80 Scrap Buster Sewing Patterns: Don’t Despair, Use Them!

Scrappy sewing projects make me happy! I can never throw away pieces of my favorite fabrics. If you are in the same boat I hope you are inspired to burn through those left-over pieces of treasured fabric. Turn them into baskets, keepsakes, and even quilts!

• If you need help organizing your scraps first, don’t miss Scrappy Success! 14 Most Useful Ideas for Storing Fabric Scraps

Beautiful Scandinavian Star Ornaments

Learn how to make traditional Scandinavian Star Ornaments using folded fabric. You don’t even need to sew except to tack down the string for hanging.

Scrap Buster Usable Fabric

Have you ever thought about sewing all the itty bitty pieces of scrap together? You can use them to make new gorgeous fabric that can then be used for all sorts of different projects. Genius!

Sweet Fabric Pixie Cups

Don’t you love Heidi’s Pixie Cups? I use mine to organize my little craft supplies. I appreciate functional scrap buster patterns.

Easy Baskets from 10” Squares

Talk about functional scrap busters! Either cut or sew your scraps into 10″ squares to make these Easy Baskets. You can use them to hold more scraps!

Brilliant Scrap Buckets

Here’s a different spin on a basket! This free pattern from The Sewing Loft is one of my favorites. You can even use scraps of rope for the handles.

Portable Playing Card Mat

Sew a game mat with pockets for storage. You can even use different colored scraps to indicate special places on the mat for specific games if you prefer.

Playful Cat Toys

Make your sweet pet some homemade love. Sew some scrap buster cat toys for your fur baby, or make a few to donate to a shelter (catnip-free for kittens).

Strip Weaving Table Runner

Enjoy this great way to use up strips. You could sew scraps together in strips before weaving them to add interest. The tutorial includes instructions for constructing a loom; sounds like a fun project to me!

Quilted Party Pennant Tutorial

Sew a party pennant using fabric and batting scraps, and some bias tape. This is a great beginner sewing project, and perfect for left-over jelly roll strips. Make some free appliques to add on for an extra special touch.

Scrappy Log Cabins

I used scraps of all the same color in my log cabin quilt above. What colors will you choose when you sew with my free quilt pattern? Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe with your favorites!

Mini Foldable Storage Baskets

These bins come in three sizes. These mini ones are obviously the cutest, and the most perfect for using both fabric and stabilizer scraps. My Mini Fold Up Baskets tutorial includes links to the other two scrap buster sizes as well.

Snappy Coin Pouch

Use sections or old tape measures for a “snappy close” on the scrap buster Snappy Coin Pouch. This is a perfect way to upcycle more than just fabric!

Fold and Stitch Wallet Pattern

Patchwork Bench Cushion

I made this cushion for my piano bench, but it would be easy to add scraps to make it as big as you need. Here’s the free pattern.

The Fold and Stitch wallet is really convenient. The free pattern includes templates and step-by-step instructions, with detailed photos.

Scrappy Wrist Strap Key Fobs

My wristlet keychain fobs are the one gift that people ask for over and over again. It’s a quick project and the finished product is so perfect for clutches, keys, baby accessories, doggie bags and more.

Pretty Fabric Lanyards

Have you ever considered using scraps to make pretty lanyards? This would be a great gift for someone who loves unique accessories. And you can often find hardware at the thrift store as a unique bonus.

Rainbow Star Quilt

Use all you scraps up on one quilt with this pattern. Keep adding stars until you have the quilt size you want!

Baby Dresden Quilt

The Dresden block is a great one for scraps because the pieces are small. Here’s my free quilt pattern for a lap or baby size quilt. It finishes at 50″ by 50″.

Playful Scrappy Pet Leash

Lengthen that lanyard and add a handle for a scrap buster pet leash. Make a matching collar if you’re feeling stylish!

Easy Adjustable Pet Collar

You only need a little scrap to make a perfect DIY Pet Collar for your fur baby!

Card Holder for Easy Game Playing

This Card Kitty is and excellent way to make sure that everyone is included in your game! It’s practical, and super helpful for those people who always seem to have to draw 10 cards at a time!

Ready to Use Scrappy Binding

The Sewing Loft has a great tutorial for transforming scraps into binding. I love the look of a scrappy binding on bags and quilts alike.

Peek-a-Boo Fabric Gift Tags

These tags are so cute. Spoonful of Sugar only stitched the top of the fabric to the tag leaving a little flap where you can hide the recipient’s name for a fun surprise!

Scrap Fabric Rope Bowl

This scrap buster project comes together in under an hour! Those long, skinny, strips of cotton fabric or selvages are perfect for making this rope bowl.

Fabric Lovers Apron

What fabric do you have in your drawer of left-overs? Some of my scraps are actually pretty long. Here’s a great pattern for some bigger scraps.

