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81 Unique Scrap Fabric Projects For Adults

Upcycle your fabric leftovers with 80+ versatile scrap fabric projects. From patchwork quilts to fabric bows, find your next creative endeavour here!

Are you one of those crafters who can’t bear to discard leftover fabric scraps from previous sewing projects? If so, you’re not alone. Turning these colourful fabric scraps into creative, functional items has become a passion for many. Embracing upcycling and repurposing allows us to transform what might be seen as waste into remarkable pieces.

In this exploration, I’ve compiled over 80 easy sewing projects and scrap fabric craft ideas perfect for utilizing those tiny pieces in our scrap bins.

From simple patchwork quilts to charming zipper bags, these scrap fabric projects are about more than just making do; they’re about creating something beautiful and functional. Whether you’re looking for a great project to use up a pile of fabric scraps or seeking the perfect gift idea that adds a personal touch, there’s something here for everyone.

The beauty of these scrap fabric projects lies in their versatility. They embrace different patterns, colours, and techniques, from fabric flowers to bowls. These projects are a great way to reduce waste while expressing your creativity.

What’s exciting is that many of these projects don’t require the constant use of a sewing machine, making them accessible to crafters of all skill levels. For those inclined towards sewing, many great tutorials and ideas await you.

Each project offers a lot of fun and the chance to create practical, everyday items like a pencil holder or a scraps pinboard. Most other materials you might require will be part of your craft essentials and nothing fancy. Whether you’re working with the smallest scraps or strips of fabric, these simple sewing projects will help you turn your excess fabric into extraordinary things.

Things to make with fabric scraps

What Fabric Scraps To Use

  • Scrap bin trimmings and leftover material from other sewing projects are great for patchwork. Even the smallest scraps of fabric can be patchworked to make larger pieces.
  • Un-donatable clothes: If I have an old shirt that has seen better days, and it’s in a particular pattern that I love, I will cut up the good bits of fabric into scraps to use.
  • Fabric remnants, samples and swatches.  I keep all the material swatches I get for free from furniture and interior stores.  These are excellent ways to get free small fabric samples for projects.
  • Fabric scraps can be used for decoupage and sewing. Check out these decoupaged IKEA Moppe mini drawers.

If you regularly visit this site, you will know I’m passionate about upcycling denim. For these projects, I use every part of a pair of jeans. Scrap denim fabric upcycled crafts can be seen with these no-sew jeans projects, what to craft with jeans seams, and upcycled jean pocket ideas.

Creative Ways to Use Scrap Fabric

Exploring creative ways to use scrap fabric can breathe new life into your crafting routine. Here are some simple projects and practical ideas to inspire you:

  1. Fabric Bows and Accessories: Use small fabric scraps to create stylish hair bows, brooches, and other accessories. These make great gift ideas and add a personal touch to any outfit.
  2. Braided Rugs: Turn strips of fabric into beautiful braided rugs. This easy project, which can be done with colourful fabric scraps, adds a cosy feel to your home decor.
  3. Patchwork Quilts: Create unique patchwork quilts using fat quarters and little scraps of fabric. This is a great way to use different fabrics and make something unique.
  4. Fabric Crafts for Home Decor: Make functional items like fabric bowls, coasters, and placemats. These projects are practical and add a handmade touch to your home.
  5. Simple Sewing Projects for Beginners: Even if you’re new to sewing, there are plenty of great projects to try. Start with simple items like fabric bookmarks, keychains, or a fabric-covered notebook.

These practical projects and fabric crafts demonstrate that you can turn a lot of scrap fabric into beautiful and functional items with a little creativity. Whether using the smallest scraps or larger fabric leftovers, there’s always a new project waiting to be discovered.

Embrace the challenge of transforming your scrap fabric into something amazing. With these easy sewing projects and creative ideas, you’ll find endless possibilities to explore and enjoy.

Do you have a pile of fabric scraps from other craft projects or fabric sample swatches?

This is a list of over 80 beautiful ideas for the scraps. Make them for yourself or give them as gifts; from practical and applicable to fun, decorative and frivolous, various fabric crafts inspire everyone.

You might want to check out these awesome leather craft ideas if you have some leather scraps.

Don’t forget to check out many of my other cool adult craft ideas and ideas for upcycling sweaters for Christmas.

scrap fabric craft ideas pin

Jennifer Wise

Thursday 28th of March 2024

The feathers are amazing, but there are so many things here I'd love to make. I think if you have (or have ever had) fabric, you must have scraps! :) Pinning this to save and share. Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #31 linkup. Hope to see you next week, too.

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 28th of March 2024

Thank you so much, the feathers are a favourite craft of mine too. I even make them out of denim scraps too!

Michelle Leslie

Tuesday 12th of October 2021

Those denim moths of yours are still one of my all-time favorite scrap fabric ideas. They're just so awesome., but I've pinned this wonderful collection of other ideas because if there's one thing we have a lot of in this house, it's fabric scraps :D

Claire Armstrong

Wednesday 13th of October 2021

Thank you, it's amazing the fun things you can make from fabric scraps. The moths are also my sons favourite.