No-Waste Fabric Ideas
Fabric Scrap Storage Ideas That Help Scraps Get Used
Simple ways to store fabric scraps so they stay visible and easy to reach: clear bins, card folding, rolled strips, a current-project basket and a firm limit on space.
Tutorials
30 tutorials published
Patchwork Projects
Patchwork for Beginners: Seams, Pressing and Your First Blocks
The four habits behind neat patchwork: accurate cutting, a true 1/4-inch seam, pressing to the dark side and nesting seams. Includes a first four-patch and nine-patch from scraps.
Scrap Fabric Techniques
Cutting Small Fabric Scraps Into Useful, Accurate Pieces
How to press, square up and cut odd-shaped scraps into standard squares and strips that fit together, with a size chart and safety notes.
Scrap Fabric Techniques
How to Combine Scrap Fabric Colors That Never Matched
Mixed scraps look planned when light, medium and dark are in the right places. A guide to value, neutrals, print scale and limited palettes.
Scrap Fabric Techniques
How to Sort Fabric Scraps So You Actually Use Them
A simple three-pass system for a messy scrap bin: sort by size first, then color, then fiber, and decide what is worth keeping.
Easy Fabric Scrap Projects
Easy Fabric Scrap Projects for Beginners: Where to Start
Ten first projects for a full scrap bin, ordered from the smallest pieces to the largest and from the simplest sewing to the next step up.
No-Waste Fabric Ideas
What to Do With Tiny Fabric Scraps
Practical uses for the smallest remnants and trimmings, from crumb piecing and confetti fabric to stuffing and mending patches, plus how to tell when a piece is too small to keep.
Patchwork Projects
String Quilt Block: Foundation Piecing With Narrow Scraps
Sew narrow scrap strips onto a paper or muslin foundation, starting from a diagonal center strip, then set four blocks together to form a diamond.
Fabric Scrap Accessories
Scrap Fabric Scrunchie: A Classic Hair Tie From One Strip
Sew a classic scrunchie from a single strip or pieced scraps, with the right elastic length and a neat way to close the gap.
Scrap Sewing Projects
Scrap Fabric Pot Holder: A Quilted Patchwork Tutorial
Sew a quilted patchwork pot holder from sixteen cotton squares, with cotton batting, an insulating layer and a hanging loop. Bound and turned-edge versions included.
Scrap Sewing Projects
Scrap Fabric Pincushion: A Simple Square Patchwork Tutorial
Make a plump 4-inch patchwork pincushion from five small squares, choose the right stuffing and close it neatly with a ladder stitch.
Scrap Sewing Projects
Scrap Fabric Zipper Pouch: A Small Lined Pouch With an Exact Cutting List
Sew a small lined zipper pouch from twelve 2 1/2-inch squares or a single fabric. Exact cutting sizes, the zipper sandwich explained, and fixes for the usual mistakes.
Fabric Scrap Home Decor
Scrap Fabric Lavender Sachets: Stitched and Tied Styles
Sew small lavender sachets from cotton scraps in two styles, a square stitched shut and a refillable bag tied with ribbon.
Fabric Scrap Accessories
Scrap Fabric Key Fob: A Quick Wristlet Tutorial
Turn one 5 x 10 inch strip, or a handful of pieced scraps, into a sturdy wristlet key fob with a metal clamp. Includes webbing-core and D-ring alternatives.
Fabric Scrap Accessories
Scrap Fabric Glasses Case: A Soft Padded Slip-In Sleeve
A soft, padded, fully lined glasses case made from three 8 x 7.5 inch rectangles, with every raw edge hidden. Optional snap or flap closure.
Scrap Sewing Projects
Scrap Fabric Gift Ideas for Every Occasion
Small handmade gifts to sew from the scrap bin, grouped by who they are for, plus simple ways to wrap presents in fabric.
Fabric Scrap Home Decor
Scrap Fabric Basket With Boxed Corners and a Fold-Over Cuff
Sew a small lined fabric bin with a square base, stiff interfacing and a cuff that folds down to show the lining, with the boxed-corner math worked out.
Patchwork Projects
Patchwork Cushion Cover: A 16-Inch Envelope-Back Tutorial
Sew a 16-inch patchwork cushion cover from sixteen 4.5-inch squares with a simple envelope back. Every cut size and seam is worked out in a table.