What to Make with Fabric Scraps

When I was teaching my Michaels fabric bin class last week, someone asked if I had any recommendations on what to do with their fabric scraps from that project. And yes, I do! I have so many in fact that I decided to put together a post sharing my favorite ideas. After sewing just one project, you will quickly realize that small remnants of fabric that are just too small to sew another garment, quilt, or you name the project, add up very quickly. In efforts to be more sustainable, I’ve tried to cut down on the amount of fabric I purchase and be really intentional about how I cut out my fabric pieces to reduce the amount of fabric waste as much as possible. Yet still I end up with so many tiny scraps of fabric.

If this sounds like you you, please check out the project ideas I’ve rounded up below. And if you happen to have some great fabric scrap busting projects, let me know and I’ll add them to list!

So let’s jump into it. Here are some of my favorite ways to use up fabric scraps.

DIY Fabric Storage Bins

If you have square scraps of fabric in just about any size, you can make these bags. You can even piece together scraps to make square cuts of fabric to stretch your scraps even further.

Easy Knotted Headbands

I’m loving the large headband trend and I think it’s a great way to use up scraps of luxurious fabrics like velvet and chiffon.

Scrunchies

I’m more info headbands since my hair is short but if I had long hair I would be all about making scrunchies. There are so many great tutorials out there so you can make them large and 80’s style or more subtle with a tiny bow.

No-Sew Wire Headband

Just because you have fabric doesn’t mean you have to sew with it. You can use up those scraps to make a simple n0-sew wired headband. All you need is wire and some fabric glue to make these cute statement headbands.

Reusable Makeup Wipes

I love using these for applying toner and removing mascara. There are loads of methods of making these, some include using bias tape, like the one linked above. You can also simple serge the edges for a quick scrap busting project.

Fill for a Floor Pouf

We have a Moroccan leather floor pouf in the living room and I just love how beautiful and practical it is. They often ship without any filling so rather than buying a material to fill it, just stuff it with fabric scraps. You can also stuff it with stained bed linens too. And yes, it does make it heavy but I think that’s a good feature of a footstool, you don’t want it sliding around when you have your feet on it!

Easy Fabric Wrapped Bangle Bracelets

This is a simple project I shared years and years ago but still a favorite of mine. Simply cut or tear fabric scraps into long 1” strips and then wrap an old wood bangle bracelet. Coat with Mod Podge and you have a colorful new accessory.

Cord Keepers

If your earbuds and phone charging cable are always getting tangled up in your bag this is a handy project. They can also be made with leather and faux-leather scraps by cutting a circular piece and adding a snap.

Fabric Tape

This is hands down the quickest project you can do with fabric scraps! Just add some double-sided tape to the wrong side of the fabric and cut into strips. And boom, you have fabric tape! Perfect for gift wrapped packages and decorating envelopes.

Crayon/Pencil/Brush Fabric Rolls

My mom got me one of these when I was a kid at a local craft fair and I adored it. This is fun project to gift to kids but they are also perfect for storing paint brushes, makeup brushes, and even crochet hooks.

Fabric Covered Clipboards

Fabric and a little Mod Podge go a long way to give a boring clipboard a new look. Great for teacher gifts!

Fabric Hair Bows

Tiny scraps of fabric are perfect for making hair bows of all styles.

Magic Wands for Kids

Another fun kid project that has endless possibilities. It’s also a way to utilize scraps of ribbon you may have too. I’m linking to some beautiful ones I found for sale on Etsy as I didn’t find a tutorial on how to make them but they look pretty simple to make.

Face Mask Ear Savers

Not only can you use your scraps to make a face mask you can use the smaller pieces of fabric to make a matching ear saver. I haven’t tried this yet but I know tons of people prefer the comfort of using an ear saver when you have to keep a mask on all day.

Fabric Bowls

Another great no-sew project that makes something beautiful and practical. These bowls by Paper and Stitch are just gorgeous!

Fabric Yarn

If you are a knitter or crocheter you might want to give fabric yarn making a try! Wouldn’t it be beautiful for making colorful fabric scrap pot holders?

Fabric Scrap Quilt

Tiny squares of fabric can make for a really beautiful quilt! There are loads of patterns that start with small squares (like the Tiny Tile Quilt by Purl Soho) but you can also just wing it and go as you sew, piecing together square and rectangle scraps.