30+ Things to Make with Fabric Scraps
Sewing with fabric scraps is not only economical, but it can also be fun and creatively challenging too! Looking for project ideas? Here are more than 30 cute things to make with your fabric scraps.
This Spring I decided that my sewing room desperately needed to be cleaned. Things needed to be thrown out or donated and old projects needed to be organized.
While going though this process I relaized that I have an overwhelming amount of fabric scraps. I decided that this year I was going to make more of an effort to use up those scraps.
How to Organize Fabric Scraps
Right now I keep all of my fabric scraps in a laundry basket under my sewing table. I know that’s not the best solution. I keep my larger cuts of fabric organized by color (you can see my system here). If you’re looking for ideas for keeping the scraps organized then you might like this article by Amy explaining how she deals with her fabric scraps.
What Can I Make out of Scrap Fabric?
If you also find yourself with a lot of scraps and are wondering what to make with fabric scraps, I’ve rounded up loads of fun ideas for you to try today!
Many of these projects are also great for kids and teens who love to sew. When I was younger my grandma used to let me “play” with all of her fabric scraps to make clothes for my dolls. It helped to instill a love of sewing in me at a young age.
Scrap Fabric Projects
Use up some of the fabric scraps taking over your sewing space by making one of these cute projects!
Use your Fabric Scraps to Make a Patchwork Quilted Tote Bag
Is your fabric scrap bin overflowing? If so, we’ve got the perfect solution! Turn some of those scraps into a colorful patchwork tote bag. Learn how to do it with our free Patchwork Quilted Bag pattern.
Scrappy Fabric Bookmark Tutorial
Stitch up a simple bookmark with a rainbow theme. This project features a bit of easy to do raw edge applique. These little bookmarks would make wonderful teacher's gifts.
Metal Frame Purse Tutorial
Once you have the metal frames, these little clutches are so easy to stitch up and do not require a lot of fabric.
Simple Scrappy Fabric Gift Tags
Turn some of your cherished fabric scraps into colorful and creative fabric gift tags! In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to do it!
Scrappy Improv Christmas Tree Ornaments
Don’t throw out the scraps from your favorite Christmas fabrics; turn them into Christmas ornaments instead! These scrappy improv Christmas Tree ornaments use cardstock as a base, so they don’t need to be quilted. They are a fun way to turn that scrap bin fabric into something beautiful!
Scrappy Improv Bookmark Tutorial
Practice your improv piecing skills and use up some of your fabric scraps as you sew these adorable scrappy fabric bookmarks! Learn how to do it in this step-by-step tutorial.
Scrap Busting Postage Stamp Quilted Pillow Tutorial
Turn some of your fabric scraps into postage stamps then stitch them onto a pillow cover. This project is great for fabric scraps with a lot of imagery.
Scrappy Strips Quilt Block and OLFA Anniversary
If you organize your fabric scraps by color then you may love this easy improv style quilt block.
Scrap Busting DIY Halloween Tea Towels
This project is listed for Halloween but can be made any time of the year or for any holiday!
Red, White and Blue DIY 4th of July Dish Towels
Create a "faux" quilt block and stitch it to a simple dish towel.
Patchwork Pincushion Tutorial
This cute pincushion is made from the smallest of scraps! Stitch up a bunch and gift them to all your "quilty" friends.
Patchwork Doll Quilt Tutorial
Doll quilts are a great way to use up scraps of fabric since the quilts are so small to start with. This one features a simple patchwork pattern.
Patchwork Drawstring Bag Tutorial
This patchwork drawstring bag is made from leftovers from a 5" stacker of fabric.
Simple Patchwork Pencil Case Tutorial
Add a bit of quilting to a simple scrappy pencil case with this tutorial by Sarah Ashford.
Pom Pom Patchwork Pillow Pattern
The fabric scraps in this pillow are organized by color. A bit of pom pom trim adds a bit of fun to the finished project.
How to Make a Patchwork Pillow using Quilt As You Go Method
Did you know that you can quilt and create patchwork at the same time? This tutorial will walk you through the steps as you create a fun pillow.
Fabric Selvage Zip Pouch Sewing Tutorial
Don't throw out your fabric selvages! Save them for fun projects like this cute little zip pouch.
Scrappy Skirt how-to
I created this skirt for my daughter to wear on the 4th of July using leftover scraps from a quilt.
Heart Fabric Rag Wreath Tutorial
Save your pink and red scraps and make this cute wreath just right for Valentine's Day.
Soft 'n Snuggly Sensory Baby Quilt Tutorial
This quilt started out as a "happy accident". I didn't have enough of any one fabric for a baby quilt so I improvised. I love the way it turned out.
20+ Mini Quilt Patterns You Can Make in a Weekend
Mini quilts are a fabulous way to use up your fabric scraps.
Free Mini Quilt Pattern, Dresden Plate Quilt
Practice your applique skills with this Dresden mini quilt pattern.
Wonderland Mini Quilt Patterns
This doll quilt looks like a dollhouse! Pick your favorite "creatures" to peek out the windows!
"Sunnies" Glasses Case Pattern
Stop losing your sunglasses in your purse! Stitch up a colorful case for them instead.
Hit the Open Road Pillow Sewing Tutorial
Do you have an RV? We do and we love it. I created this scrappy pillow to take with us on long road trips.
DIY Polka Dot Burp Cloths
Jazz up some simple baby burp cloths with a bit of fabric. It's an easy and inexpensive baby shower gift idea.
DIY Keychain Chapstick Holder Tutorial
I'm always losing my chapstick! I love this idea to create a lanyard or keychain holder that's just the right size to hold a tube of chapstick.
DIY Keychain Card Holder Tutorial
This keychain cardholder is a great way to give a gift card with a little "something extra".
Vintage Sheet Wrapped Frame -- A Tutorial
Decorate a simple picture frame with some leftover vintage fabric scraps.
DIY Bobby Pins
Use simple covered buttons to create unique hair accessories.
Fabric Butterfly Wall Art tutorial
You don't need to sew with fabric scraps. These butterflies are cut out and simply mounted on a picture frame.
One Simple Zip Pouch Sewing Pattern 3 Ways
I love to make zip pouches because there are so many ways to customize and personalize them. Once you understand the basic construction techniques you can design your own bags.
Fat Quarter Zip Pouch Sewing Pattern
These bags take slightly larger pieces of fabric. So they may not technically be considered "scrap" projects. But they are a great way to use up a few leftover fat quarters from a pack of fabric.
Easy DIY Pencil Pouch Pattern
Don't let the shape fool you. This pencil pouch is so easy to make!
How to Make A Lip Gloss Pouch
Gather a few scraps of fabric and a few scraps of vinyl, stitch a few seams, and you've got a cute carrying case for your lip gloss!