12 Things You Can Make with Leftover Scraps of Fabric

Whether you sew, quilt, or make to sell, you're bound to have plenty of leftovers. But wait! Before you decide to swap, sell, donate, or discard them altogether reconsider those fabric scraps. Unlike some craft supplies that expire—paint, glue, markers, and decoupage medium—fabric will keep for years with proper storage. It's a good idea to keep a basket full of your scraps of fabric because you never know when a project idea will come your way. The accumulation of colors and prints means that you have so much to choose from, and you can certainly make good use of your leftover fabric in other projects. 

Mismatched fabrics make cool patches on quilts or clothing. From your organized craft room of fabric, there are so many possibilities: fill fragrant sachets and pouches, stuffed animals can be quickly repaired to make your child smile again, or bring back your nostalgic memories of the '80s and '90s by sewing scrunchies for your hair. Leftover fabric provides so many possibilities. With smaller pieces of fabric, your children can practice their sewing skills. Let them sew scraps together, show them how to make small quilts for their dolls or little doll clothes. They can watch how you do it and follow along. Scraps are a great way to learn sewing skills.

Scraps of fabric are inevitable, but they certainly don't have to go to waste! We have plenty of projects that you can do to make use of your leftover fabric. These ideas work as gifts for yourself and your friends and family. You have a combination of accessories, decorations, and practical applications for your scraps of fabric that will help you to get through your leftover fabric in no time. Waste not, want not.

Scrunchies were a go-to accessory for many of us in middle school. Bring back an old favorite from the '80s and '90s by sewing your fabric scraps into hair scrunchies. These also make great gifts for your friends!

Get some much-needed rest with this easy-to-sew sleep masks. You can use leftover cotton flannel fabric, or any soft fabric that blocks the light. These sleep masks also make thoughtful gifts for any family members or friends who need some shut-eye.

Scraps of fabric become little pouches that can hold trinkets, treats and messages. Use contrasting patterns or matching colors to sew pouches made from your leftover fabric scraps. The drawstring helps to keep the contents of the pouch secure.

Put your fabric scraps to good use by sewing them into a quilted jewelry roll. It's a unique and convenient way to organize your jewelry. Thin, tight-weave cotton ribbon holds your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in place. A matching drawstring pouch is perfect for rings.

Leftover shirting fabric is ideal for this sewing craft. Trace and cut petals from the fabric stack them into a flower shape. A circle of felt can be the center of the flower and holds it together. Sew a pin into the back of it.

Leftover fabric is great to use for making small fragrant sachets. Have a variety of patterns, colors and shapes to choose from. They're as pretty as they are sweet smelling.

Well-loved stuffed animals will suffer from injuries from time to time. Leftover fabric scraps can be used to sew on patches. Make the patches look like little hearts with either your child's name or their name for the stuffed animal.

Give sweaters more mileage for the wear by sewing on patches over frayed elbows. Choose fabric scraps that complement the sweater for the most stylish effect. It's a modern twist on the tweedy professor sweater look. Or opt for sequined embellishments for added shine.

Upcycle scraps of fabric into cool and colorful bangles. Simple floral, graphic, or plaid cottons are best for the bright, fun accessories.

Sew pockets onto napkins that become a perfect place for place cards. The pockets are also a rather cute decorative touch for the dinner table. With the pockets, you can add small party favors, too.

Those bits of fabric you've been holding on to now have a purpose. Keepsake fabric envelopes are a cinch to make and are perfect for encasing a homemade valentine.