How can I help you use up your scraps of fabric? To be led to tutorials and patterns across the Internet, check the boxes for the types of projects that you’re interested in.
scraps: 16 same-size semicircles (in example they are halves of 4.5″ diameter circles), small circle felt.
other: upholstery (or button) thread, large button or bead, fabric glue, pinback (optional).
scraps: approx 4″x7-8″, less if it is thicker and/or can have its edges left unfinished.
other: button.
scraps: four pieces 9.5″x8″, good number of smaller pieces.
other: fusible fleece or thin fleece and fusible web, zipper.
scraps: two 5.5″x7.5″; one could be pieced.
other: 2″ and 3″ lengths of velcro, appx 16″ wide ribbon (or fabric sewn into strip).
note: make sure to orient the arm band so that the hook (scratchy) side of the velcro is visible when looking at the front of the pouch and the loop (soft) side when looking at the back. That will keep any extra from scratching your arm.
Fabric may be sewn or glued to paper of any kind (as long as the sewing machine can handle it). Mod podge is especially suited to creating fabric appliques on paper. In fact, mod podge will glue fabric to just about anything you like; I have tried binder clips and a promotional magnet and both worked great. The trick is to put a layer of mod podge both onto the item the fabric is being applied to and to the top of the fabric after it is applied.
scraps: two 6″ squares, preferably flannel.
other: 6″ square of something crinkley, six 4″ lengths of different ribbons (could be more).
scraps: 20 2″x12″ strips of fabric, or 40 2″x6″ strips, or – if you are really dedicated – 120 2″ squares.
other: none.
scraps: small squares (dependent on size of ball/bead), and tiny strips.
other: styrofoam balls or large round beads, hot glue, twist ties, ribbon in place of strips of fabric if desired.
scraps: two 8″x6″ or four 5.5″x9.5″ rectangles, depending on style.
other: zipper at least 8″ or 9.5″ long, depending on style.
scraps: long strips.
other: fusible interfacing, jewelry hardware: two ribbon crimps, lobster clasp, two split rings.
scraps: lots of long thin pieces, about 1.5″ wide.
other: none.
note: modify the tutorial since you will likely have to add pieces at uneven intervals. You can use scraps of uneven width if you don’t mind your rug being a little uneven. A smaller rug may be used as a trivet.
scraps: various 4″x5″ pieces (will be trimmed down so don’t have to be perfect rectangles).
other: floursack towel, bias tape.
scraps: two 10″ squares for envelope, two 5.25″x7.5″ pieces for card.
other: interfacing (9.5″ square for envelope, 4.75″x7″ for card), button, embroidery floss.
scraps: two 5″ squares or slightly smaller, bits for applique (optional).
other: interfacing (optional), rickrack or other trim (optional).
scraps: long thin strips; as thin as you like if you are patient enough.
other: cording/piping long enough to loop around your hand or to make the bowl (3 yards will make a moderate sized bowl), fabric glue or hot glue.
note: the bowl tutorial has you join your strips by sewing, but you could also glue the ends to the rope, overlapping.
scraps: any.
other: buttons, beads, patches, lace, ribbon, anything. Embroidery materials.
note: this is really a technique rather than a project. See the linked resource page for project ideas, or apply it to anything that won’t get rough handling.
scraps: six 4.5″ squares (only 5 will show).
other: one 4″ square fusible web or interfacing.
note: very clever construction. No sewing up an opening after turning!
scraps: two strips approx 2″x8″, smaller pieces for applique if desired.
other: fusible interfacing, two snaps.
scraps: five 4″ squares, one 1.5″x12″ or 1.5″x20″ strip, small circle felt, 2″ square (optional).
other: hot glue, ribbon for hanging or skewers for stems.
scraps: two 2″x12″, two approx 3.5″x17″.
other: 5.5″ length of elastic, 0.5-0.75″ wide.
scraps: 7.5″x9.5″ piece.
other: 1/8″ ribbon, embellishments as desired.
scraps: two matching pieces large enough to form front, back, and flap.
other: hair elastic, button.
scraps: two 6.5″x4.5″ rectangles, two 6.5″x7″ rectangles.
