Inside: A collection of scrap fabric crafts and projects, including hand-sewn and no-sew ideas.
I hate throwing things away, as I’m sure I can upcycle or repurpose them for another project. It’s especially true for fabric scraps left over from other projects. I thought it was time I found some things to make with the fabric scraps in my ever-growing stash.
I have talked about upcycling fabrics before, but this time, I’m talking about using the smallest leftover scraps. It’s amazing what you can make from what others would consider rubbish. Many scrap fabric ideas listed below would also make great handmade gifts.
There is a good mixture of sewing and non-sewing fabric crafts. Many are easy to make, even when getting out of the sewing machine.
And, of course, they are all very affordable, as you are just using up the fabric scraps you already have in your stash. Most other materials you might require will be part of your craft essentials and nothing fancy.

What Scraps To Use
- Trimmings and leftover material from other sewing projects. Even the smallest of scraps can be patchworked together to make larger pieces.
- Un-donatable clothes, if I have an old shirt that has seen better days. If it’s in a particular pattern that I love, I will cut up the good bits of fabric into scraps to use.
- Fabric 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 as well as 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. So much of my scrap denim fabric upcycled crafts can be seen with this collection of no-sew jeans projects or what to craft with jeans seams and upcycled jean pocket ideas.
The Best Things to Make With Fabric Scraps
Do you have a pile of fabric scraps from other craft projects or fabric sample swatches?
This is a list of over 70 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.
How to make DIY feathers From Upcycled Fabric Scraps
These fabric DIY feathers are made in a very similar way to my very popular denim feathers. They are made with scraps of tartan and plaid fabrics, giving them lovely patterns and colours. This is an addictive feather craft; you'll soon want to make feathers from your old plaid shirts.
How To Make Fabric Flowers
Use coloured fabric scraps or colour your own with Sharpies. These flowers will last forever.
Scrapbusting: How to make Fabric Twine
This is such a clever way to use fabric scraps to make twine. The twine can then be used in so many fun projects.
How To Make An Easy Mod Podge Fabric Mirror Frame
Colourful fabric scraps are great to use for decoupage. Fabric swatches would also be a good resource for this decoupage mirror project. The technique could also be used to make unique picture frames.
A Quick Covered Button Bobby Pins Tutorial
You just need small circles of fabric to make these fun bobby pins. The same method can be used to make fabric-covered buttons.
Cute notebook diy
Used leftover fabric hexies to decorate a notebook. This would make a lovely gift to someone who like sewing.
How To Make An Upcycled Scandi Woven Hearts Garland
These Scandinavian scrap woven fabric hearts would look good as Christmas and Valentine's decorations.
Tutorial For A Gorgeous Scrap Fabric Birdcage
Wrap fabric scraps around a coat hanger to make a fun spring decoration.
How To Make Gorgeous Fabric Birdhouses For Your Home
Cover old cardboard boxes in fabric remnants to make these cute decorative patchwork birdhouses.
How to make old sweaters into scrap fabric coasters
Combine scrap sweater felt with patterned fabric to make these lovely coasters. They are also a lovely handmade gift idea.
DIY No-Sew Fabric Pumpkins
Fabric pumpkins are a popular fall decoration. These are made with leftover fabric from other projects and provide a colourful alternative to normal fall colours.
How To Make Fun Faux Framed Moth Taxidermy
These moths don't only use denim scraps but colourful fabric scraps too. Make a fun piece of wall art inspired by vintage insect displays of the past.
DIY Holly Golightly Sleep Masks
I love these sleep masks, they look fun and would make a lovely gift
How To Make Tartan Trees From Fabric Scraps
These can be made with any kind of fabric scraps, but the tartan gives them a lovely winter look.
How To Make A Denim DIY Sunglasses Case
This is no ordinary DIY sunglasses case, it has a cool pocket feature. This sewn case is made from the front right pocket of a pair of jeans. So not only is it a sunglasses case but there is also room for your phone and cards.
