Don’t Throw Away Leftover Fabric

I love sewing, but I always end up with tons of leftover fabric pieces. For the longest time, I used to just throw them away, thinking they were too small to be useful. Boy, was I wrong! Those little scraps and leftover pieces can be turned into amazing projects that are both fun to make and super useful.

When I first started sewing, my mom taught me never to waste fabric. She would save even the tiniest pieces and turn them into something special. At first, I thought she was being silly, but now I understand why she did it. Leftover fabric is like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. You can make gifts, decorations, and useful items without spending any extra money.

The best part about using leftover fabric is that you’re helping the environment too. Instead of throwing fabric scraps in the trash, you’re giving them a new life. Plus, these small projects are perfect for beginners who want to practice their sewing skills without using expensive new fabric.

Today, I’m going to share twelve of my favorite leftover fabric projects. These are all things I’ve made myself, and they’re perfect for anyone who wants to get creative with their scraps. The best part? Most of these projects can be finished in just a few hours, making them perfect for weekend crafting or when you need a quick gift.

Small Quilted Coasters

Making quilted coasters was one of the first projects I tried with my fabric scraps. These little squares are so easy to make, and they protect your furniture from water rings and heat damage. I love making sets of four or six coasters using different fabric patterns.

To make these coasters, I cut two squares of fabric that are about five inches by five inches. Then I add a layer of batting in the middle to make them thick and heat-resistant. After sewing around the edges, I quilt some simple lines across the surface. The quilting not only looks pretty but also keeps the batting from moving around inside.

I’ve made coasters for my grandma, my teachers, and even my friends’ moms. Everyone always asks where I bought them because they look so professional. The secret is choosing fabrics that go well together. I like to use one solid color and one patterned fabric for each coaster.

Patchwork Pillow Covers

Patchwork pillow covers are probably my favorite way to use up lots of different fabric scraps at once. I take all my leftover pieces and sew them together into squares, then turn those squares into a pillow cover. It’s like making a mini quilt that you can actually use every day.

The first patchwork pillow I made was for my bedroom. I used all the leftover fabric from other projects, including some from a dress I made and curtains my mom helped me sew. The result was this amazing pillow that matched everything in my room perfectly.

Making patchwork pillows taught me a lot about color matching and pattern mixing. I learned that it’s okay to use fabrics that don’t seem to go together at first. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most beautiful results.

Fun Fabric Bookmarks

As someone who reads a lot, I’m always losing my bookmarks. That’s when I decided to make my own using leftover fabric strips. These bookmarks are so much better than the paper ones because they don’t bend or tear, and I can make them in any design I want.

My favorite fabric bookmarks are the ones with ribbons attached. I take a strip of fabric about two inches wide and six inches long, fold it in half, and sew it together. Then I add a colorful ribbon to the top so it sticks out of my book. I’ve made bookmarks with flowers, animals, and even my initials.

These bookmarks make great gifts for friends who love reading. I made a whole set for my English teacher using fabric that looked like book pages. She loved them so much that she asked me to make some for the school library.

Cute Fabric Scrunchies

Scrunchies are back in style, and I couldn’t be happier! Making fabric scrunchies is one of the easiest projects you can do with leftover fabric. All you need is a strip of fabric and some elastic, and you can have a new hair accessory in less than thirty minutes.

I love making scrunchies because I can match them to my outfits perfectly. When I made a new dress, I always have leftover fabric, so I make a matching scrunchie. It’s like having a custom hair accessory that no one else has.

The trick to making good scrunchies is using the right amount of fabric. Too little and they look skimpy, too much and they’re too bulky. I usually cut my fabric strips about twenty inches long and four inches wide. This makes scrunchies that are full and bouncy but not too big.

DIY Fabric Keychains

Fabric keychains are tiny projects that make big impacts. I started making these when I needed small gifts for my classmates, and they were such a hit that I keep making more. These little fabric creations can be shaped like flowers, hearts, or even tiny animals.

My first fabric keychain was a simple flower shape. I cut out flower petals from different colored scraps and sewed them together with a button in the center. Then I attached a keychain ring, and voila! I had a unique accessory for my backpack.

The best part about fabric keychains is that you can make them personal. I made one for my best friend using fabric from a shirt we bought together on a shopping trip. Every time she uses her keys, she remembers that fun day we spent together.

Mini Fabric Bunting Banner

Bunting banners add such a cheerful touch to any room, and they’re perfect for using up triangular fabric scraps. I made my first bunting banner for my little sister’s birthday party, and it was such a success that I’ve been making them for every celebration since.

