Have a pile of fabric scraps you just can’t bring yourself to throw away? You’re not alone! Whether they’re leftovers from past sewing projects or bits of old clothing, those colorful pieces of fabric often feel too valuable to waste. The good news is that even the smallest scraps can be turned into something useful, beautiful, and totally unique. With a little creativity and some simple sewing techniques, you can give those forgotten materials a second life.
In this post, I’ll explore a variety of easy sewing projects that are perfect for beginners and seasoned makers alike. From practical household items to charming decorative pieces, these ideas will help you transform fabric scraps into something fresh and functional. Not only will you clear out your stash, but you’ll also save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something by hand.
8 Sewing Projects to Use Up Old Fabric Scraps
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No-Sew T-Shirt Yarn & Braided Rug
Fabric Scrap Keychain / Zipper Pull
4 No-Sew Projects for Kids(Easiest)
3 Simple Sewing & Threading for Kids(Beginner Skills)
4 Skill-Building Projects for(Older Kids)
10 Scrap Fabric Projects No-Sew
1] Fabric Scrap Coasters
A perfect first project to practice straight stitches and finishing edges.
What you need: Assorted fabric scraps (cotton works best), matching thread, scissors, pins, an iron, and a coaster to use as a template (or a square about 4×4 inches).
Instructions:
– Prepare Fabric: Iron your fabric scraps so they are flat and smooth.
– Cut Squares: Use your template to cut 4 squares of the same size from your scraps. You can use 4 different fabrics or 2 of each for a pair.
– Pin Right Sides Together: Take two squares and place them with their right sides (the printed sides) facing each other. Pin around the edges to hold them in place.
– Sew: Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew around all four edges, but leave a 2-inch gap on one side. This is crucial for turning the coaster right-side out later.
– Clip Corners: Carefully trim the excess fabric from each corner (don’t cut the stitch!). This reduces bulk and gives you sharper corners when turned.
– Turn Right-Side Out: Reach through the gap you left and pull the fabric through so the right sides are now out. Use a pencil or chopstick to gently push the corners out fully.
– Press: Iron the coaster flat, carefully folding in the fabric at the gap so it aligns with the stitched seam.
– Topstitch: Sew a line around the entire edge of the coaster, about ⅛ inch from the edge. This will permanently close the gap and give it a nice, finished look. Repeat for your other coaster!
2] Simple Hair Scrunchie
An incredibly quick project that uses very little fabric.
What you need: A fabric scrap at least 18” long x 3.5” wide, elastic hair tie (not too thick), safety pin, thread.
Instructions:
– Cut Fabric: Cut your fabric to 18” x 3.5”. (You can adjust the width for a fuller or less full scrunchie).
– Fold and Sew: Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise with right sides together. Pin and sew along the long edge with a ¼ inch seam, creating a long tube.
– Turn Tube Right-Side Out: Attach a safety pin to one end of the fabric and feed it through the tube until it comes out the other side, turning the tube right-side out. Press flat with the seam running down the center of the back.
– Thread Elastic: Attach your elastic hair tie to the safety pin. Feed the pin through the entire fabric tube, scrunching the fabric as you go, until the elastic comes out the other end.
– Sew Ends Together: Overlap the two ends of the fabric tube by about ½ inch, right sides together. Sew them together with a ¼ inch seam, creating a fabric loop.
– Close the Seam: Tuck the raw edges inside the main seam you just created and hand-sew or machine-stitch the small gap closed. Fluff your new scrunchie!
3] No-Sew T-Shirt Yarn & Braided Rug
Great for old t-shirt scraps and requires zero sewing machine skills.
What you need: Old t-shirts (cotton jersey), sharp scissors.
Instructions (to make the “yarn”):
– Cut Strips: Lay the t-shirt flat and cut off the bottom hem and the top (armpit to armpit), so you have a large tube of fabric.
