7 Practical Scrap Fabric Projects People Will Genuinely Use and Love

If you sew, you probably have a growing pile of scrap fabric that’s too pretty to toss but too small for big projects. The good news? Those leftover fabric pieces are perfect for making useful, everyday items you’ll reach for again and again.

In this post, we’re sharing five scrap fabric projects you’ll actually use—not just stash in a drawer. These ideas are beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and a great way to reduce fabric waste while creating something functional and handmade.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

Why Scrap Fabric Projects Are Worth Making

Scrap fabric projects aren’t just about using leftovers—they’re about sewing smarter. Small projects:

• Reduce waste and save money

• Are quick to make (great for busy schedules)

• Help you practice sewing skills

• Make thoughtful handmade gifts

Whether you’re new to sewing or a seasoned stitcher, these scrap-busting ideas are both practical and satisfying. 

 

1. Fabric Coasters

Fabric coasters are one of the easiest and most useful scrap fabric projects you can make. They protect surfaces from spills and heat, and they’re easy to customize to match your home décor.

Why you’ll use them:
You can never have too many coasters—especially if you entertain or enjoy cozy drinks at home.

Best scraps to use:
Cotton quilting fabric, linen, or canvas scraps

Tutorial: MommySuburbia

Fabric Yarn Coasters: This non-sew option is perfect for the beginner and seasoned crafter. First make fabric "yarn" and then turn it into a coaster. Customize with different colors. Add a layer of batting or absorbent fabric in the middle for extra protection.

Round Fabric Coasters: A simple sewing project to make fabric coasters. Follow along to make your own today. 

2. Fabric Key Fobs (Wristlet Keychains)

Fabric key fobs are small, sturdy, and perfect for using narrow fabric scraps. They slide right over your wrist, making keys easier to grab when your hands are full.

Why you’ll use them:
Great for everyday errands, school pickups, or quick trips—no more digging through your bag.

Best scraps to use:
Cotton fabric with interfacing or batting for stability

Gift idea:
These make excellent teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, or craft fair items.

Tutorial via: Lo & Behold Stitchery

3. Zipper Pouches

Zipper pouches are a classic scrap fabric project for a reason—they’re endlessly useful. Use them to store makeup, craft supplies, school supplies, or travel essentials.

Why you’ll use them:
They keep small items organized and make great gifts.

Best scraps to use:
Mix and match coordinating fabric scraps for a patchwork look.

Skill boost:
This is a great project for practicing zipper installation without committing to a large project.

Tutorial: Laura Radniecki

4. Fabric Bookmarks

Fabric bookmarks are quick to sew and make reading even more enjoyable. They’re also a wonderful handmade gift for book lovers.

Why you’ll use them:
They’re durable, washable, and far more charming than paper bookmarks.

Best scraps to use:
Small cotton scraps, ribbon pieces, or even selvedges (the bound edges of a piece of fabric)

Creative idea:
Add a bit of interfacing for structure or personalize them with embroidery.

Tutorial: Becca Plymale Creative

5. Microwave Bowl Cozy

Microwave bowl cozies are one of the most practical scrap fabric projects you can make. They protect your hands from hot bowls and add a cozy, homemade touch to everyday meals.

Why you’ll use them:
Once you have one, you’ll use it constantly—for soups, leftovers, and oatmeal.

Best scraps to use:
100% cotton fabric and cotton batting (important for microwave safety)

Important note:
Avoid synthetic fabrics or batting when making microwave projects.

Tutorial: Quilting Cubby

6. Reusable Fabric Snack Bags

Reusable fabric snack bags are a practical way to reduce waste while using up small fabric pieces. They’re perfect for kids’ lunches, travel snacks, or storing dry foods.

Why you’ll use them:
They replace disposable plastic bags and are washable and reusable.

Best scraps to use:
Cotton fabric with a food-safe lining (like laminated cotton)

Tip:
Use hook-and-loop tape or snaps for an easy, kid-friendly closure.

Tutorial: Domestic Fashionista

7. Fabric Headbands or Hair Scrunchies

Hair accessories are fast, fun scrap fabric projects that don’t require much material and are always useful.

Why you’ll use them:
They’re practical for daily wear and easy to coordinate with outfits.

Best scraps to use:
Soft cotton, jersey knit, or lightweight woven fabric

Trend bonus:
Scrunchies are always popular and sell well at handmade markets.