other: snap, button, or velcro, 7″ length narrow or fold-over elastic, interfacing in 6.5″x4.5″ and 6.5″x7″ rectangles (optional).
scraps: from 0.75″x1.25″ to 2″x3.25″ depending on clip size.
other: binder clip, mod podge.
scraps: two 1″x2.5″ or a little smaller.
other: snap clip to cover, thin batting a little smaller than the fabric.
scraps: Two pieces at least 5″x7″ and two at least 5″x3.5″.
other: none.
note: easily adapted to any size notebook.
scraps: circles just over 1″ in diameter.
other: 0.5″ flat-backed metal buttons to cover, thumbtacks, hot glue.
scraps: just about anything, though for the memory game you’ll need matched pairs of not quite 2″ square.
other: card stock. Glue stick and sewing OR fusible web and sewing OR fusible interfacing to make appliques to glue on with tacky glue OR various paper cutting devices (a 1.5″ circle punch for the memory game) and glue stick or spray adhesive. Double sided tape optional.
scraps: six 2″ circles (size can be changed as long as they match), small amount coordinating fabric (optional).
other: alligator-style hair clip, hot glue, coverable button (optional; goes with coordinating fabric, could replace both with decorative button), about 3″ of 3/8″ wide ribbon.
scraps: If it’s big enough to write on, you can use it.
other: small dowel or skewer, rubber latex, craft glue.
Make a goldfish, ladybug, or other origami shape (that doesn’t require too many layers folded together) out of fabric and stitch down for a pendant or applique. Here is another good resource for origami and the sailboat pendant that inspired this idea.
scraps: a variety of 2″ wide strips; total length needed varies by number of eyelets in shoes.
other: none.
scraps: small pieces of decorative fabric slightly wider than your tape.
other: double-sided adhesive tape with a backing on one side.
scraps: any, but a good amount in total, including ribbon.
other: two flour sack towels, longer ribbon for trim at bottom of curtains.
note: use this idea for any other images you can dream up!
scraps: two pieces 5.5″x14.5″.
other: batting or fleece 5.5″x14.5″, two 3.5″ lengths thin elastic, two buttons.
scraps: project can be resized as desired; heavier fabric such as felt, satin, corduroy, or upholstery fabric recommended.
other: filling and wobbly eyes (could embroider eyes or use buttons or safety eyes).
scraps: two 8″ diameter circles, 2.25″x14″ strip.
other: 8″ diameter circle fusible batting or fleece (or fusible web and regular batting or fleece).
note: could be easily adapted to other sizes.
scraps: 11″x3″, or 10″x3″-5″ per curler, depending on style and length/thickness of hair.
other: stuffing, button or velcro as appropriate.
note: similar to foam rollers.
scraps: single 7″ square or larger. Just hem! Fancier versions at The Purl Bee, including patchwork.
other: none.
scraps: two 5.5″x6.5″ pieces 100% cotton fabric, or sizes as available/desired.
other: rice, whole spices or coffee beans if desired.
note: we’ve found the rice stays either hot from microwaving or cold from freezing for a wonderfully long time.
scraps: two squares approximately 2″, two 2″ squares felt, one felt rectangle approximately 2″x5″.
other: D-ring.
scraps: four 4.5″x2.5″ rectangles and one 1.75″ diameter circle pot fabric, 2.5″ diameter circle honey fabric.
other: small amount batting plus sawdust or other stuffing, two 1.5″ diameter plastic rings.
scraps: two 4″x7″ rectangles and two 4″x2.5″ rectangles, matching or not.
other: thin cotton batting in same amount as fabric, 4″x7″ insulated batting, one yard bias tape.
scraps: any with images you like, or patch something together.
other: fusible web with paper backing, such as Wonder Under, Heat ‘n’ Bond, or Steam a Seam.
scraps: two pieces approximately 4″x6″ each.
other: rice, beans, or other stuffing.
note: They specify wool felt, but since the pattern does not leave raw edges other fabrics will work.
scraps: two pieces at least 2″ in diameter, size and shape matching but flexible, smaller pieces for embellishing.
