21 Creative Ways to Use Fabric Scraps

Fabric scraps are small pieces of leftover cloth that often go unnoticed but hold endless possibilities. Finding creative ways to use fabric scraps not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your projects.

Whether you sew, craft, or decorate, fabric scraps can be transformed into beautiful and functional items.

I once started saving all my fabric scraps, unsure of what to do with them. Gradually, I discovered 21 creative ways to use fabric scraps that brought new life to those tiny pieces, turning them into art, gifts, and even home décor.

Here are ideas to inspire you to get crafty with your fabric leftovers.

Patchwork Quilts Full of Color and Texture

Creating a patchwork quilt is a classic way to use fabric scraps. By stitching together various shapes and colors, you can make a cozy blanket that tells a story through its fabrics.

It’s a satisfying project that combines creativity and practicality, perfect for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

Steps:

• Gather fabric scraps of different sizes and colors.
• Cut scraps into uniform shapes like squares or triangles.
• Arrange pieces on a flat surface to plan your design.
• Sew pieces together row by row to form the quilt top.
• Add batting and backing fabric, then quilt all layers.
• Finish by sewing binding around the edges.

DIY Fabric Scrap Coasters for Your Coffee Table

Fabric scraps can be turned into charming coasters that protect your surfaces while adding a splash of color. These coasters are easy to make and can be customized with different textures and patterns, making them great gifts or personal accessories for any room.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into 4×4 inch squares.
• Layer fabric with a piece of felt or cork for sturdiness.
• Sew the layers together with a decorative stitch.
• Add a backing fabric to hide seams.
• Trim edges neatly and reinforce with extra stitching.

Charming Fabric Scrap Keychains to Brighten Your Keys

Transform your fabric scraps into cute keychains by sewing small shapes like hearts, stars, or animals. Adding a keyring makes them practical and fun to carry around.

These keychains are quick projects that add personality to everyday items.

Steps:

• Choose fabric scraps with vibrant patterns.
• Cut two identical shapes from fabric.
• Sew pieces together, leaving a small opening.
• Stuff lightly with cotton or scrap fabric.
• Close the opening and attach a keyring.

Unique Fabric Scrap Bookmarks for Readers

Make your reading time special with fabric scrap bookmarks. These can be simple strips or creatively shaped with embellishments.

Using fabric scraps adds softness and durability, making each bookmark a small piece of art that’s easy to carry.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into long rectangular strips.
• Layer fabric with interfacing for firmness.
• Sew edges and add decorative stitches.
• Attach ribbons or buttons for extra flair.
• Press flat and trim any rough edges.

Fabric Scrap Hair Accessories to Add Flair

Using fabric scraps to create hair accessories like bows, scrunchies, or headbands is a fun way to personalize your style. These accessories are lightweight and can be made in any color or pattern, perfect for matching different outfits.

Steps:

• Select fabric scraps with soft texture.
• Cut fabric into strips or shapes for bows and scrunchies.
• Sew pieces together, adding elastic if needed.
• Attach clips or hair ties to finished pieces.
• Decorate with beads or buttons if desired.

Colorful Fabric Scrap Garland for Festive Decor

Create a vibrant garland by cutting fabric scraps into strips and tying them onto a string or twine. This easy project brightens any space with handmade charm and can be customized for holidays, parties, or everyday décor.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into 4-6 inch strips.
• Tie strips loosely around a long piece of twine.
• Continue until the twine is fully decorated.
• Trim ends and hang the garland where desired.
• Optional: add beads or lights for extra sparkle.

DIY Fabric Scrap Pincushions for Sewing Fans

Pincushions made from fabric scraps are useful and cute additions to any sewing kit. Small and soft, they help keep pins organized and accessible.

You can shape pincushions in various forms like squares, circles, or novelty shapes.

Steps:

• Cut two matching fabric scrap pieces in your chosen shape.
• Sew pieces right sides together, leaving a gap.
• Turn inside out and stuff with fiberfill or scrap fabric.
• Sew the gap closed with a neat stitch.
• Optional: decorate with buttons or embroidery.

Fabric Scrap Stuffed Animals for Kids

Turn fabric scraps into soft stuffed animals or dolls. This project is perfect for using up small pieces and creating unique toys that children will cherish.

Simple shapes and hand-sewing techniques make it accessible for beginners.

Steps:

• Draw a simple animal shape on paper as a template.
• Cut two fabric scraps matching the template.
• Sew pieces together, leaving an opening for stuffing.
• Stuff with cotton or leftover scraps.
• Close the opening and add details like eyes or noses.

Fabric Scrap Wrapped Gifts for Eco-Friendly Packaging

Use fabric scraps as wrapping material for gifts, giving a personal and sustainable touch. This method replaces traditional wrapping paper and can be decorated with ribbons or tags for added charm.

It’s a creative way to reuse scraps and impress gift recipients.

Steps:

• Choose fabric scraps large enough to wrap your gift.
• Place the gift in the center of the fabric square.
• Fold fabric neatly around the gift, securing with a knot or ribbon.
• Add decorative elements like dried flowers or tags.
• Reuse fabric scraps for future gift wrapping.

Fabric Scrap Mobile for Nursery or Home

A fabric scrap mobile is a gentle, decorative piece to hang in nurseries or living spaces. Cut shapes from scraps and suspend them with string from a hoop or branch.

