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    Home » Sewing

    30+ Things to Make with Fabric Scraps

    Updated: Oct 13, 2020 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 2 Comments

    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.

    Table of Contents
    • How to Organize Fabric Scraps
    • What Can I Make out of Scrap Fabric?

    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!

    1

    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.

    2

    Scallop Neck DIY T-Shirt Refashion

    Refashion a plain tee with some colorful scraps of fabric.

    3

    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.

    4

    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.

    5

    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.

    6

    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!

    7

    DIY Embellished Dish Towel

    This tea towel is made from very skinny fabric scraps.

    8

    Red, White and Blue DIY 4th of July Dish Towels

    Create a "faux" quilt block and stitch it to a simple dish towel.

    9

    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.

    10

    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.

    11

    Patchwork Drawstring Bag Tutorial

    This patchwork drawstring bag is made from leftovers from a 5" stacker of fabric.

    12

    Simple Patchwork Pencil Case Tutorial

    Add a bit of quilting to a simple scrappy pencil case with this tutorial by Sarah Ashford.

    13

    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.

    14

    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.

    15

    Fabric Selvage Zip Pouch Sewing Tutorial

    Don't throw out your fabric selvages! Save them for fun projects like this cute little zip pouch.

    16

    Scrappy Skirt how-to

    I created this skirt for my daughter to wear on the 4th of July using leftover scraps from a quilt.

    17

    Heart Fabric Rag Wreath Tutorial

    Save your pink and red scraps and make this cute wreath just right for Valentine's Day.

    18

    How to Make Knotted Hair Ties

    These cute hair ties make great gifts!

    19

    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

    20+ Mini Quilt Patterns You Can Make in a Weekend

    Mini quilts are a fabulous way to use up your fabric scraps.

    21

    Free Mini Quilt Pattern, Dresden Plate Quilt

    Practice your applique skills with this Dresden mini quilt pattern.

    22

    Wonderland Mini Quilt Patterns

    This doll quilt looks like a dollhouse! Pick your favorite "creatures" to peek out the windows!

    23

    "Sunnies" Glasses Case Pattern

    Stop losing your sunglasses in your purse! Stitch up a colorful case for them instead.

    24

    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.

    25

    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.

    26

    DIY Embellished Pocket Tees

    These pocket tees can be personalized in so many different ways.

    27

    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.

    28

    DIY Keychain Card Holder Tutorial

    This keychain cardholder is a great way to give a gift card with a little "something extra".

    29

    Vintage Sheet Wrapped Frame -- A Tutorial

    Photo Credit: freshandfun.blogspot.com

    Decorate a simple picture frame with some leftover vintage fabric scraps.

    30

    DIY Bobby Pins

    Photo Credit: justcallmechris.blogspot.com

    Use simple covered buttons to create unique hair accessories.

    31

    Fabric Covered Button Necklace Tutorial

    Turn a few covered buttons into a necklace.

    32

    Fabric Butterfly Wall Art tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com

    You don't need to sew with fabric scraps. These butterflies are cut out and simply mounted on a picture frame.

    33

    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.

    34

    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.

    35

    Simple Zipper Pouch Tutorial

    Learn the basics of creating a zip pouch with this simple tutorial.

    36

    Easy DIY Pencil Pouch Pattern

    Don't let the shape fool you. This pencil pouch is so easy to make!

    37

    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!

    More Projects You May Enjoy

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      DIY Giant Floor Pillow Pattern
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      DIY Derby Jockey Silks Pillows
    • collage image with minky fabric and baby blanket
      How to Sew with Minky Fabric: Easy Tips for a Beginner
    • pink patchwork pincushion on gingham paper with sewing notions
      Charming Patchwork Pincushion Tutorial

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine says

      June 06, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Thank you for putting all these wonderful scrappy ideas in one place. My granddaughter may be visiting this summer and she may like to make one or more of these projects. I have lots of scraps. 🙂

      Reply
    2. Ruth says

      June 07, 2020 at 11:53 pm

      I love all your different things to make. I’ve had making a few of them so far. Thank you.

      Reply

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