Fabric Scraps – How To Use Every Last Piece.

Scrap fabric projects are a great way of using up all those leftover pieces you get when sewing. When I first started sewing, I was amazed at how many waste pieces of fabric I was producing. Being a little bit miserly, I really resented the thought of throwing these fabric remnants and scraps of fabric away. Especially when they are such expensive and lovely pieces of fabric.

Are you too wondering what to do with fabric scraps? Here are some great scrap fabric projects that I have found for using up every last one of my leftover fabric scraps. Some fabric scrap projects to make that will use up even the tiniest pieces!

This post was originally published in June 2019, but I regularly update it to add new projects.

Fabric Scrap Projects To Use Up All Your Fabric Scraps

 

What can you make with fabric scraps? My scrap bag is always overflowing. But I hate to throw even a small piece away. I would rather try and reuse all my bits of fabric in some way to ensure they don’t go to landfill just yet.

As well as my scrap fabric bag, I have a large pile of old clothes and towelling that is due to be repurposed. I just don’t believe in wastage when it comes to scraps of cloth or leftover fabric remnants.

I just love to find new scrap fabric ideas to upcycle fabric scraps. And it seems that I am not alone.

One of the biggest questions I see is what to do with scrap fabric and how to use up fabric scraps. People are always asking in the forums what they can do with their scrap material, what they can create using fabric scraps and crafts to make with fabric samples.

So I decided to come up with lots of ideas, and try out loads of sewing and craft ideas for leftover fabric scraps.

What Size Fabric Scraps Should I Keep For Fabric Scrap Projects?

I keep and use pretty much all my scrap fabrics. Everything can be used.

Whether you are wondering how to use up from small to large fabric scraps, or wondering what to do with fabric trimmings, you will find all the easy diy sewing projects and no-sew projects in this post will take care of pretty much all of them. I even have a few tiny fabric scrap projects to use up even the teeniest pieces.

So read on to find out how to not waste a single piece and make some wonderful scrap fabric creations!!  

What Can You Do With Your Fabric Scraps?

Are you wondering how to use fabric scraps? There are so many small fabric scrap projects that you can make with material scraps.

And so here is a huge list of DIY fabric scraps projects for all sizes and shapes of remnants that you have left over from when you make larger sewing projects.  Most of these easy scrap fabric projects need sewing machines to make, but some you can hand sew.

And a couple are completely no sew projects, ways to use fabric scraps that don’t need a sewing machine.

Small Bags and Pouches

The first of my ideas for sewing with scraps involves the larger pieces of leftover fabric that you may have. For larger pieces of woven fabric, bags and pouches are a great way of using up your fabric scraps and producing great gifts at the same time.

All you need is 2 pieces of outer fabric, 2 inner fabric pieces and a zipper of the correct length. If you are using cotton fabric scraps then you may also need some interfacing to make the fabric more rigid. Here is a great tutorial on how to sew up a zippered pouch

Drawstring Bags

Small drawstring bags are one of the most cool things to do with leftover fabric. Not only are they brilliant idea of what to make with fabric scraps, but they are my go to way of wrapping presents in a zero waste way.

You can make them in all sizes, or unlined bags can be useful for loose produce at the supermarkets. And they are a brilliant way of using up all your fabric scraps. Here is my tutorial on how to make drawstring bags

Advent Calendar Bags

Are drawstring bags made without a lining, perfect for reusing every year.

Earbud Cases

You could also make these cute little earbud cases using scrap fabric. Because they are hexagonal, they are even more zero waste, as the pattern tessellates. Find my earbud pouch tutorial here – with my FREE pattern!  

Eye Masks

To make an eye mask is another of my easy scrap fabric projects. A little while ago, a friend and I looked all over to find a suitably soft eye mask for her daughter. We didn’t really find one soft enough for her needs, and so when I came home I made her a great one from the scraps of some lovely Rifle Paper Company rayon that I had in my scrap bag.

It was SO silky and baby soft. I self drafted my sewing pattern, and you can find my eyemask pattern here with my tutorial.    