other: iron-on interfacing, twill tape, key ring, buttons or other embellishments if desired.
scraps: two 7″x5.5″, one 8.5″x4″, one 5.5″x6″, one 1.25″x1.5″, one 15″x2″.
other: 7″ zipper, 3.25″x5.5″ quilt batting or heavy fabric, 3″x5.5″ fusible web, 2.5″x3.75″ clear vinyl, two 1/4″x6″ lengths of fusible web (you want a kind with paper), 3.75″ of 1/4″ wide elastic, 5″ ribbon, key ring.
note: read ahead – she says you should do one step a bit earlier than she did, but not until it would be too late if you just followed along!
scraps: two 4.5″x6″ rectangles.
other: one 4.5″x6″ rectangle batting, 26″ of 1 1/8″ binding, 10 grommets, 1.5 yards ribbon.
scraps: two 12″x3.75″ rectangles, scraps for appliqued decoration.
other: one 12″x3.75″ rectangle batting, 30″ of 1.25″ binding, three 2″ lengths of 1/4″ elastic, 3 buttons, perle cotton or embroidery floss.
scraps: two 10.5″x3.75″ pieces.
other: interfacing, vinyl (one or two pieces 3 7/8″ x 2 5/8″), embroidery floss, button, ribbon.
scraps: two 5″ squares.
other: two 5″ squares heavy fusible interfacing, one 3.5″ square clear vinyl, 10″ ribbon or cord.
scraps: three 6.5″ squares, felt scraps or other trim.
other: buttons, stuffing.
scraps: four 4.75″ squares (or desired finished dimensions plus 3/4″ each direction), one 2″x3″ rectangle (or 2″ by 4 times the D-ring width).
other: two 4.5″ squares fusible interfacing (or larger fabric size minus 1/4″ each direction), D-ring or keyring, 5″ or longer zipper (longer than fabric width).
scraps: two 7″x11″ rectangles cut down by pattern, one 5″x4.5″ rectangle, one 7″x6.75″ rectangle.
other: four rectangles fusible interfacing: two from pattern (about 6″x10″), one 2″x3.5″, one 3″x5.75″; 3″ length 1/2″-5/8″ wide twill tape, elastic hair band, one 1/2″-3/4″ button, keyring.
scraps: 8.5″-9″ square.
other: fabric stiffener or iron-on interfacing.
note: the first sewing step in the tutorial is decorative and may be omitted; the second could be replaced by gluing or fusing.
scraps: two 8.5″ squares.
other: 40″ heavy thread/light cord.
note: opens completely flat.
scraps: two appx 5″x4″, one appx 3.5″x2″, small scraps as desired.
other: two buttons for eyes.
scraps: two 5″x8″ rectangles, one 3″ square, small amounts felt in various colors.
other: key ring, 10″ cotton cord, two 3/8″ black buttons, fusible web.
scraps: 4″ square and a good number of smaller pieces.
other: stuffing, steel wool (optional; keeps pins sharp).
scraps: twenty-four 2.25″ squares, two 1.5″x15″ strips, one 7.5″ square, two 5.75″x7.5″ rectangles, optional 1″x4″.
other: 7″ zipper, two 5.75″x7.5″ rectangles batting (medium to heavy), interfacing (for some options).
scraps: two 10.25″x3.5″ rectangles for lining, smaller rectangles in black, cream, yellow, gray, and pink to make pencil for exterior.
other: 9″ zipper, two 10.25″x3.5″ rectangles fusible fleece.
scraps: one 3″ square (berry), one 2″x4″ rectangle (leaves).
other: embroidery floss or thin ribbon for scissors loop, hot glue, stuffing.
scraps: circle 3.5″ in diameter.
other: metal or plastic bottlecap, craft ring, small bit of fiberfill, hot glue.
scraps: one 8″x4″ or two 4″x4″ rectangles per letter.
other: batting, small magnet (1/4″ to 1/2″ wide).
scraps: four 2.5″x4.5″ rectangles per egg, matching or not.
other: fiberfill.