Tutorial (headband): Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Tutorial (scrunchie): I Can Sew This

Make the Most of Your Scrap Fabric

Scrap fabric projects prove that you don’t need large cuts of fabric to create useful, beautiful items. With a little creativity, those leftover pieces can become everyday essentials you’ll actually reach for—saving money, reducing waste, and making your sewing time more rewarding.

From coasters and bowl cozies to zipper pouches, key fobs, and reusable snack bags, these projects help turn your scrap bin into a source of inspiration instead of clutter. They’re quick to sew, perfect for skill-building, and ideal for handmade gifts or craft fair items.

Before buying new fabric, take another look at your scraps—you might already have everything you need for your next favorite project. Happy sewing! 

Final Thoughts on Scrap Fabric Projects

Scrap fabric projects don’t have to be clutter creators. When you focus on useful, everyday items, your fabric scraps become valuable sewing resources instead of leftovers.

These five projects are proof that even the smallest pieces of fabric can be turned into something functional, beautiful, and worth keeping.

If you’re looking for more ways to sew sustainably and creatively, start with your scrap bin—you might be surprised by what you can make.

20 Winter Crafts to Warm Your Heart & Home

Winter is a magical season, filled with cozy moments, hot cocoa, and, of course, the perfect opportunity to get crafty. Whether you’re looking to create holiday decorations, gifts for loved ones, or simply to embrace the beauty of the season, there are endless ways to get creative during the winter months and keep the winter blahs away!

Here are 20 winter crafts to inspire you to embrace the chill and make something beautiful this season! Fire up your hot glue gun, bust out the glitter, paper, and scissors, and let's craft something amazing together.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. 

 20 Winter Crafts to Warm Your Heart and Home

1. Snowflake Decoration

Bring the beauty of winter indoors by making paper or glittery snowflakes to hang on your windows or walls. You can cut intricate designs from paper or use a craft stick to make larger snowflakes that sparkle with glue and glitter. Here is a fun way to recycle those empty wrapping paper cardboard tubes or empty toilet paper rolls from the Oh Oh Deco blog.

2. DIY Felted Wool Mittens

Use felted wool to create cute, miniature mittens that can be turned into ornaments, garlands, or even keychains. They're a great way to add a handmade touch to your holiday decorations or gifts. To make your own felted wool use a thrifted 65 % (or higher) wool sweater and wash it in hot water then dry on the hottest dryer setting. Follow this tutorial at OCD: Obsessive Crafting Disorder to learn how to make your own pair! 

3. Snowy Mason Jar Lanterns

Transform a mason jar into a glowing lantern with white paint, add glitter for a snow-like effect, and place a candle inside. These can be used as centerpiece decorations or placed outside to light up your porch.

caligirlinasouthernworld.com

4. Pine Cone Craft Projects

Pine cones are abundant during the winter months and make great craft materials. You can turn them into wreaths, table centerpieces, or holiday garlands by painting them, glittering them, or even adding little embellishments like beads and ribbon. This rustic burlap & pine cone garland is perfect for your winter decor. Measure a few lengths of twine and cut to your desired length. Tie small strips of burlap at evenly spaced intervals and then hot glue a small pine cone to the center of the tied piece of burlap. Easy and affordable DIY winter craft!

5. Outdoor Bird Seed Ornaments

Combine a few simple ingredients with any kind of bird seed to make these little bird seed ornaments.  Kids can have fun pressing the seed mixture into a variety of shapes like stars, hearts, or circles. Once the seed mixture firms up hang these bird seed ornaments outside from a tree branch and watch the birds devour their new treat! Here is the full tutorial to make your own little outdoor birdseed ornaments.

6. Knitted Scarves & Shawls

If you're into knitting, winter is the perfect time to create soft, cozy scarves and shawls. Use chunky yarn for a quick, fashionable project, or try out intricate patterns for something a bit more challenging. If you have never knitted before I highly recommend learning how to finger knit! This is a simple and perfect way to introduce kids to knitting. Here is a great YouTube video tutorial showing you how to finger-knit a scarf. Also here is an easy-to-follow beginner knitting tutorial from The Snugglery teaching you how to make a scarf. 

7. Mini Stuffed Sock Snowman

Create a cute, no-sew snowman using a sock, fiberfill stuffing, and fabric scraps. Add little buttons, scarves, and hats for a personalized touch. This is a fun winter-themed craft to keep the winter blahs away! Also, this craft is fun to make as a group craft at a birthday party or for a youth group activity. Click on this link to learn how to make these cute little snowmen.