– Mark Lines: Lay the tube flat. Starting from one bottom edge, use a ruler to mark horizontal lines about 1 inch apart, going all the way up to the top. Do not cut all the way through.
– Create Continuous Strip: Make a small diagonal cut at the first marked line. Now, instead of cutting along the next line, cut diagonally to the line above it. Continue cutting in a spiral pattern around the tube. You will create one long, continuous strip of stretchy fabric “yarn.”
To make a braided rug:
– Braid: Take three long strips of your t-shirt yarn and knot them together at one end. Braid them tightly until you have a very long braid.
– Coil & Secure: Starting at the knotted end, coil the braid around itself to form a circular (or oval) rug. As you coil, use a large needle and strong thread (or more t-shirt yarn) to hand-sew the braids together along their edges. Keep coiling and sewing until your rug is the desired size.
4] Fabric Scrap Keychain / Zipper Pull
A tiny, fun project that takes 5 minutes.
What you need: A small fabric scrap (about 2×4 inches), keyring, scissors.
Instructions:
– Cut Strip: Cut a strip of fabric about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.
– Twist and Roll: Fold the strip in half lengthwise and twist it tightly.
– Tie a Knot: Wrap the twisted fabric strip around your finger to form a loop. Tie the ends together in a tight, double knot right at the base of the loop.
– Trim & Melt (if synthetic): Trim the ends short. If your fabric is synthetic (like polyester), carefully run the cut ends near a flame (e.g., a lighter) to melt them slightly and prevent fraying. Be very careful!
– Attach: Slide the keyring through the loop.
5] Simple Drawstring Bag
Ideal for storing small items, jewelry, or even as a gift bag.
What you need: Two coordinating fabric scraps (each at least 10” x 7”), ribbon or cord for the drawstring, safety pin.
Instructions:
– Cut Fabric: Cut two identical rectangles from your fabric.
– Sew Sides: Place the two rectangles right sides together. Pin and sew along the two sides and the bottom with a ¼ inch seam. Leave the top completely open.
– Create Casing: Fold the top edge down ¼ inch to the inside (wrong side) and press. Fold it down again 1 inch and press. This creates a clean hem with a channel (casing) for the drawstring. Pin and sew this down close to the inner folded edge, leaving a ½ inch gap over the side seam to thread the ribbon through later.
– Add Drawstring: Attach a safety pin to one end of your ribbon. Feed it through the casing, going all the way around the bag until it comes out the same hole. For a two-string closure, cut the ribbon and feed each end through from opposite sides so they meet in the middle.
– Knot: Tie the ends of the ribbon together in a secure knot. Turn the bag right-side out.
6] Patches for Denim or Jackets
Personalize your clothing and cover holes at the same time.
What you need: Sturdy fabric scrap (denim, canvas, corduroy), fusible web (like HeatnBond), an iron, scissors.
Instructions:
– Design Your Patch: Draw your desired shape (heart, star, circle, lightning bolt) on the paper side of the fusible web. Cut it out roughly.
– Fuse to Fabric: Iron the fusible web (rough side down) onto the wrong side of your fabric scrap, following the product instructions.
– Cut Out Precisely: Now, cut out the shape exactly along the lines you drew.
– Iron On: Peel off the paper backing. Position your patch on your jeans or jacket. Cover it with a thin cloth (a tea towel works) to protect it and iron firmly for 10-15 seconds. Hold the iron in place, don’t slide it.
– Secure (Optional): For extra durability, especially on washable items, sew around the edge of the patch with a straight or zigzag stitch.
7] Fabric-Wrapped Hanger
Turn a plain hanger into a pretty, non-slip one for delicate clothes.
What you need: A plastic or wooden hanger, a long fabric scrap (about 1-2 inches wide, can be a continuous strip), scissors, hot glue gun or fabric glue.
Instructions:
– Start Wrapping: Place the end of your fabric strip at the hook of the hanger and secure it with a dot of glue.
