Creative Ways to Use Scrap Fabric in Your Quilting & Sewing Projects
Scrap fabric is perfect for adding unique touches to your quilts or creating fun, smaller projects. Here are some creative ways to incorporate scraps into your quilting and sewing projects!
Every quilter has a stash of leftover fabric scraps from past projects. Instead of letting those precious pieces gather dust, why not use them?
1. Create a Scrappy Quilt
One of the best ways to use up a large collection of scraps is to make a scrappy quilt. There are countless patterns and styles for scrappy quilts so that you can tailor them to your preference. Here are a few ideas:
- String Quilts: Use long strips of varying widths sewn onto a foundation fabric. This method is great for using even the smallest scraps, resulting in a colorful, textured quilt. Check out the tutorial on Quilty Love if you’re interested in trying this technique.
- Sampler Quilts: Sampler quilts consist of individual quilt blocks with different patterns. The blocks are usually the same size so that they can be sewn together into a grid. Since each block features a unique fabric and pattern, they’re perfect for using up fabric scraps!
- Improv Quilts: There are many ways to make an improv (short for improvisational) pieced quilt block or quilt top! One of my favorite ways is to create scrappy log cabin blocks! Our improv log cabin Halloween quilt was created using this method!
2. Make Patchwork Pillows
Patchwork pillows are a simple and quick project that uses fabric scraps well. Cut your scraps into uniform squares, rectangles, or strips and sew them together to form the front of the pillow.
Mix and match colors and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind design. Add a solid-colored back panel, stuff the pillow, and have a charming accessory for your home!
3. Sew a Quilted Tote Bag
Turn your scraps into a functional accessory by sewing a quilted tote bag. Use your scraps to create patchwork panels for the bag’s exterior.
You can stick to a specific color theme or embrace a more eclectic look. Line the bag with a solid fabric and add pockets inside for extra storage. Not only is this a practical project, but it’s also a fun way to showcase your fabric collection.
4. Piece Together a Scrappy Binding
Add a whimsical touch to your quilt projects with a scrappy binding. Instead of using a single fabric for the binding, sew together strips of different scrap fabrics to create a colorful, pieced edge. This technique adds a unique, playful finish to your quilts and uses up those long, thin scraps you might otherwise discard.
Sherri McConnel has a tutorial to walk you through creating a scrappy binding on her blog.
5. Craft Quilted Coasters or Mug Rugs
Small-scale projects like coasters and mug rugs are perfect for using up small fabric scraps.
Cut your scraps into squares, strips, or simple shapes and piece them together to form a small patchwork top. Layer the top with batting and backing fabric, quilt as desired, and finish with binding. These make great gifts and can be completed in an afternoon.
6. Make Fabric Baskets
Fabric baskets are both decorative and functional, making them an excellent use for scrap fabric. Sew strips or small patchwork blocks together to create the outer panels of the basket.
Add a lining, and use sturdy interfacing to help the basket hold its shape. These baskets are perfect for storing sewing supplies, fabric scraps, or other small items in your craft room.
7. Try English Paper Piecing (EPP)
English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a hand-sewing technique that uses paper templates to create precise shapes, such as hexagons, diamonds, or stars.
This technique is perfect for using small scraps and allows you to work on a project anywhere. Sew the shapes to create larger pieces, which can then be incorporated into quilts, pillows, or other projects.
8. Make a Bookmarks
Turn your fabric scraps into colorful bookmarks! There are so many different options, from applique bookmarks to corner bookmarks and even bookmarks that double as pencil pouches!
9. Sew Scrappy Appliqué
Scraps are ideal for appliqué projects. Cut out shapes (flowers, hearts, animals, etc.) from your scraps and appliqué them onto a quilt, pillow, tote bag, or even a clothing item.
Attach the fabric pieces with fusible webbing and secure them with a decorative stitch, like a blanket or zigzag stitch. This technique adds a whimsical and colorful element to any project.
10. Make a Patchwork Zipper Pouch
Using your scrap fabric, create a handy zipper pouch. Piece together scraps to form the pouch’s front and back panels.
Add batting and quilt the panels for extra texture. Sew in a zipper and a lining, and you’ll have a cute, functional pouch for holding sewing supplies, makeup, or small personal items.
11. Create a Memory Quilt
Consider making a memory quilt if you have fabric scraps from special projects or clothes with sentimental value.
Use pieces from baby clothes, favorite outfits, or fabrics from meaningful projects to create a quilt that tells a story. This project is not just a way to use scraps but also a way to preserve cherished memories.
Our site has two tutorials that use similar techniques but feature knit fabrics (which are not traditionally used in quilting). One tutorial features T-shirts, and the other features old sweatshirts.
If you’d like to make a memory quilt, choose a simple quilt pattern (like our Simple Sawtooth Star) and use woven fabrics instead of quilting cotton for the stars.
12. Make a Fabric Scrap Garland
Use your scraps to create a festive fabric garland. Cut your fabric into small strips or shapes (such as triangles or flags) and sew or tie them onto a long piece of twine or ribbon. This garland makes a great decoration for sewing rooms, parties, or seasonal celebrations.
Looking for more projects? We have so many freebies on our site!
Whether making a full-sized scrappy quilt or crafting small, useful items, your fabric scraps can be transformed into something beautiful.
The best part? Using scraps is a sustainable way to quilt, reducing waste and making the most of every piece of fabric. So dig into your scrap stash, and let your creativity run wild!