Reusable Straw Case / Travel Toothbrush Case

As I said, I am always looking for scrap fabric projects and ideas for leftover fabric. And when making dresses, I often get left with long thin pieces from the selvedges.

These are brilliant for scrap material projects such as these cases, which are  long and thin for holding a reusable straw. And they double as a travel toothbrush case too!

  See how to make your own straw case here.

Fabric Coasters

These are one of the easiest things to make with fabric scraps. And are a great idea for keeping your furniture from getting marked by glasses and hot mugs. Plus they are an incredibly easy project to make whilst also using up your fabric scraps. A real winner for me!

See my easy coaster tutorial. Make these a little larger and with more layers and they also become brilliant pot holders.

Scrappy Coasters

You can also sew all your scraps together to make the squares for the coasters first!

Scrunchies

These fabric scraps projects are so on trend at the minute so are are one of my favourite fabric scrap sewing projects.

These are a great idea for long thin scraps that you have. A great back to school and gift idea, and they only take a few minutes to make. Check out how to make scrunchies. 

Stash Scrunchies

Still wondering what to use fabric scraps for? If you have some long and wide leftover fabrics pieces you could make these zipper scrunchies.

Even more exciting than normal scrunchies these ones have a hidden zipper pocket! Use a stash scrunchie to tie your hair, but also hide your valuables, lip balm, key or anything small really! Find the stash scrunchie tutorial here.

Scrap Baskets 

Next of my fabric scrap ideas are these baskets. These are a brilliant fabric scrap project that results in an incredibly decorative bowl or basket.

All you need is long fabric scraps, cotton washing line and embroidery thread or a sewing machine. See a tutorial to make your own Fabric Basket..

Reusable Sandwich Wraps

I got pretty tired of throwing away ziplock bags for sandwiches. And then I realised that there was a far better zero waste reusable option that is also one of those brilliant things to do with fabric scraps.

So I made myself some reusable sandwich wraps. Click the link to make your own.

Fabric Hair Bows

Got small pieces of fabric left over after making clothes for yourself or your child? It is great to be able to make a matching hair accessory for a handmade dress, and this cute hair bow tutorial with a free sewing pattern shows you how to make your own from your fabric remnants. It is so quick and easy! 

Baby Bibs

Baby bibs are a brilliant way how to use scrap fabric such as fleece and cotton remnants. Plus they make a lovely gift to boot for a new mum! See my tutorial on how to make baby bibs.

Patchwork Quilts

Quilting is a speciality that I have yet to properly delve into, though I have promised myself that I will have a go soon. It seems the perfect idea for how to use fabric scraps and scraps of cloth.

There are different types of quilting, but probably the easiest to start with is english paper piercing. Done by hand, in this method you cut geometric paper shapes slightly smaller than the fabric that you are using. You fold over the fabric at each edge of the paper shape, loosely tacking it in place. Then you take the edges of each paper covered shape, and you sew them together tightly. You can remove the paper, or leave it in place. You can also machine quilt your pieces together.

This is such a good way of using all the fabric scraps, and you can end up with a really eclectic mix.

Fabric Wrapped Hangers

This is a great way of turning a drab hanger into a pretty display piece. Simply take an old coat hanger and glue long scraps of fabric, wrapping the scrap pieces around the length and handle of the hanger as you go. 

Once finished these are a brilliant way of displaying your homemade children clothes to sell! See how to make these scrap material hangers.

Making New Fabric From Scraps

This is one of my favourite scrap fabric projects. Very similar to patchwork, this is a way of using those long strips of fabric.

I find some coordinating pieces and sew then together with a 1cm seam allowance. I then trim the seam allowance and press open all the seams well. With enough pieces you can go on to make a whole new piece of fabric.

I made a full scraps dress – see the video. Such a brilliant zero waste way of using everything up by making fabric from scraps! This will be great as a lined bodice for a small girl’s dress, or any other ideas with fabric that you may have.

Fabric Flowers

Fabric flowers are a great idea of what to make with scrap fabric. I love making fabric flowers, and again they are a great addition to a hand made dress as an embellishment.

Find my video how to make them –  How to make fabric flowers. And I also like to attach them to a hair elastic to make a cute hair accessory.