Fabric Scrap Decorative Tape

This is a fun idea from Duckadilly Fabrics, and doesn’t require sewing at all! Get out your favorite scraps and use them to decorate all kinds of things.

Fabric Covered Button Magnets

I save even tiny scraps because they feature something cute that just can’t throw away! If you do that too, those tiny bits are perfect to make button magnets. This easy tutorial shows you just what to do.

Tiny Quilt Magnets

Even the smallest scraps deserve a chance! Grab a handful for the Tiny Quilt Magnets you’re about to make!

Pretty Greeting Cards

These are the cute Mother’s Day cards I decided to sew instead of purchase. They turned out so perfectly, and I always appreciate those personal touches.

Patchwork Potholders

These handy potholders will look great, and be functional, too! You could even use a scrappy homemade binding to finish them off! I would love to see what you come up with. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe.

Scrap Buster Receipt Roll Scrap Quilt

See how to make a receipt roll scrap quilt, and get ready to be amazed! It doesn’t get scrappier than this. You will use your smallest scraps and a roll of calculator receipt paper for this project; it’s pretty unbelievable.

Scrappy Patchwork Bib

Here is a cute patchwork baby set pattern. Prep for your next baby shower with all kinds of combinations of color!

Comforting Heated Neck Wrap

Going for comfort? Check out this heating pad for your neck or back. It makes a great gift, and you can use essential oils to add extra love and healing.

Beautiful Thread Spool-Inspired Key Fobs

You can use fabric and cork fabric scraps to make these custom scrap buster key fobs. It’s easy, unique, and makes a great gift!

Unique Conversation Coasters

This is a great scrapbuster project from Duckadilly. She shows you how to make Conversation Coasters using foundation paper piecing. Get the party going, and offer them as favors! 

Folded Fabric Coasters and Potholders

These folded fabric coasters use 5” squares, so they are perfect for sewing with charm squares and scraps. Make matching potholders for a beautiful coordinated table setting.

Handy Hexagon Potholders

Check out this free pattern for scrap buster Log Cabin Hexi Potholders. I have had great feedback on this cute project.

Travel Pouch with Vinyl

This cute peek-a-boo pouch is perfect for kits of all kinds, and ideal for traveling. And don’t let the vinyl scare you away, it’s totally doable!

Scrappy Patchwork Quilt with Squares

The simple scrap buster patchwork quilt is another way to empty those scrap bins. It’s easy and enjoyable enough for beginners and experts alike.

Pretty Drawstring Bag

Store your readers, crochet hooks, make up brushes, etc. with these easy-to-sew pouches. They are inspired by a Japanese design aesthetic called ‘Zakka’ which combines usefulness with beauty. I love the style!

Loving Comfort Dolls

The comfort doll project is a beautiful way to lift and strengthen. These dolls are made and donated to women in domestic abuse shelters. It would be wonderful to help these women to know that they are not alone.

Easy Bunny Treat Bags

Bunny Treat Bags are a great beginner project, and small enough to be made from scraps!

Fabric Scrap Memory Game

Here’s a clever and fun way to preserve some of your favorite prints. Make scrap buster memory game cards as a gift, and make a set for your home too!

Pretty Bow Headbands

This easy headband tutorial uses elastic at the back so you don’t have to worry about comfort and fit.

Lovely Patchwork Placemats

This placemat sewing pattern includes instructions for making half-square triangles, flying geese, and chisel shapes everything you need for this project. You can protect your table and show off your sewing skills at the same time! Use different colors for different seasons.

Adorable Stuffed Owls

These adorable stuffed owl family can be used in so many ways: a gift, pincushion, doorstop, bookend, and more. You can even use more scraps to stuff them!

Cute DIY Zipper Pouches

Need a free, easy zipper pouch pattern? Look no further. It is perfect for holding money and credit cards, school supplies, cosmetics, and more! This pattern has free templates for two different sizes, plus a step-by-step zipper tutorial.

Practical Journaling Bookmark

This journaling bookmark and pencil holder is the perfect gift for a writer or book-lover. With only 3 fabric strips and an elastic, you can make this bookmark and pencil holder in no time at all. For a true scrap buster sew lots of them as a class or group gift!

The Scrapyard Tote

Elevate your scraps with this free pattern for my scrapyard tote. In this tutorial I will teach you how to include a welt zipper pocket on the inside, and a zipper at the top.

Tiny Zipper Bags

Got 5’’ squares? All you need for these Tiny Zipper Bags are a few scraps and a zipper.

Bit o’ Kindness Pouches

This Bit O’ Kindness little pouch is really simple. They are perfect for tiny, thoughtful gift giving.

