What counts as a scrap?
A scrap is any piece of material that is too small for its original purpose but still usable: offcuts from a sewing project, the end of a roll, a worn shirt with a good section left, or a handful of felt squares. Scrap crafting is a low-cost way to practise skills, because mistakes cost you very little.
Sort and store scraps first
A box of unsorted fabric is hard to use. A simple system makes projects much easier to start.
- Sort by size. Tiny pieces, small pieces (roughly hand-sized) and larger pieces each suit different projects.
- Sort by fibre or weight. Quilting cotton, knits, fleece, denim and felt behave differently. Keeping similar weights together helps when you combine them in one project.
- Press before storing. Flat, pressed scraps are quicker to cut.
- Keep thread and trims with them. Ribbon, buttons and zips left over from other projects often finish a scrap project nicely.
Match the project to the scrap size
Tiny pieces work for appliqué, patchwork details, stuffing for small toys or pin cushions, fabric yo-yos, and gift tags. Very small bits that cannot be used for anything else are sometimes collected as stuffing, though check the fibre first, because some fabrics are not suitable for filling items given to young children.
Small pieces suit key fobs, luggage tags, lip balm holders, scrunchies, headbands and zipper pouches. These are common beginner projects and appear in most scrap fabric round-ups.
Medium pieces can become drawstring gift bags, potholders, microwave bowl cozies, bunting, small pillows or simple baby items such as burp cloths.
Project ideas by category
Gifts
Fabric coasters, coffee cup sleeves and drawstring gift bags are quick and make good presents. If you want more on the coaster idea specifically, see our coaster craft ideas.
Accessories
Key fobs, luggage tags, pencil pouches, scrunchies and fabric-covered headbands all use small amounts of fabric. A zipper pouch is a good next step once you are comfortable with straight seams.
Kitchen
Potholders, bowl cozies and drink koozies use medium scraps. If you make anything for heat use, check that the fabric and any batting are suited to it. Not every material is heat resistant, and cotton batting is commonly chosen for that reason.
Home decor
Fabric yo-yo wreaths, bunting and patchwork cushions let you show off a mix of prints. Seasonal softies and ornaments are a good outlet for odd prints you would not use elsewhere.
No-sew options
You can still use fabric scraps without a sewing machine. Options include fabric-covered buttons, wrapped bangles, braided bookmarks, simple fringe or tassels, fabric strips as macrame cord, and decoupage-style collage using fabric glue. Fabric glue and fusible web are the usual tools for these projects. Follow the product directions, since they vary.
Where to find scraps
- Your own sewing, mending and old clothing
- Friends and family who sew or quilt
- Local craft groups, community sewing circles or buy-nothing groups
- Charity shops for clothing or bedding with usable fabric
- Remnant bins at fabric shops
On the question of whether anyone takes fabric scraps: some do. Quilters, school art departments, community craft groups and some textile reuse schemes accept donations, but policies vary, so ask first before dropping off a bag.
What is fabric craft?
Fabric craft is a broad term for making things from textiles. It includes sewing, quilting, appliqué, embroidery, patchwork, and no-sew techniques like fabric collage. Scrap projects are a gentle way into it.
Beyond fabric
The same scrap mindset works for other materials. Offcuts of timber can become small decor and gifts, as in our scrap wood craft ideas for beginners. Natural finds like shells have their own set of projects in seashell craft projects. If you want to sculpt instead of stitch, see clay crafts for adults.
FAQ
Do I need a sewing machine? Not for every project. Hand sewing and no-sew methods cover many of the ideas above.
Can I mix different fabrics in one project? Yes, but similar weights are easier to work with. Stretchy fabrics can be harder for beginners to sew alongside woven ones.
Which project should I try first? A drawstring bag or key fob uses little fabric and teaches basic seams.