8. Snow Globe Jars

Make your own snow globe by filling a mason jar with glitter, water, glycerin (for the slow-falling snow effect), and mini figurines or winter scenes. Glue the lid securely, and you've got a festive winter decoration. Little Bins For Little Hands has a great step-by-step tutorial for this project to follow!

 

9. No-Sew Fabric Strip Garland

Create a cozy & colorful fabric garland using fabric strips in winter shades like white, cream, and grey, or use a variety of colors to cheer up a room during the gray days of winter. Hang it on your mantle, across windows, or in a child’s room for a playful, warm touch.  Check out my full tutorial for this project and see what my fabric garland looks like! 

10. Winter Wreaths

Design a winter wreath for your door using artificial or real greenery, twigs, pinecones, and ornaments. Or really mix it up and use scrap fabric strips to make a unique winter-themed wreath. Whether it's a traditional evergreen wreath or a more modern twist, it's a wonderful way to greet guests with seasonal cheer. 

11. Winter Paintings or Watercolors

Get your paints out and capture the beauty of winter landscapes with watercolors or acrylics. You can paint snowy forests, frozen lakes, or even abstract representations of winter through color and texture. 

foxfarmhome.com

12. Button Snowman Decorations

Upcycle old buttons into adorable snowmen. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and thread buttons onto it in a snowman shape, add a little felt for a scarf, and top it off with a tiny hat and twig arms. 

13. Icicle Decorations

Create your own "icicles" by shaping hot glue into icicle-like drops on wax paper. Once they dry, you can use them to decorate your tree, hang them in windows, or even string them together for a shimmering garland. 

14. DIY Customized Hot Chocolate Mugs

Personalize mugs by decorating them with winter or holiday-themed designs using paint markers. Once baked, the designs become permanent. Fill them with your favorite hot chocolate mix or small winter treats for a perfect holiday gift. I put together this tutorial on how to personalize and decorate a plain coffee mug with Sharpie markers for you to follow and make your own customized mug. By the way these make great gifts too!

15. Winter Porch Pot

Incorporate winter florals like white poinsettias, holly, and evergreen boughs into elegant porch pot arrangements. Use empty planters or containers from the summer as a beautiful way to embrace the season. House of Hawthorns has a great tutorial instructing you on how to make your own winter porch pot. 

16. Recycled Sweater Mittens

Turn an old sweater into a new pair of usable & cozy mittens. Upcycling is so trendy right now and these mittens are the perfect project to make this winter. Find a full tutorial and pattern at See Kate Sew. 

17. DIY Holiday Cards

Use stamps, watercolors, or embossing techniques to create custom holiday cards for friends and family. Personalize the design with winter imagery, holiday greetings, or even a special note for each recipient. 

My kids helped me make these watercolor process art cards for Valentine's Day and they were a huge hit! 

18. Winter Candle Holders

Repurpose mason jars or small glass containers by turning them into beautiful winter-themed candle holders. Decorate the outside with fake snow, pinecones, or twine, then place a tealight or battery-operated candle inside for a cozy glow. Here is an easy & fun tutorial from 

19. Handprint Snowmen

A fun project for kids! Use their handprints to create snowman shapes on paper, then decorate them with buttons, scarves, and little faces. These make excellent keepsakes for parents or even adorable winter-themed holiday cards.

20. Winter Scene Shadow Boxes

Create your own 3D winter scene inside a shadow box. Layer faux snow, trees, and little animals to create a miniature winter wonderland. You can even add a small LED light to make the scene glow in the dark.

Winter is the perfect time to get creative, whether crafting with kids, making homemade gifts, or adding a bit of handmade charm to your home decor. From snowy ornaments to cozy knit accessories, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your supplies, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and let your creativity flourish this winter!

Quilts are a work of art worthy to be proudly displayed in your home. Whether you are a maker of quilts or a receiver of a lovely handmade quilt, I think you will agree that a quilt is a beautiful thing. 

Quilters pour their hearts and souls into each quilt they make no matter the size. Each quilt is unique and one of a kind which is what makes them so special. Don't you want to display your quilts rather than stuff them into your linen closet! 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

But how do you display a handmade quilt?

I've put together a great list of ideas I hope will be helpful to you as you decide the best way to display your quilt or quilts. Check them out! Also, be sure to pin this post so you can refer back to it and make sure to follow me so you don't miss any future posts.

10 Creative Ways To Display A Quilt

1 - Quilt Ladder

Hanging a few quilts from the rungs of a ladder is a popular way to display quilts or blankets. Quilt ladders look great and are practical too, making it easy for anyone to take a quilt off of the ladder, snuggle up with it while watching their favorite show or reading a good book then neatly folding it and putting it back on the ladder rung when they are done using it. 