Mini Christmas Stockings

Here’s a free sewing pattern so you can be ready for the holidays. These little guys are perfect for small treats or gift cards; another scrap buster project for class gifts.

Easy Pincushions with Trim Scraps

I feel like you can never have too many pincushions. Especially when they’re this cute!

Small Drawstring Bags for Gift-Giving

These little drawstring bag tutorial has two sizes. They are also perfect for a little gift!

Fabric Christmas Trees

Here is a tutorial for fabric Christmas trees of all sizes. Integrate them into your village, or make a winter wonderland.

Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern

Sew a cute boxy zipper pouch with my free sewing pattern! It’s the perfect size for cosmetics, or other travel and organizing needs.

Don’t Toss Them – Donate!

Allpeoplequilt.com wrote a great post about all the different places that may take your scraps. Even if you can’t use them, someone can!

Precious Llama Softies

Use all kinds of scraps for this project: trim, flannel, tiny bits, and embellishments. It all comes together for a precious softie with my free Llama Stuffie sewing pattern.

Pro Tip: Use the tiniest scraps as stuffing for your softies and decorative items.

Nine Patch Quilt Blocks

Make a whole scrap buster quilt now, or save a bunch of blocks for another time! Here’s the tutorial for making a traditional nine patch quilt block.

Grandmother’s Cross Quilt Block

This classic cross quilt block is a perfectly scrappy design! Try something new if you’ve never done this block before.

Pretty Patchwork Shower Curtain

If you have larger chunks of scrap fabric (fat quarter sized), head into this patchwork shower curtain pattern and make the most of them!

Perfect Tiny Tote

The Tiny Tote Bag Pattern makes a little bag that holds a lot! It’s perfect for your phone, sunglasses, wallet, and lipstick!

Helpful Craft Project Bags

Sew an easy Project Pouch with my free sewing pattern! This zippered bag with a vinyl front is perfect for organizing your hand sewing work, unfinished quilt blocks, or embroidery project to take on the go.

Cell Phone Wallet

My Cell Phone Wallet Pattern is sewn with small pieces but it does a big job! Keep everything together in one place and easy to find.

Handy Two-Sided Zipper Pouch

Small fabric pieces can also make these 2 sided zipper pouches!

Easy Little Wallet

A scrap of fabric transforms into a Cute Little Wallet in this pattern. It’s so practical!

Hanging Peg Board Pouches

Organize your spaces by sewing Pegboard Baskets out of scraps…to hold thread spools, tools, bobbins, and more!

Convertible Pencil Pouch

The Stand Up Slide Down Pencil and Tool Pouch whips together so easily with your best scrap fabric combination! It’s a great pencil case but you can also use it for taking sewing notions and tools to class.

Zola Pen Case

I can’t stop making these scrap buster Zola Pen Cases! And lucky me, I won’t have to because my scrap bucket is enormous! It’s one of the best zipper case designs ever.

Quilted Pill Pouch

Is there anything cuter than a scrappy little Pillbox Pouch? Nope… scrap bucket here I come.

Perfect Square Basket

Sew up a cute Scrappy Square Basket to match your favorite scrappy quilt!

Pineapple Scrap Buster Quilt

The pineapples in my free scrap buster Pineapple Fruit Quilt Pattern were made only from scraps! This quilt may look complicated, but really it’s all easy half square triangles.

Orange Peel Quilt Block

The easy Orange Peel Quilt Block is fresh and delightful. Make your favorite scraps pop with this quilt block!

Natural Fiber Baby Rattle

I love this baby rattle idea for using fabric scraps. Add these to a baby shower gift, donate to a charity, or sell them at your craft fair.

Baby Soft Shoes

It doesn’t take much fabric to make these super useful baby/toddler shoes.

Spooky Neighborhood Mini Quilt

You can use any colors and quilting design to make this cute neighborhood quilt for any season or home. I love it!

No Sew Pumpkins

This clever tutorial for pumpkin decorations is perfect for scraps. Check it out and enjoy the process.

Beach House Quilt Block

This beach house quilt block uses all sorts of sizes which makes it pretty perfect for scraps. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe and show me your take on a beach house.

Summer Snowflake Quilt

Summer Snowflakes is another perfect scrap buster quilt for small scrap pieces. Get your bins out and give this free quilt pattern a try today.

Adorable Bug Cushion

Use your scraps to applique anything! Here’s an adorable scrap busting idea from my friend at Bustle & Sew for applique bugs. I think they’re so cute! Here is my link for free applique designs for you to use on towels, pillows, clothes, quilts, and more!

Bonus Scrap-Busting Idea: Mini Quilts!

• Sew Cute: 37 Free Mini Quilt Patterns

Stash Busters: 35 Free Fat Quarter Sewing Patterns

• Stash Busters: 35 Free Fat Quarter Sewing Patterns

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