my serger! I have been using a plastic bag or trying to keep a small trashcan in front of me on the floor. Doesn’t work too well.
Thanks so much!
When i printed the instructions the pattern was not there
how do i get that
Hi Margie, the pieces are simple rectangles so there is no need for a pattern. Please read through the start of the post again to see how this is described. Let me know if you still need help. Kind regards and happy sewing, Mayra
Me too. I just downloaded the pattern today from Craftsy. 🙁 Jackie
As usual, your design is spot on for the purpose and the tutorial thorough and clear, many thanks.
I made a scrap catcher 20 years ago..I had a friend draw the rear end of a horse, painted the outline and used yarn for the tail..then I painted this on it: TAIL ENDS..it makes me laugh every time I use my serger.
You are great! Thank you for this. How did you know I needed to get started on cleaning and organizing my sewing space, just as soon as I can find it. As usual, your timing is just right to give me a boot in the butt and get me going. XXXOOO
Hi how did you know I was cleaning and sorting my sewing room this week!! Thank you for the serger catcher and advice on the sewing threads……just what I need to do😃👍🏻 Thanks so much!
This looks fantastic. I really love it. Going to make one, just need the interfacing. Thanks sew much!
I give up, sweeping everything off the sewing table: I. Will. Sew. This. Catcher. Now…. Funny how projects which would be most helpful in the studio are the next to last things to be made!
I hear you girl 🙂
Great tutorial and cute bag! I made up my own and would suggest using fabric that is slippery, as in coated with a slick clear finish so your scraps don’t get stuck on the way down.
Thank you! I just sort of did my own thing after cutting the pieces, and simply serged the edges (guess I’m too lazy for binding…), but it works wonderfully. Put a plastic insert, cut from a food tray, inside. I appreciate you taking the time for a tutorial! Sorry, can’t see where to post a photo.
Am I missing something, I got the sewing instructions, but no pattern? says it will print at the end of the instructions but nothing. Great idea, i need this for sure
Hi Jenna, you have to draft the pattern with the dimensions given on the article. Please have a look at the instruction son how to do this.
Thanks for the pattern. May I suggest keeping that plastic bag to use as a liner – it eliminates the need to lift the serger to empty and replace the catcher and threads and fabric will not stick to it .
Thank you Mary, great tip!
Love this idea and thank´s for the pattern, I´m going to make one for myself and my serger.
Great idea! However, when giving measurements, you give the width first then the height. You have them mixed up for some of the measurements, but not all. As a result, one ends up wasting material and recutting material because the patterned fabric is sideways.
Hi Peggy, thank you for your feedback. I will have a look and make the measurements consistent. I am still learning about teach which can be very hard sometimes. I always assume people know what I am talking about. Kind Regards,
Mayra
good organizer .
I will give it a try I purchased a hard plastic one but find it is in the way so don’t use it.
Hi Janis, yes, this one is soft so is easier to work around. Let us know how you go. Good luck!
A fantastic idea!! I sew in a room with carpet on the floor, which makes getting strands of cotton hard to get off the floor. I have also devised another idea for those strands that stray from the cutting table. I use a lint roller with the removable sticky papers. As I hate bending I push the lint roller on an old paint roller, add the stick and voila – does a great job!!
What a great idea!
This lòoks really useful. I think I would line it in some way though, maybe with something smooth or plastic. I can imagine how difficult it would be to empty and pick all the bit off the interfacing! Lovely idea . Thank you.
That looks so pretty. I took a Tyvek mailing envelope that something came in the mail in, boxed the corners so it would stand upright, turned it inside out so the label doesn’t show, turned down a cuff and set it nearby. Yours is much, much nicer.
Thank you Nell, give it a try, let me know how you go.
Good idea. I will make one of these for my serger and main sewing machine. but instead of using batting I will use plastic canvas inside a pocket…gives more shape to the box…I have used the plastic canvas in my car trash pocket I made…Thanks for the tutorial…..
Thanks Lori, the plastic canvas is a great idea! I must try your technique.
Brilliant!! Thanks for sharing! It is going on my list too. I love being reinded to keep things in my sewing space workable AND beautiful. I am excited to see how other’s efforts turn out too!
Me too, I am looking forward to see yours!
This is great! My serger has a thread catcher but it’s sooo small! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow evening that features your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=86878 –Anne
Thanks Anne. Much appreciated.
I haven’t even opened my box with the serger yet, but I already know I need this! What a great idea!
The most scary thing about your serger is the mess it makes, looking forward to your take on this project. Cheers!
Why I haven´t think in something like this?. I am going to make it just now. I have done the cover for sewing machine and Serger with old jeans, I have a lot of them yet. And I was thinking in making the pocket in oilcloth as lining, I have it too. It is steady enough: jean and oilcloth. Do you agree? Thanks again.
Absolutely! I think it will be fantastic, and a great way to recycle old jeans!
I will make one of these!! Thanks so much!
That’s great Jan. Please let us know how it turns out. Perhaps you can send us a pic of the finished product?
This goes on the to do list right away. I may use boning at the to of the ends to keep it open and then not use batting. I have done similar things in the past with boning and been very pleased. If I do that, this may just become a project for a junior seamstress in the house!
Thanks so much!
That is a great idea, I will love to see how it turns up.
I’m going to give this a try!
Yes, Please do! I would love to add the picture on the website.
This is great! Thank you! I’m currently using a plastic bag underneath my surger but this is way more attractive 🙂
I did too, it always made me feel I was working in a sweatshop!
Thank you for this awesome pattern. Love it 😉 thanks for sharing. Love So Sew Easy.
Val, You are most welcome!
My first reaction when I saw this post was “Duh, why didn’t I think of that!?!?” It’s brilliant! Talk about a time (and mess) saver. This is definitely going on the top of my “to sew” list. Of course, my cats will not appreciate it – they love waiting for the falling scraps to play with! Thank you so much for this great idea!
Ha, ha, ha!!!! I can only pictures your cats catching the scraps, I think you have to make a toy for them now.
Thank you soooooo much for taking the time to share this with us !! can not wait to get going on this. I sure needed this Thanks again for all your work..
You are welcome, Beverly!
Great idea!!!
I am loving this! I’m sure I have fabric left (I hope) from Debby’s serger cover pattern I made so it would be nice to have a matching set. It will probs take ages to find it because the Spring cleaning has begun ?. Thank you for sharing the best pattern I have seen so far Mayra.
Anna
yes! that would look really nice, send us a picture when you are done.
What a brilliant idea. I’m off to raid my stash right now.
That’s the spirit! Let me know what you find!
Awesome!
I love it Thank you I will be making me and I my sister one
You are welcome Louise, let me know whow they turn out!