17 Scrap Fabric Projects Anyone Can Make

Fabric Scrap Coasters

If you have hardier fabric scraps, such as linen or upholstery fabric, turn them into gorgeous coasters. Cut the scraps into squares and lightly fray each edge for a casual, cute design. Don't worry if you don't have enough of one fabric to make multiples; using various colors creates a dynamic set.

Scrap Fabric Wine Bag

A simple hemmed edge is all you need to do—or not!—to turn a larger piece of scrap fabric into a wine bag. You can sew the fabric into a bag shape, or simply leave it in a rectangular shape and gather it around the bottle with a piece of twine or ribbon.

Technology Case

Use an envelope pattern to combine multiple fabric scraps into a cozy case for your laptop or tablet. Add light padding and a closure of your choice to protect your devices while they're not in use.

Make Ribbons

If you have a knit fabric that has some stretch, you can make your own ribbons from longer fabric scraps. Leave the scraps as is, or make them more decorative by tying a series of knots or ruching the scrap on your sewing machine.

Travel Jewelry Envelope

A fabric jewelry envelope is an easy way to roll and pack your items easily. Plus, they don't require any complex sewing, though you could add more compartments if you wish.

Project Tip: Mixing prints is an option, and often a necessity, for any scrap project. To choose prints that mix well, look for similar color families first. Then, try to mix an organic print with a geometric one, or a large and a small scale print.

Fabric Scrap Lunch Bag

Lunch bags with a roll-down velcro closure are a simple and functional way to use fabric scraps. To make them last longer, you can line the bags with a water-resistant fabric.

Eco-Friendly Sponges

Any small pieces of cotton fabric can be used for these zero-waste kitchen sponges. You will need a few additional materials to make them last longer: Mildew-resistant poly batting and mesh will turn your favorite fabric scraps into a practical kitchen scrubber you can use every day.

Make a Pincushion

Pin cushions or pin envelopes are cute way to use small fabric scraps. If you make a plush pin cushion, you can use additional scraps as the stuffing. Piece together coordinating colors of fabric for a sustainable project that's useful, too.

Patchwork Upholstery

This patchwork ottoman does take some skill, but you can easily apply this graphic treatment to a smaller project first. Lay out your scraps to see what you have the most of and what colors you like together, which will help you determine how you want to arrange your scraps. It's also important to be mindful of the type of fabric you use in upholstery projects: You'll want heavier-weight fabrics with little to no stretch to get neat seams and a product that will last a while.

Visible Mending with Fabric Scraps

Stitches in the style of Japanese sashiko mending add even more flair to the colorful fabric scraps sewn onto these simple cotton napkins. You can mend clothes, upholstery, and other fabric items with this technique, or add it as pure decoration.

Hanging Pocket Organizer

One large scrap of fabric teams up with smaller pieces to make a stylish organizer for crafting or office supplies. This project works best with a sturdier fabric as the backing. To get started, lay out the tools you'd like to store to get an idea of how many pockets you'll need and how large each pocket should be.

Scrap Fabric Pillows

Piecing together your scraps into a patchwork-style pillow is an opportunity to combine colors and patterns you love. Play around with different weights and weaves of fabric to figure out what looks good together and what works best structurally.

DIY Fabric Bunting

A homemade fabric bunting banner makes a festive addition to a party scene, a kid's room, or as decor in your home. Use one fabric or combine different prints and colors for a more playful look.

Scandinavian Throw Pillows

Fabric scraps can be the starting point of your very own pattern. Here, blue, yellow, white, and gray scraps are the basis of some Scandinavian-inspired patterns including a custom plaid. Look at other patterns in your home to get a sense of what style of print and what colors would work well.

DIY Reusable Snack Bags

Turn scraps of your favorite fabric into a practical item you'll get use out of every day. Our easy reusable snack bags use small amounts of fabric along with a nylon or PUL liner fabrics for a more sustainable snacking option.

Fabric Scrap Pot Holders

Heavier weight fabrics like these wool tweeds are perfect for potholders, though you'll likely want to put a heat resistant fabric in the middle regardless. Make them more functional by adding a loop for hanging.

Decorate Pillow Covers

Freshen up pillow covers you already have with pieces of fabric cut into ribbons. Fold small hems in the ribbons and sew them directly onto your pillow case. This gives you a fresh look without having to buy something new.