To make bunting, I cut triangles from different fabric scraps and sew them onto a long ribbon or bias tape. The triangles don’t have to be perfect – in fact, I think slightly wonky triangles look more charming and handmade. I usually make my triangles about four inches wide at the top and five inches tall.

I’ve made bunting banners for holidays, birthdays, and just because my room needed some color. The great thing about fabric bunting is that it lasts much longer than paper decorations, so I can use them over and over again.

Handmade Fabric Gift Tags

Store-bought gift tags can be expensive, especially when you need a lot of them. That’s why I started making my own using leftover fabric pieces. These fabric gift tags are so much more special than paper ones, and the person receiving the gift often keeps them as little keepsakes.

I make fabric gift tags by cutting small shapes from my fabric scraps – rectangles, circles, or even fun shapes like stars or hearts. Then I add a small hole and thread a ribbon through it. Sometimes I write on them with fabric markers, or I leave them plain and let the beautiful fabric speak for itself.

During the holidays, I make dozens of these fabric gift tags in different colors and patterns. It’s become one of my favorite holiday traditions, and my family always looks forward to seeing what new designs I’ve created.

Fabric Covered Notebooks

Plain notebooks can be boring, but covering them with leftover fabric makes them special and personal. I’ve covered notebooks for school, journals for writing, and even small notebooks to give as gifts. Each one turns out completely unique because I use different fabric combinations.

The process is pretty simple. I measure the notebook cover and cut my fabric a little bit bigger. Then I use fabric glue or spray adhesive to attach the fabric, folding the edges neatly around the covers. I like to add ribbon bookmarks or fabric flowers for extra decoration.

My favorite fabric-covered notebook is one I made using leftover fabric from a quilt my grandma and I made together. Every time I write in it, I remember the fun times we spent sewing and talking together.

Reusable Fabric Snack Bags

With everyone trying to be more environmentally friendly, reusable fabric snack bags are perfect for replacing plastic bags. I make these for my lunch every day, and they’re so much cuter than boring plastic bags. Plus, I can wash them and use them over and over again.

To make these bags, I use fabric that has a food-safe coating on one side, or I line regular fabric with food-safe material. I sew them like little pouches with velcro or snap closures. They’re perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or fruit.

My friends are always jealous of my cute snack bags, and several of them have asked me to make some for them too. It feels good to know that I’m helping reduce plastic waste while using up my fabric scraps.

Simple Fabric Wall Art

Wall art doesn’t have to be expensive paintings or posters. Some of my favorite decorations are simple fabric pieces stretched over small canvases or embroidery hoops. This is a great way to use fabric pieces that have beautiful patterns but are too small for clothing projects.

I made a set of three fabric wall hangings for my bedroom using coordinating fabrics in different patterns. They look so professional that visitors always ask where I bought them. The best part is that I can change them anytime I want to redecorate my room.

Sometimes I add embroidery or fabric paint to make the wall art even more special. I’ve made pieces with my initials, inspirational quotes, and even simple drawings. It’s like having custom artwork that no one else has.

Fabric Phone or Tablet Sleeves

Protecting our devices is important, but most cases are plain and boring. Making fabric sleeves for phones and tablets is a great way to add personality while using up leftover fabric. These sleeves can be simple pouches or more complex designs with pockets and closures.

I made my first phone sleeve using leftover fabric from a skirt I sewed. I added a little bit of padding to protect the phone from bumps and drops. The fabric I chose has a fun floral pattern that makes me smile every time I use my phone.

For my tablet, I made a more complex sleeve with a pocket for the charger and stylus. It took a bit more planning and sewing, but the result is so much better than anything I could buy in a store.

Tips for Organizing and Storing Leftover Fabric

Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping leftover fabric organized is just as important as the projects themselves. If you can’t find your scraps when you need them, they’re not very useful! I’ve tried several different storage methods and found what works best for me.

I sort my fabric scraps by color in clear plastic boxes. This way, I can see what I have at a glance when I’m planning a project. I also keep a box of neutral colors like white, cream, and gray because these go with everything.

For really small scraps, I use mason jars arranged on a shelf. The jars look pretty, and I can easily see what colors I have available. I also keep a special box for fabrics that have sentimental value, like pieces left over from special dresses or quilts made with family members.

Another tip I’ve learned is to keep a notebook with photos or samples of my leftover fabrics. This helps me remember what I have when I’m shopping for new projects. Sometimes I can plan new sewing projects around the leftover fabric I already have at home.

Making things from leftover fabric has taught me so much about creativity, resourcefulness, and taking care of the environment. Every small scrap has the potential to become something beautiful and useful. The next time you finish a sewing project, don’t throw away those leftover pieces. Instead, try one of these fun DIY projects and see what amazing things you can create!