12 Scrap Fabric Projects to Sew From Leftovers

You can sew a scrunchie from a scrap about 4 x 22 inches, and a bookmark from a piece the size of your hand. Scrap projects are the cheapest way to practice and make useful gifts at the same time.

How big does a scrap need to be?

Before you start, sort your leftovers by size. A simple system keeps things easy to find:

Tiny (under 6 x 6 inches / 15 x 15 cm): appliqué shapes, patchwork squares, ornaments.
Small (about 10 x 10 inches / 25 x 25 cm): bookmarks, pouches, hair accessories.
Medium (a quarter yard or fat quarter, 18 x 22 inches / 45 x 56 cm): scrunchies, small bags, bowl cozies.
Large (half a yard or more): totes, cushions, simple skirts.

Press every scrap flat before you store it. Pre-washed cotton will not shrink later.

What can I sew from tiny and small scraps?

Elastic Bookmark: 10 minutes. An elastic strap holds it on the book.
Scrunchie: 15 minutes. One strip makes one scrunchie, in Regular or Oversized.
Christmas Ornaments: 30 minutes each, in Mini or Classic size. They are great for felt and cotton leftovers.
Dog Treat Pouch: 30 minutes. A dog treat bag from sturdy cotton.
Baby Bib: 20 minutes. Pair one cotton print with flannel or terry.

What can I sew from a fat quarter or medium scraps?

Bowl Cozy: 60 minutes. Sizes run Small to Jumbo, so you can use a range of scraps.
Drawstring Bag: 30 minutes, Small to Large. Use two matching scraps for a reversible look.
Zipper Pouch: 45 minutes. Patchwork the outside from several scraps.
Fabric Crown: 45 minutes for baby to child sizes. It is a fun way to use up bright prints.
Cone Christmas Trees: 60 minutes each, a good home for holiday scraps.

What can I sew from larger scraps?

Potholder: 120 minutes. Patchwork a top from squares and quilt it. Read the potholder guide.
Boxed Tote Bag: 90 minutes. Patchwork two big panels first and cut the bag from your new fabric.

How do I join scraps into one piece?

Patchwork is the easiest way to turn small bits into a usable fabric. Cut squares or rectangles of the same size, such as 3 inches (7.5 cm), sew them together with a ¼ inch (6 mm) seam allowance, and press the seams to one side. A bag front 15 inches wide needs only five 3 inch squares across. If you are not sure about seam allowance, read seam allowance explained.

Which scraps work together?

Use the same type of fabric in one project. Do not mix stretchy knit and woven cotton in the same seam.
Use similar weights: quilting cotton with quilting cotton, linen with linen.
Pick a limited color group, such as three colors and a neutral, for a look that feels planned.
Add a plain fabric as a break between busy prints.

How do I store scraps?

Keep them in clear boxes sorted by size or color. Label each box. Roll long strips around a cardboard tube. Fold small bits into a jar by color, so you can see what you have. A 20 minute sort each month stops the pile growing out of control.

What should I not use scraps for?

Do not put polyester or dyed fabric in a baby item without washing it. Do not use leftover batting for a kitchen item unless you know it is cotton. Avoid scraps with holes or thin spots in bags that will carry weight.

Make it with Sewzy

Many of the projects above are among the 13 free Sewzy patterns. Each has all sizes included, a print-at-home PDF (Letter, A4 and an A0 copy-shop file) and a written step-by-step guide. Sewzy is iPhone only: $3.99 per week or $29.99 per year, with a 3-day free trial. Get Sewzy on the App Store. See also the free sewing patterns page.