A quilt ladder is the perfect addition to a guest room or family room providing something beautiful to look at that is totally functional too! 

via: blue is bleu

2 - Modern Quilt Rack        

This quilt rack designed and built by Ana White serves two purposes - first as a quilt rack and secondly as a functional piece of furniture to put drinks on, decor or serve as a entry way catchall. 

Are you a DIY'er? If so you are going to love that this amazing modern quilt rack from Ana White.com comes with complete plans to build your own any costs next to nothing to make! 

via: Ana White

3 - Reclaimed Window Quilt Display

I love finding new ways to use old things like old windows. Using an old window to display a mini quilt or a large quilt block is one way to breathe new life back into it. I'm sure you could easily find an old window at a garage sale or salvage yard, clean it up and use it as a quilt display. You can even change out the quilts for different holidays and seasons too!

Check out this amazing quilt display idea from Carried Away Quilting! I love how she used a wide piece of neutral colored fabric to wrap around the length of the window frame and then clipped mini quilts to the fabric. 

via: Carried Away Quilting

4 - Hanging Quilt Headboard

Using a quilt as a headboard in a guest room or even a child's room is a wonderful way to display a quilt. All you need to do is mount a drapery rod and then hang the quilt over it. For full instructions on how to do this check out Good Housekeeping.com.

via: Good Housekeeping

5 - Quilt Cabinet        

There are so many different options of quilt cabinets that all come with varying price points. If you are looking for an economical budget friendly option how about turning an old gun cabinet into a quilt cabinet? Home Comfort and Love did exactly that and now uses the old gun cabinet as a great place to display quilts made by her grandmother and great grandmother. 

via: Home Comfort and Love

6 -  Quilt Table Topper

I love the idea of displaying a quilt as a table topper. I don't mean using the quilt as a table cloth but rather as a topper when you aren't using your kitchen table. If you have a formal dining room that you don't use often but have a dining table in it this would be a perfect way to display a quilt! 

via: Bear Creek Quilting Company

7 - Quilt Hanger Mounted On A Wall

This is one of my favorite ideas of creative ways to display a quilt. A quilt hanger mounted to any wall instantly turns the your quilt into a piece of wall art! This is a perfect idea for that hard to decorate small wall in any room of your house.

via: Lisa Bongean / Primitive Gatherings

8 - Quilts In A Basket

Fold your quilt in half and roll it up then tuck it into an antique basket, tin tub or even an old milk crock. By rolling the quilt it allows for you to see some of the beautiful colors and patterns on the quilt. This kind of display would look lovely next to a fireplace or in a reading nook. My favorite is this extra large woven basket. 

9 - Coat Rack Quilt Display

Coat racks can be used for more than coats. Mount a rustic (or modern) coat rack on any wall and hang your favorite handmade quilts from the hooks. I love how this display gives your wall a pop of color and texture through a variety of quilts. 

10 -  Quilt Frame TV Cover

Having the option to "hide" your wall mounted TV when not in use might seem appealing especially if the TV doesn't quite fit with your room's decor. A quilt frame TV cover is the perfect solution to temporarily covering your TV when not in use. Guess what? You can make your own for next to nothing easily! Full instructions can be found at House Louise. 

via: House Louise

Beginner Quilt Project

Read More Here

If you are new to quilting I have a great tutorial for a simple starter quilt called a rag strip quilt I know you can make! Once you build your confidence you can start working your way into some more difficult quilt blocks. Quilting is such a rewarding and satisfying craft. I find it relaxes me and lets me express myself in an artistic and practical way. 

Another great way to expose yourself to new quilt blocks to try without having to do all the leg work yourself like matching fabric is to subscribe to a monthly quilt club. Annie's Creative Quilter's Fabric Club sends you a fully stocked kit each month with step-by-step instructions, video links, fabric and patterns so all you have to do is start sewing. Here are some fabulous projects they offer through their monthly quilting kit club that I think are so amazing!

Annie's Creative Quilter's Fabric Club

Annie's Creative Quilter's Fabric Club

Helpful Supplies For The Beginner

There are some must have supplies every quilter (and sewer) needs to get started. I put together a post on must have supplies for the beginning sewer that I think applies, for the most part, to a beginning quilter. I hope this is helpful for you as you get started quilting and sewing. I know this list was helpful when I first started out!

Read More Here