10+ Creative Ways to Use Scrap Fabric: A Beginner-Friendly Project Guide
With the recent closure of Joann Fabrics, many crafters are searching for new ways to build their fabric stash and find inspiration for their next quilt project. The good news? You don't need yards and yards of fabric to create beautiful, meaningful work. Scrap fabric opens up a world of creative possibilities that are perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Whether you've inherited a bin of fabric scraps, are looking to use up leftover pieces from previous projects, or are wondering where to find fabric for your next creative endeavor, this guide will show you just how versatile small fabric pieces can be.
What Counts as Scrap Fabric?
Before we dive into projects, let's clarify what we mean by scrap fabric. These are typically pieces smaller than a fat quarter—anywhere from a few inches to about 10-12 inches in size. They might be leftover from cutting out a garment, trimmed edges from a quilt project, or curated pieces specifically chosen for their color and pattern. The beauty of scrap fabric is that no piece is too small to be useful.
Quilting Projects Made Easy with Scraps
Scrap Quilts: One of the most popular uses for fabric scraps is creating scrap quilts. These quilts have a charming, eclectic aesthetic that tells a visual story through varied patterns and colors. Beginners can start with simple patchwork designs using squares or rectangles, which require minimal cutting and piecing skills. The random nature of scrap quilts means there's no "wrong" fabric choice—everything works together to create visual interest.
Crumb Quilting: This trending technique celebrates using even the tiniest fabric pieces. Crumb quilting involves sewing together small scraps in a free-form way to create larger blocks. It's incredibly forgiving for beginners since there are no precise measurements or matching points required. The result is a textured, modern look that's both sustainable and stunning.
String Quilts: Similar to crumb quilting, string quilts use long, narrow strips of fabric sewn onto a foundation. This technique is perfect for using up those odd-shaped pieces that don't fit standard cutting requirements. The angled, improvisational nature creates dynamic movement in the finished quilt.
English Paper Piecing (EPP): Portable and Meditative
English Paper Piecing is a hand-sewing technique that's perfect for scrap fabric and ideal for beginners who want to learn precision without a sewing machine. You'll wrap fabric around paper templates (usually hexagons, but diamonds, triangles, and other shapes work too) and whipstitch them together.
EPP projects are wonderfully portable—you can work on them while watching TV, traveling, or waiting for appointments. Popular beginner projects include hexagon trivets, small wall hangings, or pillow covers. Since each shape is relatively small, scrap fabric is the perfect size for this technique.
Appliqué: Adding Personality to Any Project
Appliqué is the art of attaching fabric shapes onto a background fabric to create designs. It's an excellent way to use scrap fabric because you're working with small motifs—flowers, animals, letters, geometric shapes, or any design you can imagine.
Beginners can start with simple shapes and raw-edge appliqué (where edges don't need to be turned under), making it quick and accessible. You can add appliqué elements to quilts, clothing, tote bags, pillows, or wall art. It's a technique that instantly personalizes any project and uses up even the smallest scraps.
Foundation Paper Piecing: Precision Made Simple
Foundation paper piecing (FPP) might sound intimidating, but it's actually beginner-friendly and produces incredibly precise results. You sew fabric pieces onto a printed paper pattern, which acts as both your template and stabilizer. Because you're working with smaller sections, scrap fabric is ideal for this technique.
FPP is perfect for intricate quilt blocks, geometric designs, and patterns that would be difficult to piece traditionally. The paper foundation guides your stitching, so even complex designs become achievable for new quilters.
Quick Gift Projects Perfect for Scraps
Mug Rugs and Coasters: These mini quilts (typically 5-8 inches) are perfect beginner projects that use minimal fabric. They're quick to complete, making them ideal for practicing new techniques or creating handmade gifts.
Zipper Pouches: Small zippered bags are endlessly useful and great for using coordinating scraps. Beginners can start with simple rectangular pouches before moving on to more complex designs with gussets or linings.
Fabric Bookmarks: These require just a strip of fabric and can be embellished with ribbon, buttons, or embroidery. They're an excellent project for using up long, narrow scraps.
Ornaments and Decorations: Fabric scraps make beautiful seasonal ornaments, garlands, and home décor items. Simple shapes like stars, hearts, or circles can be sewn, stuffed lightly, and embellished.
Home Décor Projects
Scrap fabric isn't just for quilts. Consider making patchwork pillows, table runners, fabric baskets, or wall hangings. These projects allow you to experiment with color combinations and techniques while creating functional items for your home.
Reusable fabric napkins are another beginner-friendly option that's both practical and sustainable. Simple hemmed squares of fabric make everyday dining feel special.
Kids' Projects and Toys
Scrap fabric is perfect for making doll clothes, stuffed animals, quiet book pages, fabric blocks, and sensory toys for children. These projects are often small-scale and forgiving, making them ideal for practicing new skills.
Where to Find Fabric for Your Projects
With major fabric retailers closing, many crafters are wondering where to find fabric for their next quilt project. While local quilt shops remain wonderful resources, fabric subscriptions have become an increasingly popular option for building a diverse stash.
A monthly fabric subscription delivers curated scrap fabric directly to your door, eliminating the need for shopping trips while providing regular creative inspiration. Services like Scrap Happy Club offer approximately a quarter pound of quality fabric scraps each month—enough to fuel multiple projects without the overwhelm of purchasing full yardage.
This approach to finding fabric is particularly appealing for beginners who are still discovering their style preferences. Each delivery introduces new colors, patterns, and fabric types, helping you build a versatile stash while exploring what works best for your projects.
Start Your Scrap Fabric Journey
The beauty of working with scrap fabric is that it removes the pressure of "perfect" projects. These pieces are meant to be played with, experimented on, and enjoyed. Whether you're creating your first quilt project or exploring new techniques like EPP or appliqué, scraps offer an affordable, low-stakes way to grow your skills.
Ready to dive into the world of scrap fabric crafting? Visit Scrap Happy Fabrics to learn more about our monthly fabric subscription and start building your creative stash today. Join a community of makers who understand that the best projects often come from the smallest pieces.