Fabric Teabags

These are a great idea to make as gifts and are so easy to make. See my video tutorial on how to make your own Fabric Teabags.

Small Stuffed Projects

There are so many brilliant patterns out there for making small projects such as stuffed toys and bears. And most of them are brilliant for using up your small and large fabric scraps.

Here’s a photo of just a few sewing patterns available commercially for sale. If you have a local fabric shop you will probably find them stocked there. Or there are lots available for free to download online.

Padded Fabric Christmas Trees

I personally love to make my own projects, a particular favourite is my padded fabric Christmas trees. These can be made from 6 fat quarters of material, and look particularly festive by using Christmas fabric.

Small Keyring Or Bag Charms

Similarly, you could make a small stuffed keyring or bag charm with your fabric scraps. Like one of these cute ‘Among Us’ keyrings. See the tutorial Make An Among Us Keyring.

Reusable Breast Pads

This is a brilliant idea of things to do with your jersey scraps of material. Reusable breast pads are wonderful for new mums whilst breastfeeding. They soak up all the moisture, but can be washed and reused again and again. Plus, they are incredibly quick and easy to make, and are a great way of using up all your little jersey stretch scraps and little bits of towel fabric. See my video tutorial on how to make them here.

Wristlet Keyrings 

Another brilliant use for small pieces of scrap fabric and interfacing is these keychain wristlets. Find out how to make them Wristlet Keychains.

Needle Punch Art Using Fabric Scraps

This summer I did a needle punch project, and it got me wondering if I could do this with long thin fabric scraps instead of yarn. I had a go with some hessian and this was the result! See how I made it Video of Needle Punching With Scraps.

Fabric Crowns

Fabric crowns are a great way of using up long thin pieces of scrap fabric. See my tutorial with free sewing pattern for a fabric crown. 

Pen Or Brush Holder

This is another great scrap fabric project. And a  great way of using smaller fat quarter sized fabric remnants. I made one out of a fat quarter of fabric. See my video tutorial to make your own pen/brush roll.

Bunting

Bunting is a great way of using up smaller pieces, and there are a lot of tutorials out there on how to make it. It is one of the easiest ways to start sewing with fabric scraps.

Or you could just use pinking shears to cut triangles and use string or cotton to hold the bunting pieces together. See my tutorial and get my template for the easiest bunting ever here.

Headbands

These cute fabric headbands are great to make to match your homemade dresses. See how to make an elasticated headband.

Fabric Scrap Tags

Recently, I received a Liberty London catalogue. And they had fabric covered gift tags that cost a lot of money. I thought I’d have a go at making my own. See my video tutorial on how I made them here.

Garlands

Garlands are also easy to make using scraps.

Earlier this year, I made a heart garland for valentines days using a load of red scraps from my scrap bag. It’s a beautiful easy home decor project, and a brilliant way how to use up fabric scraps, as you can use tiny scraps for stuffing.. See my heart garland post.

Lanyards

Next in this list of projects with fabric scraps is an idea for when you end up with massively long thin strips. These are perfect for lanyard making. Heres a great tutorial on how to make a lanyard.

Small Bowl Covers

If you want to cover a small bowl or glass without needing to use cling film, this is a perfect way to do it! Here is my bowl cover tutorial.

Mini Knot Bag Pouches

These mini Japanese Knot bags are the perfect size for your hand gel or ear buds. Find the full sewing tutorial and free pattern for your own mini Japanese knot bag.

Tissue Holders

These are a lovely way to use up smaller fabric scraps and make a lovely gift too. See my video tutorial for how to make these tissue pouches.

Hand Warmers

Not only are these an incredibly easy sew, they make great presents, are so useful for how to use up small scraps of fabric too! For this ultra win of a fabric scrap idea, se this post how to make your own hand warmers 

Corner Bookmarks

Another of my favourite uses for fabric scraps, this is such a quick and easy project! Another type of bookmark is this lovely little corner holding tag. See my tutorial on how to make them – corner bookmarks.

Wash Cloth Soap Holders

This is another of the great leftover fabric ideas that I use regularly. You can make small bags for your soap that keep it going for longer whilst you use a bar in the shower.