– Wrap Tightly: Slowly and tightly wrap the fabric strip around the body of the hanger, overlapping the previous wrap slightly to cover the hanger completely.
– Secure End: When you get back to the hook, cut the strip and tuck the end under the last wrap. Secure it firmly with a final dot of glue.
8] Simple Pocket Pillow
Practice sewing squares and inserting something fun.
What you need: Two larger fabric scraps for the front and back (at least 14”x14”), one smaller contrasting scrap for the pocket, pillow insert or stuffing, scissors, pins.
Instructions:
– Cut Squares: Cut two large squares of the same size for the pillow front and back (e.g., 14×14” for a 13” pillow). Cut one smaller square or rectangle for the pocket.
– Finish Pocket Edge: Fold the top edge of the pocket piece over ¼ inch, then again ¼ inch, and sew it down to create a clean hem.
– Attach Pocket: Place the pocket where you want it on the right side of the front pillow square. Pin in place. Sew around the three remaining sides (left, right, bottom), close to the edge. Reinforce the top corners by backstitching.
– Assemble Pillow: Place the front and back pillow pieces right sides together. Pin around all four edges.
– Sew and Leave Gap: Sew around the perimeter with a ½ inch seam allowance, but leave a 4-5 inch gap on one side for turning and stuffing.
– Finish: Clip corners, turn right-side out, and poke out the corners. Insert your pillow form or stuffing. Hand-stitch the gap closed using a ladder stitch (invisible stitch).
Fabric Scrap Projects for Kids
Of course! Fabric scrap projects are fantastic for kids—they’re creative, eco-friendly, and often no-sew, making them perfect for little hands. Here is a collection of fun, easy, and safe fabric scrap projects for various age groups.
First, A Quick Safety Note:
– Scissors: Use safety scissors for younger children. Adult supervision is recommended for any cutting.
– Materials: Avoid using very small buttons or beads with young children due to choking hazards. Opt for larger, child-safe items.
– Glue: Choose non-toxic, washable glue (like Elmer’s) or fabric glue for stronger holds.
4 No-Sew Projects for Kids(Easiest)
These are perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
1] Fabric Scrap Collages
– What you need: Cardboard or heavy paper, non-toxic glue, fabric scraps of various colors and textures.
– How to do it: Let kids draw a simple shape (a heart, a star, a animal silhouette) on the cardboard. They then tear or cut fabric scraps and glue them down to fill the shape, creating a textural masterpiece. Overlapping pieces creates a cool effect.
2] Magic Wand & Stick Decorating
– What you need: Sticks from the yard, fabric scraps cut into long strips, ribbon, yarn.
– How to do it: Have kids wrap and tie long, thin fabric strips around one end of a stick. They can layer different colors and textures to create a magical, flowing wand. Great for imaginative play.
3] Doll & Action Figure Accessories
– What you need: Small fabric scraps, scissors, imagination.
– How to do it: A small square can become a blanket. A long strip can be a superhero’s cape, a scarf, or a belt. A slightly larger piece can be tied around a doll as a sarong or dress. This is pure, open-ended play.
4] “Stained Glass” Sun Catchers
– What you need: Clear contact paper, fabric scraps (sheer or lightweight fabrics work best), scissors.
– How to do it:
– Cut two identical frames from construction paper.
– Peel the backing off one sheet of contact paper and place it sticky-side up. Lay the first frame on top.
– Kids stick the fabric scraps onto the sticky contact paper, filling the “window.”
– Place the second frame on top and seal it with the second sheet of contact paper.
– Trim the edges and hang in a sunny window!
3 Simple Sewing & threading for Kids(Beginner Skills)
These introduce basic sewing skills to elementary-aged kids.
1] God’s Eyes / Ojo de Dios
– What you need: Two sticks (Popsicle sticks or small dowels), fabric strips cut into long, thin pieces.
