I think it's safe to say, we all have leftover fabric scraps. Here are 20 ways to use fabric scraps in a variety of projects: quilts, gifts and other craft projects in all shapes and sizes - from full quilts, to quilt blocks, book covers, pillows, and even Christmas projects! These Wonky Log Cabin blocks came entirely from my red scrap bin. Let's talk briefly about fabric scrap organization and then 20+ projects for putting those scraps to good use!
Scrap fabric organization
The first thing I recommend is organizing your scraps by color. It's the simplest way to organize your scraps and it will make them SO much more appealing to work with. I bought a couple of sets of those clear, plastic drawers as a simplest possible see-thru storage option.
My second tip for scrap organization: Get rid of the scraps that are no longer inspiring. Clean out and purge.
I have more details about sorting and organizing scraps here.
Postage Stamp Pillow tutorial by Sarah Ashford - perfect for using adorable fussy-cuts!
Modpodge Christmas ornaments - tutorial from Maker Valley
Quilt-as-you-go Stocking Tutorial
Or check out this Ticker Tape Heart Block - based on the original Ticker Tape on Canvas by Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts
Scappy Fabric Garland from Cluck Cluck Sew
Gift Tags from A Spoonful of Sugar
Stationary Kit by Heidi Staples - aka Fabric Mutt
Fabric Covered Composition Notebooks by Amy Chappell
GrannySquare Quilt Block Tutorial from Blue Elephant Stitches
I hope some of those ideas spark some creative juices in using your own scraps.
For keeping track of more Scraps ideas, I've started a Scraps pinboard that I update regularly, if you want to follow it for the latest projects and ideas:
What are some of your favorite ideas to use fabric scraps?
Katy Cameron says
Sounds like a fun day, and great collection of tutes, thanks for sharing.<br /><br />As for the leprechauns, I think they were away stealing the Irish rugby team's playing ability today...
Cynthia says
I love your ideas for scraps. I have a long list of to-dos, it just seems as though there is never enough time!
Lucy @ Charm About You says
Your quilt looks wonderful 🙂 Happy St Patrick's Day!
pasqueflower says
Inspiring!!! I have LOTS of scraps, including a bag of 2" squares (Bonnie Hunter inspired me to do that).
Missy Shay says
Thank you for sharing!
Steph Jacobson says
I love your American Jane scraps quilt. I've been making string quilt blocks with my scraps. It is a lot of fun and I love the crazy, colorful quilt blocks it makes.
Sarah Craig says
Love love love your American Jane scraps quilt! What a great way to use up little scraps!!
vintage grey says
Love the scraps quilt! I have so any scraps, a great way to use them. Oh, your Reunion quilt is beautiful, too! Happy St. Patty's Day! 🙂 xo Heather
Cindy~ Heart and Sew Inspirations says
Such great ideas! As a beginner quilter, I hope to have enough scraps someday to do something pretty with. I may try the table runner! Right now, I am still on my second quilt top and just starting to build a stash toward my next project. Love your blog!
SewSara says
I really love what you've done w/ the scraps in that first quilt top. all the white is awesome, too.<br />thanks for putting so many ideas together in one spot. <br /><br />if i ever sew again (4 kids?!! how do you do it!?), i'll keep these in mind 🙂
Cindy says
I love Marilyn, we have been friends for years! She is one talented lady--in many mediums. Great ideas.
Diana says
I just found your blog. Wonderful quilts...and I love the math related comments. My Daughter graduated from BYU n Math Education and now teaches at Orem Junior High. We have gone into The American Quilting store. It is very cute.
Catskill Quilter says
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you as well! I hope it was wonderful. This is an interesting post -- the first quilt is gorgeous, and I see that it depends on lots of background fabric (in this case white) for its success. LOVED this post from you -- another great one!
Sew Create It - Jane says
Lots of great scrap ideas there...only problem with scraps is the box never seems to empty no matter how hard I try :o)
Ric Rac and Polka Dots says
Reading this post makes me think I need to organize my scraps. Oh, just what I need, another project! Very cute ideas for using them up, thanks for sharing!<br />Julie
Thimbleanna says
Some really great suggestions Amy! I love the quilt you made to take to class. Thanks for consolidating all the ideas into one post!
wtpooh11 says
Who knew you could make so many great things with the scraps. I will look at them in a new light.
Melanie@Crafty Cupboard says
I think Rita's scrap quilt was the second quilt I ever made, and I LOVED it. Still do. I'm saving scraps to make another one just like it! Actually, with all the fabric scraps I've accumulated, I could make 7 of those...
Mary DeBar says
I cut 6" squares and when the stack gets large enough, I sort into piles of colors that work together for simple lap quilts for a prayer shawl ministry. I feel good about using up the scraps, the quilts are small and simple so go fast, and someone not feeling well knows someone is thinking of them.
Penny Wilkens says
Is there a pattern for the American Jane quilt with instructions for the size of the blocks. Such a cute quilt!