These small bags help to keep the soap or shampoo bar from going mushy. A really useful idea. Find my soap holder tutorial here.

Fabric Scrap Shoelaces

The next of my favourite ideas of what to do with leftover fabric uses up all the long thin pieces that you may end up with. These shoelaces are a really simple make and don’t involve sewing with fabric scraps at all – see my video tutorial making scrap shoelaces to see how you can make some too!

Sanitary Pad Drying Strap

This is a really easy scrap fabric idea, and is a great idea if you are wondering what to do with small pieces of fabric you have left over.

This fabric strap with press stud or Cam snap fastening is very useful for drying your handmade reusable sanitary pads on a washing line. See how to make one – Video making a pad drying strap.

Sanitary Pad Pouches

These pouches are a brilliant way of carrying your pads in your bag. See how to make your own sanitary pad pouch. 

Scrap Fabric Leaves

This is one of those great tiny fabric scrap projects. Another very easy make, you can make some very pretty decorative leaves using fabric scraps. See how I made these scrap leaves.

Lavender Bags

Lavender bags are a great way to use up scrap fabrics, and they are one of the small fabric projects that make a cute gift idea too.

I made them in the shape of fishes, and they can be hung over your clothes hangers in your closet. See the tutorial and free pattern for fish lavender bags. 

Reusable Advent Calendar

A reusable advent calendar is a great way how to use leftover fabric scraps of Christmas designs. Plus this is one of the fabric scraps ideas that helps you celebrate the run up to Christmas in a more sustainable way. Make these advent bags and use them year after year, refilling with different things. 

Free Motion Embroidery

A type of appliqué, free motion embroidery uses small scraps of fabric bonded together and stitched over to produce a collage of pieces.

I went on a workshop, and then used the techniques I had learnt to make some Christmas decorations, but you can use it to appliqué onto lampshades, bags, or even to make cards. I have made some wonderful fabric scrap projects using this technique.

Scrap Fabric Christmas Trees

Whilst we are on the subject of Christmas decorations, why not make these simple no-sew cinnamon stick Christmas tree ornaments? So very easy to make! Find the scrap fabric tree tutorial.  

Fabric Weights

Make a pouch using scraps and fill it with rice or dried peas. They make great fabric weights for when cutting out your larger projects.

Toy Beds

My little girl loves to sew and I am currently teaching her how to use a sewing machine. One of her favourite projects is using fabric scraps to make bedding for her toys. See how she made a bed for her toy, and now she loves to make all her toys sleeping bags! 

Notebook Pen Holder

This is a brilliant idea for keeping your pen attached to the notebook that you use. It uses fabric scraps and folder elastic, and is such a quick and easy make that gives a great present idea. See my notebook pen holder tutorial. 

Chapstick Holders

These are a great way of using up smaller rectangles of fabric, and can be attached to a keyring or lobster clasp so they can be attached to your bag. Chapstick/Lip balm holder tutorial.. I can even fit a tiny hand cream in mine.

Doll Clothes

If you or your kids have dolls then you need never wonder what to do with scraps of fabric. All you need do is make dolls clothes!

When I was younger I was a massive fan of Sindy dolls. And I was really happy to find a few vintage books on how to make clothes for my old collection. There are also commercial patterns available to make small dolls clothes, and obviously these are very easily cut from the small remnants in your scrap bag.

I’ve even drafted my own fashion doll summer dress pattern. Get the free doll dress pattern pattern. Why not make your little girl’s doll a matching dress out of leftover remnants of fabric?

Dog Coats

Another fabric scrap project that only requires small remnants of fabric, I made a friend’s dog a dog coat using some fat quarters of fabric and an up cycled old fleece blanket.

If you watched this year’s Great British Sewing Bee, you will have seen the contestants upcycle some old tents to make a waterproof version!

Dog Poop Bag Holders

And whilst we are on the subject of dogs, this handy bag holder/dispenser is a great idea for things to sew with scraps, and is a great gift for any dog owner.  See my tutorial to make your own dog poo bag pouch.