– How to do it: Cross the sticks to form an “X.” Tie a fabric strip securely around the center. Then, wrap the strip over and around each stick arm, moving in a circular pattern. Change colors by tying on a new strip. This is great for fine motor skills.
2] Simple Fabric Bookmarks
– What you need: Long rectangular fabric scraps, ribbon, buttons, glue.
– How to do it:
– No-Sew: Glue a long fabric scrap onto a piece of cardstock or felt cut to bookmark size. Decorate the top with a glued-on button or ribbon loop.
– Simple Sew: Fold a long rectangular piece in half lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch along the long edge, turn right-side out, and press. No need to close the short ends—the frayed look is cool!
3] Beginner Friendship Bracelets
What you need: Several long, thin strips of fabric (about 12-18 inches long).
How to do it: Bundle 3-5 strips together and tie a knot at one end. Braid the strips together, and tie another knot at the end to secure. They can also try simple knotting techniques like the “overhand knot” bracelet.
4 Skill-Building Projects for(Older Kids)
For kids who are ready for a needle, thread, and more complex crafts.
1] Fabric Scrap Keychains & Zipper Pulls
– What you need: Small fabric scraps, keyring, stuffing (like cotton balls or more scraps), needle and thread.
– How to do it: Cut two small, identical shapes (hearts, stars, circles). Place them right sides together and stitch almost all the way around. Turn right-side out, stuff lightly, and stitch the opening closed. Attach a keyring loop.
2] Decorative Patches
– What you need: Denim or canvas scrap as a base, fun smaller fabric scraps, fusible web (like HeatnBond) or fabric glue.
– How to do it: Cut a shape from the denim (a star, a dinosaur, a random polygon). Use fusible web to attach smaller fabric pieces to the denim to create a design. This is a great way to personalize a backpack or jeans.
3] Miniature Dream Catchers
– What you need: Small embroidery hoop, fabric strips, yarn, feathers, beads.
– How to do it:
– Wrap the inner hoop tightly with fabric strips until covered.
– Create a simple web inside the hoop with yarn.
– Tie fabric strips, beads, and feathers to the bottom of the hoop to dangle.
4] Simple Fabric Coiled Bowls
– What you need: A long, continuous strip of fabric (1-2 inches wide), yarn or a thinner fabric strip, a large-eye needle.
– How to do it:
– Coil the end of the fabric strip into a tight circle and start wrapping the yarn around it to hold the coil together.
– Continue coiling the fabric and wrapping with the yarn, stitching through previous rounds to build the bowl’s sides.
– This is a meditative, satisfying project that creates a useful piece of art.
Tips for Success:
– Prep the Scraps: Pre-cut a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures for younger kids to choose from.
– Embrace the Mess: The goal is creativity, not perfection. Frayed edges and uneven stitches add character!
– Let Them Lead: Show them the possibilities, but let their imagination decide what a scrap should become. A oddly shaped piece might look like a monster to them!
– Make it a Game: Challenge them to use only blue scraps, or to create a project using five different textures.
10 Scrap Fabric Projects No-Sew
Of course! No-sew fabric scrap projects are perfect for instant gratification and are accessible for almost any age. Here are some creative, fun, and easy ideas that require absolutely no sewing.
Quick & Easy No-Sew Techniques:
– Tying: Simply knot fabric strips together or around objects.
– Gluing: Use non-toxic craft glue or fabric glue for a strong hold.
– Wrapping: Twist and wrap fabric around items to cover them.
– Fusing: Use fusible web (like HeatnBond Lite), which melts with an iron to glue fabric pieces together. (Adult supervision required for ironing.)
1] Knotted Headbands & Scrunchies
– What you need: Long fabric strips (about 1-2 inches wide and 18-22 inches long), a plain elastic hair tie (for scrunchies).
– How to do it:
– Headband: Tie three long strips of fabric to a smaller strip that will act as the base. Braid the long strips and then tie the ends together to form a circle that fits the child’s head.
