Ever wonder what to do with all your fabric scraps once you finish your project? Big Z Fabric has a list of interesting and creative ideas for your stash of scraps. While some of you may like to make quilts out of fabric scraps, we tried to come up with solutions that are entirely different.
Big Z Fabric has tons of swatches of fabrics that you could even order online to sample before you buy by the yard. But in the meantime, you can work on different projects with the scraps you do have, whether it is lace, satin, cotton, organza, nylon, or linen.
Don’t throw away your scraps — turn them into treasures.
The Martha Stewart team shares clever ways to reuse leftover fabric, from lavender sachets to gift wrap ideas. We love how her guide blends practicality and elegance — just like our collection of colorful remnants and small-yard fabrics.
Pair her ideas with our scrap bundles to create charming home accents or personalized gifts.
Handmade Gifts & Accessories
Small pieces of fabric, often overlooked or tossed aside, hold the potential to become deeply meaningful when repurposed with care and creativity. These remnants, stitched or glued into thoughtful designs, can take on new life as personal, handmade gifts and charming accessories. Whether it’s a bookmark crafted from a favorite old shirt, a patchwork pouch sewn from childhood fabrics, or a colorful scrunchie made from dressmaking leftovers, each item carries a story. When made by hand, these small creations become more than just practical—they become keepsakes filled with intention and warmth.
Fabric Keychains
Fabric keychains are an easy and thoughtful way to give new life to your fabric scraps. These small but charming accessories make perfect housewarming or thank-you gifts, especially when paired with a personal touch like an embroidered initial or a matching color palette. Looking ahead to the holidays? Fabric keychains also work wonderfully as stocking stuffers—small, handmade, and meaningful.
Beyond gift-giving, they’re practical too: their colorful, textured appearance makes your keys easy to spot, whether they’re buried in a bag or resting on a busy counter. With endless combinations of prints, trims, and patterns, this is a project that lets your creativity shine while using up even the smallest leftovers from previous fabric projects.
Fabric Journals
If you love to journal, this is a perfect way to add a personal touch. There is something about writing by hand and people who journal know how special the perfect journal is. A fabric journal would make a personal and sentimental gift that a friend will be sure to treasure. For this you will need any types of fabric straps you have, lace, thread, sewing machine, and scissors. Oh, and of course a journal! Happy journaling!
Fabric Scrunchies
Scrunchies are one of the most charming and functional ways to repurpose fabric scraps. These soft, elastic hair ties can be crafted in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, making them ideal for matching outfits, gifting to friends, or adding a fun twist to your everyday look. They’re especially great for kids with long hair, offering a gentle hold that’s both stylish and comfortable. Plus, the bold colors and prints from your leftover fabric make them stand out, ensuring your hair accessory is just as unique as the person wearing it. Whether you’re sewing by hand or using a machine, scrunchies are quick to make and endlessly customizable—perfect for anyone looking to turn small leftovers into something beautiful and useful.
More Scrap Fabric Inspiration?
If you’re eager to explore even more ways to use your fabric scraps, we recommend checking out Sarah Hearts. Her site offers a wide range of beginner-friendly DIY projects from scrunchies to cord organizers, designed to help you turn even the tiniest pieces of fabric into something fun and functional. It’s a great place to spark creativity and discover new weekend projects that pair perfectly with the fabrics you love.
Fabric Bookmarks
Even the smallest scraps can brighten your space when combined thoughtfully. Create fabric-wrapped drawer pulls using small strips, or glue bits of colorful cotton around plain tealight holders. With several similar-toned pieces, you can craft a patchwork coaster set or a garland to hang over windows or mantels. Tiny rectangles can be stitched into drawer sachets filled with lavender, adding both function and charm to your home.
Finger Puppets
Even the smallest felt leftovers can come together to create animal-shaped finger puppets, stitched by hand and detailed with tiny eyes, ears, or tails. They’re fun, playful, and easy enough to craft in batches for classroom storytelling or quiet-time play.
Fabric Scrap Banners
Perfect for birthdays, weddings or any other festive occasion. Create a whimsical theme consistent with the color scheme you are going for. Make a perfect fabric scrap banner backdrop for photos, desert tables or birthday decorations. You can use wide strips of fabric scraps in similar colors or get creative by mixing and mingling different patterns. One of our favorite uses for fabric scrap banners is for the groom and brides table to distinguish “Mr.” and “Mrs.” which will be a great highlight in the wedding photos.
From Scraps to Statement Pieces
Once you’ve tackled the quick and simple scrap fabric crafts, like keychains and scrunchies, you might find yourself ready for a new challenge. Fortunately, fabric scraps lend themselves just as well to more structured, skill-building projects. From zippered pouches and mini tote bags to quilted organizers and patchwork storage bins, there’s no shortage of ways to turn your leftover pieces into polished, practical creations.
If you’re looking to dive deeper, SewCanShe offers a thoughtfully curated collection of over 100 free patterns designed specifically for scrap fabrics. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to practice new sewing techniques while making items you can use, gift, or even sell. Whether you’re honing your skills or simply enjoying the process, these projects prove that even the smallest bits of fabric can lead to big creative rewards.