Reusable Kitchen Towels

Another one of the cool things to do with leftover fabric are these unpaper towels, as they also are a great way to upcycle your old towels.

Although the backs of these pictured are made from old towels, I do like to use fabrics from my scrap bag to make pretty toppers for my pads. See my tutorial on how to make Reusable kitchen roll.

Unsponges

While we are in the zero waste kitchen swaps groove, why not make these plastic free pan scrubbers from small pieces of fabric and an upcycled towelling or flannel? I even made a pan scrubber version using hessian from my rag rug making. How to make unsponges..

Reusable Make Up Remover Pads

Similarly, whilst the actual removing part of the pad is best made from new or upcycled towelling, the backs can be made as pretty as possible using some of the cute girly dress fabrics from the scrap bag. I prefer to have square or hexagonal remover pads, as this does not waste as much fabric. How to make reusable make up remover pads.

Fabric Bookmarks

The next one of my scrap fabric ideas are these easy fabric bookmarks. They are a great idea as a stocking filler for a bookworm, or teacher. Perhaps you could give them with a favourite book? Find my tutorial to make fabric bookmarks.

Scrap Leather Bookmark

Or alternatively, see how I made a scrap leather bookmark.

Fabric Hanger Safe

This is a brilliant project for using old plastic hangers – I used small child hangers, so this project was made with smaller scraps. They are great for hiding cash, passports and other valuables whilst on holiday. See how to make a Fabric closet safe. 

Reusable Sanitary Towels

In my tutorial on how to make reusable sanitary pads, I used quite a few pieces from my scrap bag. And because I make quite a few girly garments for me and my little girl, my sanitary pads are ever so pretty. Reusable sanitary pad tutorial.

 

Family Cloth

This is a great zero waste alternative to toilet paper. Have a stash by the toilet in a basket, then soak and wash them. Make your own family cloth.

Applique

One of the best things about sewing is the fact that you can personalise each garment or piece you make to the recipient.

One of my favourite ways of sewing scraps of fabric is to cut letters, shapes or details from fabric, and then appliqué them onto bags and garments using my sewing machine.

Some of my first makes as a sewist were fabric bags, and one of the recipients of a bag was a huge Disney fan. I had used a Mickey and Minnie print as the interior of the bag, but I ironed some of the remnants onto a piece of bondaweb (or vliesofix) then cut them out. I could then bond them to the exterior fabric of the bag, and sew them onto the fabric with a small zig zag stitch.

Letters and numbers are great for putting onto pump bags and pencil cases for school gifts. Or even for pimping up teeshirts.In my advent bag tutorial, I cut out numbers to go on each bag.

Halloween Pumpkin Garland

Next on this massive list of fabric scrap projects is a Halloween decoration. I made this garland from Halloween fabric scraps. See how to make a pumpkin garland. 

Sandcastle/Sandwich Flags

What if you just do not sew? This next idea is one of the no-sew crafts with fabric scraps that I created after realising that I could create something for free rather than purchasing it at a vastly inflated price!

A couple of years ago whilst shopping in the Lake District, I saw that Liberty London were selling sandwich picks. But they were really expensive, so I decided to make my own.

It requires very little in the way of craft supplies.

Using Bondaweb or Vliesofix, you can bond your chosen fabric. Then cut your desired size and shape, remove the backing, iron the fabric to itself around whatever length of cocktail stick or wooden skewer you wish – and hey presto, a simple DIY with fabric to create your very own personalised sandwich picks or cupcake flags.

We actually take ours to the beach as sandcastle flags!

Bunny Rabbit Ears

I love to upcycle fabric whenever I can. I made these rabbit ears from some scraps of leftover wool felt 

Rag Rugs

This is one of my favourite fabric scrap projects. For small pieces of jersey fabrics and old clothes, one of the best uses is to cut the scraps further into long thin strips. And to make these into a rag rug. Rag rug tutorial.

Fabric Scrap Bracelets

These are a great gift to make from your smaller long fabric remnants. See a video tutorial of how I made mine here.