scraps: two fabric squares 7″-7.5″, two terrycloth squares to match (terrycloth will not show).
other: embroidery floss if desired.
scraps: two equal size squares, at least 7″ across.
other: batting or fleece, about a yard of extra wide double-fold bias tape (optional).
scraps: two 3″x5.5″ pieces, one 3″x4.5″ piece, one 30″x1.5″ strip.
other: cord or ribbon, button.
scraps: two pieces up to 5″x8″ per letter.
other: quilt batting of same size as fabric.
scraps: two of equal size, rectangular but dimensions as desired: twice the finished width plus 1″ by finished distance from bag bottom to drawstring plus 2.5″.
other: ribbon or cord for drawstring.
scraps: 2.5″ wide strips of any length (a total of 2 yards will make a flower about 5″ across), small circle of felt (an inch or two smaller than the finished flower).
other: hot glue gun, brooch pin.
scraps: 1″ wide strips of any length; piece if desired. They suggest 22″ to 60″ for various size roses.
other: glue, beads or buttons if desired.
scraps: two 5″x5″, one 1.5″x6″, two 5″x2″, and one 3.75″x7″.
other: button, baking soda.
scraps: four 6.5″ squares, up to two quilted; two 2″x4″ rectangles.
other: two 7.5″ squares batting, 15″ bias tape or ribbon, zipper at least 7″ long.
scraps: three 4.5″x7.5″ rectangles plus two smaller pieces cut to a pattern.
other: one 4.5″x7.5″ rectangle fusible interfacing, 8.5″ of 1.5″ wide twill tape, 0.5″x1″ piece velcro, 7″ zipper, 1.5″ D-ring.
scraps: two rectangles 3″x2.5″.
other: alligator-style hair clip, wire, hot glue.
scraps: six 6″x8.5″ rectangles, two circles ~5″ diameter (pattern provided), two rectangles 2.75″x2″ (for stem).
other: stuffing, button (optional).
scraps: as desired, to make a small pillow.
other: 3″ lengths of a variety of ribbons, stuffing, crinkly plastic (optional).
scraps: two 5″x12″ pieces, three 3″ squares.
other: 3″x9″ rectangle of fusible web, 5″x12″ piece of fusible fleece (or regular fleece and more fusible web), 1″ button, pony tail elastic, 28″ of 3/4″-1″ wide rick rack (optional).
Bags are easy provided you have enough fabric: fold, sew on two sides, turn down the edge around the opening and stitch to make the edge nice. If you want to add a drawstring you’ll need more height, because you’ll turn the top down a second time to make the drawstring casing. You can either leave part of the second turn-down unsewn o let the drawstring through, or think ahead and leave a gap in one of the side seams.
scraps: many, some patched into 6″-8″ squares.
other: may include crinkly plastic, starch or fusible web, embroidery floss, batting, ribbon, velcro.
scraps: two pieces approx 5.5″x8.5″ in heavy fabric, three or so cotton scraps approx 1″x4″ (optional).
other: stuffing, squeaker.
scraps: 18 same-size circles (shown are not quite 4″).
other: ribbon for hanging (shown is about 8″), hot glue.
scraps: nine 20″x3.5″ pieces.
other: two pieces narrow elastic, 11″ and 6.5″, one 14″ length ribbon.
Stuffed items, general instructions
A small stuffed shape can be a decoration, pincushion, hand warmer, eye pillow, ice pack, ornament, tooth fairy pillow, sachet/air freshener, or cat toy. A larger stuffed shape can be a decorative pillow or neck ache reliever, and any size can be a child’s toy or beanbag. In every case you cut two copies of the desired shape and sew them together, leaving an opening for turning (2″ is ample and 1″ should suffice). Turn, stuff, and hand-stitch closed, or topstitch that side or around the whole shape.