How To Make A Wristlet Key Fob
You only need the smallest amount of fabric to make these key fobs. This is a super easy-to-follow tutorial to make a wristlet key fob. This would be an excellent handmade gift idea.
Allure-ing Fabric Bracelet DIY
If you have colourful patterns scraps, why not use them to make some bright bracelets.
How To Make DIY Fabric Mushrooms - Free Pattern
These adorable fabric mushrooms are made from leftover fabric swatches. They are so addictive to make soon that you'll have enough for a garland.
DIY Farmhouse Style Rag Ball Decor
DIY farmhouse style decorative rag balls, a great way to use up those scraps! This is a no-sew scrap fabric craft.
How To Make Paper Mache Fabric Bowls
This is a straightforward way to make fabric bowls without sewing. The method is similar to Paper Mache but with denim or other fabric scraps rather than paper. The fabric bowls are rigid and sturdy and can be used as fruit or bread baskets on the table.
DIY Scrap Fabric Butterfly FREE Pattern + Tutorial
This butterfly craft is a fun way to use up small colourful bits of fabric. The butterflies would make lovely gift toppers or hair bows.
Stunning Poppy Seed heads
You'll be hunting the bottom of your fabric scraps for the colourful pieces to make these fabric poppy seed heads. They look gorgeous in an upcycled vase on the mantle and make a lovely handmade gift.
Home Sweet Home Camper Applique Pattern
Applique pictures are a great way to use up the smallest bits of fabric. Like with this cute caravan picture.
Update old towels with scrap fabric bias binding
This is a great way to update old towels and make them look pretty.
How to Make DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
A very practical and eco-friendly way to use up fabric scraps, with these make-up remover pads.
How To Make A Beautiful Decoupage Vase With Fabric
A fun way to use up those colourful pieces of fabric is to use them for decoupage, like with this gorgeous Kaffe Fassett vase.
Tutorial: DIY Cord Keeper From Fabric Scraps
These are the perfect quick project to use up the last bits of your favourite fabrics. As a bonus, they make a good gift for anyone and any occasion.
No Sew Fabric Flowers
These little no-sew fabric flowers can be used in all sorts of ways. They are perfect for embellishing small projects and make an excellent gift topper. I used fabric flowers as magnets for a DIY Magnet Board.
Tea Towel Apron Appliqued With Fun Whimsical Houses
Another fun applique idea for fabric scraps. This apron would also make a lovely gift.
DIY Free Mug Rug Pattern -You Will Want To Make
These hand-sewn mug rugs are made with denim scraps, but other cotton fabrics would work just as well.
Vintage Easter Egg Cup Pin Cushion
These must be the cutest pin cushions.
How to Make a Scrunchie 3 Different Ways
As someone with long hair, I can never have too many of these. I'm always looking for a scrunchy, so much kinder to your hair than naked elastic.
How to Make Primitive Scrap Fabric Tree Ornaments
You only need the smallest of fabric scraps to make these cute Christmas tree ornaments.
How to make handmade quilted Christmas ornaments
If you have any Christmas fabrics in your scrap pile, these are cute ornaments to make.
DIY Fabric Sunflower Denim Corsage
This sunflower corsage can be made from denim or other scrap fabrics. It requires little or no sewing.
Scrap Fabric Easy Sew Christmas Ornaments
Another seasonal idea, great for tartan and plaid scraps.
Upcycled Beaded Silk Scarf Scraps Necklace
Use silk fabric scraps to make a cute necklace. A very easy craft that makes a great gift.
How To Make Fabric Bows Two Ways
These bows are made from denim scraps but the pattern can be used for any fabric.
DIY Reused Fabric Wreath
This wreath is super easy to make. You can whip up this DIY reused fabric wreath in no time at all.
How To Make Cool Denim Applique Heart Pockets
Applique is a fun way to use up fabric scraps, like with these cute pocket bags.
How to Make a Silky Bohemian Dreamcatcher
Colorful silk scraps give this dream catcher a wonderful Boho vibe.
