3 Ways to Use Fabric in Your Junk Journal
- Colleen McCarthy
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Fabric adds a lovely touch to a junk journal. It gives your pages texture and warmth that paper alone can’t. The best part is that you don’t need a sewing machine or fancy tools to use it. A few scraps and some glue will do the job.
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Here are three simple ways to add fabric to your journal:
1. Glue a Fabric Swatch to Your Page
One of the easiest ways to use fabric is to treat it like paper. Cut or tear a small piece of fabric and glue it straight onto your page. You can use a glue stick or fabric glue. If you want a softer, more vintage look, gently fray the edges with your fingers before gluing it down.
A fabric swatch can be used as a background for a journaling card or photo. It can also fill an empty corner or add a layer to a collage. If you like a more finished look, you can stitch around the edges, but that’s totally optional.
On this page, I used some brown fabric on top of a piece of cardstock. I wanted to make a thick belly band, or tuck spot. I simply cut my fabric to size, then glued it down.
It's great to use fabric glue if you have it. But I don't have any! So I used regular Aleene's tacky glue. It does show through a tiny bit, so I tried to apply it in spots where it would be covered by my fussy cuts.
2. Add a Fabric Strip as a Tag Topper
Another fun way to use fabric is as a tag topper. Cut a thin strip of fabric, fold it in half, and attach it to the top of your tag. You can glue it, staple it, or punch a hole and tie it through.
This little detail adds a soft, tactile element to your tag. It also gives it a more finished look. You can use lace, ribbon, or any scrap of fabric. Try fraying the ends a bit for a worn, cozy feel.
3. Use Fabric in a Cluster
A cluster is a small layered embellishment made from bits and pieces. It’s a great way to use tiny scraps. Cut a small piece of fabric and tuck it behind a paper label, ticket, or fussy cut. Add a button, thread, or lace on top to build more layers.
Clusters can be glued onto journal pages, envelopes, or tags. They’re quick to make and look charming anywhere. I like to keep a little bowl of fabric and paper scraps nearby so I can make clusters whenever I want.
Where to Find Fabric for Your Pages
You don’t need to buy a lot of fabric to get started. There are so many ways to find small pieces for junk journaling. Thrift shops are a great place to look.
You can find old clothing, pillowcases, or table linens that have pretty patterns. Just wash them and cut them into smaller pieces. Vintage handkerchiefs or lace trims can also add a nice soft touch to your pages.
Another place to check is your own home. Old shirts, worn-out aprons, or fabric scraps from past projects can all be reused. Even the lining from an old skirt or jacket might have an interesting texture or color.
My favorite way to find fabric scraps is by buying a small jelly roll. Jelly rolls are bundles of pre-cut fabric strips that come from the same fabric collection. They're actually meant for quilting, but I think they're perfect for journals and scrapbooks.
The strips are about 2½ inches wide, and they’re all designed to match each other. That means you get a variety of coordinating patterns and colors without having to buy full yards of fabric.
Jelly rolls are perfect for junk journaling because the pieces are small, easy to store, and ready to use. You can cut them into tag toppers, use them for clusters, or glue them right to your pages. The mix of patterns keeps your pages looking interesting, and the fabric quality is nice enough to hold up over time.
If you enjoy collecting supplies, a jelly roll is a fun and practical addition to your stash. You’ll have plenty of matching patterns to play with and endless ways to use them in your journals.
Supply List
When I made this tag and layout, I used some pieces from a jelly roll of brown fabric. I also used elements from printable kits, a freebie and some acrylic paint. Here's my complete supply list:
Free Fall Photos - a download in my free members area.
Jelly roll of brown quilting fabric.
Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.
Ranger Ink Blending Tool.
Rubber Stamp with Butterfly and Writing.
Folk Art matte acrylic paint in Wicker White and Pure Orange (I used this set).
Flower stencil (mine is discontinued - this one is similar)
Try Out Colors and Patterns
Fabric is a simple way to bring more texture and character to your junk journal. Even the tiniest piece can make a big difference. Don’t overthink it. Use what you have and play with different colors and patterns.
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