How to Make a Fabric Rope Bowl
These fabric rope bowls are so much fun to make and they have so many uses! Make a fabric rope bowl for an Easter basket, fruit bowl, notions catch-all, gift...
Scrap Fabric Sewing Project Ideas
If you sew or quilt, you probably have a growing pile of fabric scraps that are too pretty to throw away. The good news is that there are lots of creative ways to turn those leftovers into beautiful and useful projects.
In this collection of scrap fabric sewing project ideas, you’ll find tutorials for everything from small gifts and home decor to quilt blocks and beginner sewing projects. Whether you have tiny scraps, strips, or larger leftover pieces, these ideas will help you transform your fabric stash into something new.
If your scrap bin is overflowing, try projects like fabric rope bowls, confetti quilting, or mug rugs that are perfect for using leftover fabric pieces.
Favorite Project Ideas for Scraps
How to Make Quilted Fabric Postcards Tutorial
I love making small pieces of fiber art to send when I am thinking of a friend, or to celebrate an occasion. I make quilted postcards for Valentine's Day, Mother's...
Raw Edge Appliqué Tea Towels
Bring a little summer outside activity to your kitchen with this Campin' tea towel pattern by Patch Abilities. I had the pleasure of meeting Julie Wurzer, the creative mind behind...
Tiny Scraps Ideas
Confetti Quilting Tutorial: Art Quilts from Scrap Fabric
Looking for a great scrap-busting project? Try confetti quilting! No piece is too small. Confetti quilting is an appliqué technique where you use very small pieces of fabric to create...
How to Make Colorful Coasters
When I'm in a creative low and need a boost, I create colorful coasters from fused fabric scraps that are left-overs from previous projects. This colorful coaster is a super...
Crumb Quilting: Zero Waste Idea for Fabric Scraps
Are you a saver of your fabric scraps? Even those little bits and tiny pieces? Do you love quilting projects that aren't all about precision? Then crumb quilting is for...
Scrappy Home Dec Projects
Make an English Paper Pieced Mug Rug
English Paper Piecing (EPP) is gaining traction as part of the slow stitch movement, but making a full-size EPP quilt is a long-term commitment. Thinking of an introduction to EPP,...
How to Make a Trivet
Looking for a great project for those scraps you want to use? Make a colorful trivet (or two or three!). Learn how to make a trivet using the fabric wrapped...
How to Make a Mug Rug and Wine Coaster from Charm Packs
It's charming, quick, and easy! Make mug rugs from a charm pack for your cup of coffee or tea, that doubles as a wine coaster. Now, everyone can keep track...
Gift Ideas from Fabric Scraps
How to Sew a Fabric Pocket Tissue Cover: Tutorial
Make that package of tissues in the bottom of your bag pretty with a handmade tissue holder! This purse tissue holder is a quick and easy project - great for...
DIY Cord Keeper Wrap Tutorial: Easy Sewing Project
Do your electrical cords and charger cords get tangled? Does your extra cord drawer look like a big pot of spaghetti? You need some cord keepers! This is a super easy...
DIY Sleep Mask: Free Sewing Pattern and Tutorial
Make your own DIY Sleep Mask with our free pattern. This is a perfect project to use up leftover fabric and small pieces of batting. It's a quick and easy...
How to Use Fabric Scraps in Sewing Projects
Fabric scraps are a natural part of sewing and quilting. Instead of throwing them away, many sewists save leftover pieces to use in future projects. Even very small scraps can become part of beautiful patchwork, appliqué, or decorative accents.
Larger scraps work well for projects like mug rugs, potholders, and small bags. Tiny scraps can be used for techniques like confetti quilting or crumb quilting, where small pieces are stitched together to create colorful fabric.
If you’re just starting to sew with scraps, try projects like coasters, ornaments, or small quilt blocks. These projects are quick to finish and a great way to experiment with color and pattern while reducing fabric waste.
RELATED: How to organize your fabric scraps
Frequently asked questions about fabric scraps
What can I sew with small fabric scraps?
Small fabric scraps are perfect for projects like coasters, mug rugs, ornaments, appliqué designs, and patchwork quilt blocks.
How small is too small for fabric scraps?
Even very tiny pieces can be used for techniques like confetti quilting or crumb quilting, where scraps are stitched together to form larger fabric pieces.
What should I do with leftover fabric from sewing projects?
Many sewists save their scraps sorted by size or color so they can easily use them in patchwork projects, small accessories, or decorative crafts.
RELATED: Organizing your fabric scraps
Scrap Size Guide: What to make from different fabric scrap sizes
Tiny scraps:
Small scraps:
- Coasters, like these Sashiko stitched coasters
- Mug rugs, like this English paper pieced mug rug
Medium scraps:
- Make scrappy quilt blocks. Browse through our free quilt block tutorials.
- Potholders are a perfect project for medium-sized scraps.
Large scraps:
- Tote bags are a fun way to use up scraps
- Pillow covers are easy to make and a great large scrap project
More Scrap Fabric Sewing Project Ideas
Cracker Quilt Block Pattern: Free Tutorial
The Cracker quilt block pattern is a variation of the square in a square pattern. The center square is a set of three strips of fabric. It was first published…
How to Make Placemats: Easy Beginner Sewing Project
Looking for just the right color or design for placemats? Sew your own with these simple and quick steps. There are so many fabrics to choose from in a quilt…
How to Make Fabric Twine from Scraps: Tutorial and YouTube
Looking for a great project using fabric scraps? Make some fabric twine or fabric rope! I always seem to have small strips of fabric from straightening an edge for cutting…
What is Slow Stitching? Mindful Stitch Project Ideas
Slow stitching is the practice of hand sewing as part of a regular creative practice. Some people make the time to stitch daily. The sewing can be mending, working on…
Confetti Quilting Tutorial: Art Quilts from Scrap Fabric
Improvisational piecing results in original fiber art design that evolves piece by piece. The quilt is pieced on my home sewing machine and hand quilted.
How to Make a Bowl Cozy: Free Pattern Tutorial
Bowls come in a variety of sizes. Many of the bowl cozy patterns and tutorials only give you directions for one or two sizes. In this article, I'm going to…
How to Organize Fabric Scraps: Tips and Ideas
Are you like me? As you are working on a project, there are little pieces you know will be great for another project. How can I make sure I can…
How to Make Gift Box Ornaments
Why not have gifts on and under your tree this year with these adorable gift box ornaments? Learn how to make gift box ornaments with our step-by-step instructions. All you…