– Scrunchie: Take a long strip and simply knot it around an existing elastic hair tie, covering it completely. Tuck the ends in or let them fray.
2] No-Sew Fabric Bookmarks
– What you need: Cardstock or felt, fabric scraps, ribbon, buttons, googly eyes, glue.
– How to do it: Cut a bookmark-shaped rectangle from cardstock or felt. Let your child create a scene or character by gluing down different fabric pieces. Add details with glued-on buttons for eyes or a ribbon for a tie. For a simple version, just glue a long, thin fabric scrap to the cardstock and trim the edges.
3] “Stained Glass” Sun Catchers
– What you need: Clear contact paper, fabric scraps (sheer voile or chiffon works great, but any thin fabric will do), scissors.
– How to do it:
– Cut two identical frames from construction paper.
– Peel the backing off one sheet of contact paper and place it sticky-side up. Lay the first frame on top.
– Kids stick the fabric scraps onto the sticky contact paper, filling the “window” and overlapping pieces.
– Place the second frame on top and seal it with the second sheet of contact paper.
– Trim the edges and hang in a sunny window!
4] Magic Wands & Talking Sticks
– What you need: Sticks from the yard, fabric scraps cut into long strips, ribbon, yarn.
– How to do it: This is all about wrapping and tying. Have kids wrap the stick with a fabric strip to cover it, securing it with a dot of glue at the start and end. Then, let them tie long, thin fabric strips and ribbons to the top end to create a magical, flowing tail.
5] Doll & Stuffed Animal Accessories
– What you need: Small fabric scraps, scissors.
– How to do it: This is pure imagination fuel.
– A small square = a blanket or cloak.
– A long strip = a belt, scarf, or superhero cape.
– A larger rectangle = a sarong or skirt (just wrap and tuck).
– Use a small amount of glue to make a simple pillow or sleeping bag.
6] Decorative Patches
– What you need: Denim or canvas scrap as a base, fun smaller fabric scraps, fusible web or strong fabric glue.
– How to do it: Cut a cool shape from the denim (a heart, star, lightning bolt). Use fusible web (ironed by an adult) or fabric glue to attach smaller fabric pieces to the denim to create a unique design. This can then be glued onto a backpack, jeans, or a jacket.
7] Fabric Scrap Coasters
– What you need: Coaster-sized cardboard or cork rounds, fabric scraps, mod podge or glue, a brush.
– How to do it:
– Cut fabric pieces slightly larger than the coaster base.
– Brush a layer of glue onto the coaster and press the fabric onto it, smoothing out wrinkles.
– Brush another layer of glue on top of the fabric to seal it (this will dry clear).
– Let dry completely and trim any excess fabric from the edges.
8] No-Sew Bunting / Garland
– What you need: String, yarn, or ribbon, fabric scraps, glue.
– How to do it: Cut a bunch of fabric triangles (or any shape!). Put a line of glue along the top edge of the shape and clamp it over your string or ribbon. Let it dry completely before hanging. So festive for a room or party!
9] Textured Collage Art
– What you need: Canvas or sturdy cardboard, fabric scraps in various colors and textures (corduroy, fleece, denim, satin), glue.
– How to do it: Draw a simple outline (like a robot, a tree, or a rainbow). Tear or cut fabric scraps and glue them down to fill in the sections, creating a tactile piece of art. This is fantastic for exploring textures.
10] Jar & Can Votives
– What you need: Clean glass jar or can, fabric scraps, glue (mod podge works best), brush.
– How to do it:
– Brush a layer of glue onto a section of the jar.
– Press a fabric scrap onto the glue.
– Continue overlapping pieces until the jar is covered.
– Brush a final top coat of glue over all the fabric to seal it.
– Place a battery-operated tea light inside—never a real candle!
Pro Tip: Keep a “scrap bag” handy while you work on these projects. Let kids choose their own colors and textures—it makes the creative process even more fun for them
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