For the hand warmer, neck ache reliever, and ice pack, use rice as stuffing and stuff loosely; lavender or an essential oil may be added to the rice. Natural fibers are better for items to be microwaved as synthetics may smell or melt. The neck ache reliever furthermore should be long and thin, for draping over your shoulders; an eye pillow should be rectangular but smaller, in the 4″x9″ range, and stuffed with either rice or flaxseed. For a pincushion, a small block of (non-soapy) steel wool wrapped in batting will help keep your pins sharp; I have also seen them stuffed with a combination of fiberfill and rice, with sawdust, and with sand. The tomato/strawberry combinations are often sawdust (tomato) and sand (strawberry), the latter for sharpening purposes. A tooth fairy pillow needs a pocket or pouch for the tooth and an ornament needs something from which to be hung. Sachets and air fresheners call for lavender, other fragrant herbs, or essential oils as or with the stuffing. If desired, add a hanging loop out of ribbon or cord when first sewing the sides together. Cat toys call for catnip in the stuffing; it is better to stuff them with strips of fabric than with batting or fiberfill, as if the cat tears the toy open it is easier to accidentally ingest batting than fabric strips.
scraps: all rectangles: two 9.5″x4.5″, one 9.5″x6.5″, one 9.5″x5″.
other: one 9″x4″ piece fusible interfacing, button, 4″ length narrow elastic, ribbons and trims as desired.
scraps: one 2″ square and two 2″x1.25″ pieces OR two 2″ squares (leave turning opening on edge).
other: stuffing, approx 10″ narrow ribbon.
scraps: 8″ or 2.5″-3.5″ diameter circle, small amount felt or other fabric for leaves.
other: embroidery floss, rice/stuffing/sand, Fray Check if not using felt, hot glue (optional).
scraps: four 5″ squares, two 2″x1.5″ rectangles.
other: two 4″ squares batting, 3″ zipper, approximately 18″ decorative cord or ribbon.
scraps: two 7″ squares.
other: 8×10 cardboard, 3/4 yd narrow piping, 1 1/3 yd narrow ribbon.
note: if you bound the edges of this with bias tape or similar instead of stitching and turning, you could use a glue stick to “baste” the fabric to the cardboard to hold everything in place for sewing.
scraps: two appx 3″x4″, four appx 2.5″x3″, 23 up to 1.5″x2.5″.
other: batting or foam appx 2.5″3.25″ and 2″x2.5″, small amount stuffing, two 3mm beads.
note: You will add your own seam allowance to the pattern. She uses felt for certain of the pieces and hand-sews it with no seam allowance, but you could modify to sew with a seam allowance to use a different kind of fabric.
scraps: two plain or pieced faces each approximately 7″ square (they piece four 5″ squares together for the front and use a solid for the back).
other: 24″ of narrow ribbon, two 1/2″ to 5/8″ buttons, lavender or other desired filler.
scraps: all rectangles: two 8.5″x9″, six 8.5″x4.5″, one 8.5″x4″, one 8.5″x3.5″, one 8.5″x3″, two 2.5″x5″, optionally one 8.5″x8″.
other: one to two 8.5″x9″ pieces heavy interfacing, heavy duty snap, one to two 7″ zippers.
note: the second zipper goes with the optional piece of fabric to make an additional outer pocket; the second piece of interfacing makes up for a lightweight outer fabric if needed.
scraps: many long thin strips, 1/2″ to 3/4″ wide.
other: 1/4″ to 3/8″ diameter cotton clothesline.
note: you will be sewing through the clothesline, so while you could probably use nylon, you’ll ruin your needle doing so. You could easily adapt this to make a coaster or trivet.
scraps: four 5.25″x3.75″ rectangles, two 1.75″x2.75″ rectangles.
other: 5.5″ and 10″ lengths 1″ wide twill tape, 5.5″ length 3/8″ wide grosgrain ribbon, 7″ zipper.
scraps: four 4″x7.5″ rectangles, four 2″x17″ strips, two 2″x6″ rectangles.
other: zipper at least 15″ long, up to four 4″ lengths of elastic, two 4″x7.5″ rectangles fusible interfacing or plain interfacing and fusible web.
Note: Materials listed do not include standard items such as sewing thread or ordinary paper.
These links are a hand-curated collection that I’ve done my best to describe and categorize accurately so they will be useful. If you notice an error of any kind, have a suggestion for a tutorial to include, or wish another category were in the list at top, please let me know.