10 Projects Using Fabric Scraps
We’ve all got scraps of fabric lying around that are left over from completed projects. Here are 10 ideas for putting those fabric scraps to good use and creating something new. Learn more in our latest podcast episode, and make sure to check out the links below for each project’s pattern/tutorial.
Bookmarks
Small pieces of fabric often make great bookmarks! Pair them with felt, or let them stand alone. Either way, you have a unique and personal way to mark your page. These make great gifts, too.
Pin Cushions – Miniature Chicken
These tiny chickens, made from two 2.5” squares, are just plain adorable, and they double as a little mini pin cushion. There are tons of other pin cushion patterns as well, in lots of shapes and sizes, all of which use small scraps of fabric.
Quilt Block Hat
Use four fabric scraps to create a miniature pinwheel block, then use it to make a unique decorated hat! The finished block is so cute, measuring only 2 1/2”. The full pattern can be found in my book Quilting for Everyone.
Small Decorative Pillows
These mini decorative pillows can be made using small pieces of fabric left over from your larger projects.
Quilt-as-you-go Ornaments
Quilt as you go projects are great scrap busters, because you can sew small strips of various widths together to create a larger rectangle of fabric. Then, all you have to do is trace a template or draw a shape and cut it out to make festive ornaments. This technique is also something you can use for creating coasters, pouches, and other kinds of projects.
Zipper Pouch
I used twelve 2.5” squares, along with a few other small pieces of fabric to create these cute little zipper pouches. They are perfect for holding change, quilting clips, lip gloss, or any other small items…and they make a great gift idea!
Paper Pieced Projects
English Paper Piecing is a fun way to give old scraps new life. All you do is wrap small pieces of fabric around pre-cut shapes like hexagons, diamonds, and teardrops, then hand stitch them together to form larger designs. This sunflower coaster is a great introductory paper piecing project. Or, you can start even simpler with a basic hexagon keychain.
Applique Banner
You can easily decorate just about anything by turning your scraps into applique! Just iron a piece of fusible adhesive to the back of your fabric, then cut it into any shape you like. Trace templates or freehand your own shapes to create one-of-a-kind designs. Then, iron them onto a canvas banner, a hat, a denim jacket, or any other surface you like to give it a fun pop of color.
Project Sweet Peas Scent Hearts
This special project requires slightly larger (5”) 100% flannel scraps, but has a meaningful purpose. Project Sweet Peas collects these handmade hearts for babies in the NICU, so that they can be comforted by the scent of their parents. For all the details about how to make and donate these, check out the Project Sweet Peas website.
Fabric Bracelets
These fabric bracelets are a perfect way to use up any long, thin fabric scraps in your collection. All you need are three 1”x 12” coordinating strips to create your own.
We hope you’re inspired by these ideas to dig into your scrap bin and create something new. What are your favorite ways to use fabric scraps? Be sure to let us know and show us your latest projects by sharing your photos on the Amy Latta Facebook page and in the Amy Latta & Friends Facebook Group. And don’t forget to listen to the podcast episode that goes along with this post!
More Project Ideas
If you enjoy sewing, here are some other projects you might want to try.