DIY Embroidery Hoop Wreath with Scrap Fabric
Another scrap fabric wreath idea, great for lacey fabric scraps.
No Sew Patchwork Fabric Easter Eggs
The smallest of fabric scraps can be used to make the cutest decorated Easter eggs.
Scrap Fabric Bookmarks
Make your own bookmark using scrap fabrics and ribbon. A great little DIY craft project suited to beginner sewers.
How To Make A Cool World Map Denim Floor Cushion
Another fun scrap fabric applique project, this time to make a world map floor cushion
Easy DIY Corner Bookmarks From Fabric
Another scrap fabric bookmark idea, with these corner bookmarks.
Fun Hen and Duck Embroidery For A Spring Mantle
Make a cute spring decoration for your mantle with a small piece of scrap fabric and scrap ribbon.
T-Shirt Applique You Can Make in Minutes!
An applique idea for fabric scraps, updating and embellishing clothes.
Jar Opener Easy Sewing Project
Sometimes you need a little extra traction to open a tight-fitting lid on a jar. This jar opener easy sewing project is the solution.
How To Make Scrap Tartan Scottie Dog Ornaments
What a perfect use of tartan scraps, make cute Scottie dog decorations.
Scrap Fabric Owl Soft Toy Free Pattern Templates & Tutorial
These patchwork owls would make good doorstops if filled with rice or lentils,
How to make an emery pincushion
Not only does this pin cushion look sweet, but it will also sharpen your pins.
Strawberry Wardrobe Fresheners
Strawberry wardrobe freshener or scented sachets from fabric scraps. This would be good to put in sneakers to keep them fresh smelling.
Learn How To Make Simple Gorgeous Rustic Stars
Wrap fabric scraps around wire coat hangers to make a star wall decoration.
Tote Bag Upcycle with Floral Upholstery Fabric
Cut out flowers and motifs from scrap upholstery fabric and use them to embellish clothing and bags.
Fabric Plant Pots Using Mod Podge Ultra
A cute way to update plain plant pots. Patchwork pots can be made with small fabric scraps.
Thimble Pip Tutorial
A cute handmade gift idea for seamstresses. You only need the smallest of fabric scraps.
Boho Ribbon DIY!
Make funky ribbons from your colorful fabric scraps and then use them for decoration.
Pottery Barn Inspired Easter Bunny Banner
This is a fun decoration to get out every Easter. There is a paper bunny version here.
Create Luxury Handmade Gift Tags From Scraps
These gift tags were made from fabric swatches, a great source for free fabric scraps.
How To Make An Upcycled Denim Gift Tag
Another scrap fabric gift tag idea. This time with a personal monogram.
Fabric balls
The tiniest of fabric scraps can be used to make these pretty balls. Then string them together to make a cute garland.
How To Make A Scrap Fabric Angel Christmas Ornament
With just a bit of wire, you can make scrap fabric angels for your Christmas tree.
DIY Cast Iron Skillet Handle Cover
I could do with a couple of these in my kitchen. I have a couple of pans that I'm always scalding my hand on.
How to Make a Hoop Organizer
These would look great in any craft room and they are very practical too.
DIY Hand Warmers from Flannel Shirts
Hand warmers are a practical thing to make from fabric scraps and they would also make a great gift.
DIY Denim Bunny Decoration From Jeans Scraps
These cute denim bunnies were made from scrap jeans fabric, but I think they would also look fabulous in a pretty Liberty print fabric.
DIY Hand Sanitizer Holder
A sign of modern times having to carry hand sanitiser. These holders are great and can just clip to your handbag making them easy to find. There is also a video tutorial.
Fabric Scraps and Faux Leather Bookmark
The tiniest pieces of scrap fabric are combined with scrap leather to make these colourful bookmarks.
Boho Style DIY Denim Earrings
An easy upcycled jewellery craft that uses the tiniest scraps of denim. But the Boho style earrings could easily be made with other woven fabrics such as plaid.
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.

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.