This project adds movement and color to a room with a soft, handmade touch.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into fun shapes like stars or circles.
• Attach shapes to strings of varying lengths.
• Tie strings evenly around a circular frame or branch.
• Secure knots and trim excess string.
• Hang the mobile where it can gently move.

Fabric Scrap Wall Art with Abstract Designs

Create abstract wall art by arranging fabric scraps on a canvas or board. Layer, overlap, and glue pieces to form textured, colorful compositions.

This method turns fabric scraps into contemporary home décor that’s truly one of a kind.

Steps:

• Select a sturdy canvas or board as your base.
• Cut fabric scraps into various shapes and sizes.
• Arrange pieces in an abstract pattern on the surface.
• Glue fabric pieces down securely.
• Add paint or embellishments if desired.

Fabric Scrap Coin Pouches for Small Storage

Small coin pouches made from fabric scraps are practical and easy to sew. They help organize loose change, earbuds, or small items, and their colorful fabric patterns make them fun to carry or gift.

Steps:

• Cut two matching fabric scraps in a small rectangle.
• Sew three sides together, leaving one side open.
• Attach a zipper or sew a flap closure.
• Turn pouch right side out and press edges.
• Optional: add a keyring or wrist strap.

Embellished Fabric Scrap Throw Pillows

Use fabric scraps to embellish plain throw pillows by sewing or gluing patches, shapes, or appliqués on the pillow covers. This adds texture and personality to your living space while using leftover fabrics creatively.

Steps:

• Select a plain pillow cover as your base.
• Cut fabric scraps into decorative shapes or patterns.
• Arrange and pin fabric pieces on the pillow cover.
• Sew or glue the fabric scraps securely.
• Add decorative stitching or buttons for detail.

Fabric Scrap Book Covers to Protect Your Reads

Cover your books with fabric scraps to protect them and add style. This simple cover slides over the book’s dust jacket and can be customized with pockets or decorations, making reading more enjoyable and personal.

Steps:

• Measure your book’s dimensions and cut fabric accordingly.
• Fold edges to create pockets for book covers.
• Sew or glue edges to form the cover.
• Add embellishments like embroidery or buttons.
• Slide the fabric cover over the book.

Fabric Scrap Wristbands for Everyday Style

Make wristbands or bracelets from strips of fabric scraps tied or sewn together. These simple accessories add a pop of color to your outfit and can be customized with beads, charms, or embroidery.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into long, narrow strips.
• Braid or twist strips together for texture.
• Sew ends or tie knots to secure the wristband.
• Add beads or charms if desired.
• Wear or gift your custom wristband.

Fabric Scrap Covered Buttons for Unique Details

Use fabric scraps to cover buttons, giving garments or crafts a unique touch. Covered buttons are easy to make with kits and allow you to coordinate buttons perfectly with your fabric projects.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into circles slightly larger than buttons.
• Use a button cover kit to wrap fabric around buttons.
• Secure fabric by folding and pressing into the kit.
• Attach buttons to your project.
• Use covered buttons to match or contrast fabric.

Fabric Scrap Brooches and Pins for Fashion Flair

Create brooches or pins by shaping fabric scraps into flowers, bows, or abstract designs. Attach a pin back to make wearable art that brightens up jackets, bags, or hats with a handmade touch.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into desired shapes.
• Layer and sew or glue pieces to form the design.
• Attach a pin back using glue or stitching.
• Add beads or buttons for decoration.
• Pin your creation to clothing or accessories.

Decorative Fabric Scrap Magnets for the Fridge

Turn fabric scraps into small decorative magnets by gluing fabric onto a base and attaching a magnet on the back. These brighten up kitchens and workspaces with colorful patterns and textures.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into small shapes.
• Glue fabric onto sturdy backing like cardboard or wood.
• Attach a small magnet on the back.
• Allow glue to dry completely.
• Place magnets on metal surfaces for decoration.

Fabric Scrap Cozies for Mugs and Bottles

Make reusable cozies for mugs or bottles from fabric scraps. These protect your hands from heat or cold and add a personal style element.

They are easy to sew and can be fastened with buttons or Velcro.

Steps:

• Measure the circumference and height of your mug or bottle.
• Cut fabric scraps to size, adding seam allowance.
• Sew sides together to form a tube.
• Attach fasteners like buttons or Velcro.
• Slip cozy onto your mug or bottle.

Fabric Scrap Appliqué on Clothing for Custom Looks

Use fabric scraps to create appliqué designs on clothing, adding color and pattern to plain garments. This technique refreshes old clothes and allows you to express your style with unique fabric art.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into desired shapes or letters.
• Pin shapes onto the clothing item.
• Sew around edges with a decorative stitch.
• Secure appliqué firmly to the garment.
• Wash gently to preserve the design.

Fabric Scrap Bunting for Parties and Celebrations

Create festive bunting by cutting fabric scraps into triangles or other shapes and stringing them together. This cheerful decoration adds color to parties, holidays, or casual gatherings with a handmade feel.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into uniform shapes like triangles.
• Fold the top edge over a string and sew or glue.
• Space shapes evenly along the string.
• Hang bunting where desired for decoration.
• Store and reuse for future events.