Hessian Shower Pouf

I even love to recycle fabric scraps of hessian from my rag rug bases. Small pieces of the hessian left over can be made into zero waste scrubbers for the shower. Make a hessian shower scrubber pouf.

Rag Wreath.

I love crafts with fabric scraps too, and this wreath is one of those great fabric crafts ideas that are so easy to make yet look incredibly effective.

This is a great idea of what to do with old fabric or fabric cuttings from old clothes etc too. For long thin lengths of coordinating woven fabrics, why not consider making a rag wreath? Rag wreath tutorial.   

And they are not just for Christmas – I made one by upcycling an old skirt for Halloween. A Halloween Rag Wreath

Rag Garland

Another no-sew fabric scrap crafts idea is this pretty boho and chic garland idea. Use up long thin strips of pretty fabric by making this rag garland. Perfect for festivals, parties, weddings, children’s rooms and so much more. Rag garland tutorial.

Fabric Twine

Got loads of long thin fabric strips? Learn how to make fabric twine from long thin strips of fabric.

Fabric scrap twine makes a great zero waste alternative to string for packages, bunting, for making coasters and garlands.  See how you can make this no sew fabric scrapbusting project how to make scrap fabric twine.. 

Scrap Bias Tape

This is another brilliant scrap fabric project when you are wondering what to do with small scraps of fabric Just sew all your scraps together to make bias tape to use to bind other fabric scrap ideas. See how to make it here. 

What To Do With Small Fabric Scraps – Stuffing For Other Fabric Scrap Projects

What if the material scrap is too small, or too ragged, or just on the selvedge etc? Are you wondering what to do with tiny fabric scraps? Well, I still don’t throw these away. I like using fabric scraps as stuffing for other projects, such as my Padded Christmas Trees, Pumpkin Garland or Felt Hearts. I also use old pillows that have lost their bounce for these projects. Nothing need be wasted.

How Do I Use Fabric Scraps For Stuffing?

I use shredded fabric for stuffing. It is easy to shred fabric using a rotary cutter, and can be quite therapeutic! If the item needing stuffing is small, I just stuff directly into it.  But when I had enough tiny scraps to fill my Closet Case Pouf in my living room, I actually sewed a few pieces of cheap cotton material (such as an old duvet case) together to make bags for the tiny scraps, and then sewed these bags shut before using them to stuff the pouf. That way, when the pouf needs washing, I can remove the scrap stuffing and wash both the outer cover and the inner bags.

Face Masks & Face Mask Button Strap

I’ve left these to the end as they were one of the great ideas for fabric scraps when the pandemic was here, but have now gone out of favour. These have been an invaluable addition to most sewing repertoires over the past few years. Plus most of the face masks patterns can be made using up smaller bits of cloth scraps. They are great for scrap busting, Find my tutorial for how to sew a facemark.

Similarly you can make a small button strap to use with a face mask that holds the mask away from the ears to prevent the mask digging in with long use – a little like my headband..

And finally – if you want to get rid of scraps see how you can recycle your fabric scraps. 

Love This Post About How To Use up All Your Fabric Scraps? Why Not Read Some Of My Other Sewing And Craft Posts?

So there you have more than 60 fabric scrap projects to do with all the fabric scraps in your scrap bag. So many ways how to upcycle all the little bits of fabric you have left over. I hope that you have enjoyed finding out about all these fabric crafts and scrap sewing projects. I also really hope that you found this post useful and have gained a few fabric scrap recycling ideas that you will be able to recreate at home.

Do think that you will have a go at one of these scraps of fabric ideas?I love to show you really easy sewing projects that you can make. I have quite a few free sewing patterns here in my content. So why not read these other posts I have written?

Want to save money by sewing?

See this post for how some of these sewing ideas can save you cash!

Want to make some money from your sewing hobby?

See which projects are suitable to sell in this post. 

But also check out these posts.

• Zero Waste Projects For Your Home
• Beginner Sewing Projects
• Which Sewing Machines Are The Best?

I hope that this has given you some good sewing projects with scraps ideas and tips on how to start on with some scrap fabric projects. What things to make with scrap fabric will you be trying? I would love to hear how you get on! Let me know in the comments, or find me on social media

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