papers beside shears and paper cutter

By FERNANDA TRONCO

If you are a DIY enthusiast or simply have a stash of fabric scraps lying around, there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose them. From practical items to stylish accessories, here are some ideas on how to use up those leftover fabric pieces.

Patchwork Quilts: Cozy and Charming 

Patchwork quilts evoke nostalgia and timeless charm. These decorative and functional art pieces provide warmth while adding character to any space. The concept of crafting quilts is quite simple: sew together all your accumulated fabric scraps to create a larger mosaic-like blanket. The beauty of patchwork quilts lies in their lack of coordination; you have the freedom to mix and match colors and patterns to make fun and unique designs.

sewing silk and scissors

Fabric Appliqués: Personalize Anything

Fabric appliqués are versatile decorative elements that can transform plain fabrics into eye-catching pieces. Cut out shapes from fabric scraps to create cool designs, and then apply them onto clothing, bags, or home decor. Whether it’s flowers, geometric patterns, or whimsical motifs, fabric appliqués add character and uniqueness to your projects. 

a close up of an orange shirt with the letter s on it

Zipper Pouches: Organize in Style

Repurpose your fabric scraps into handy zipper pouches. These small bags are perfect for storing essentials like makeup, stationary, or travel items and keeping everything organized. What makes zipper pouches so ideal? Not much fabric is needed; just grab two pieces of fabric, sew them together, and add a zipper to the opening.  

flower in bag

Fabric Bookmarks: Make Reading More Fun

Stop ruining books by folding the corners of the pages. Instead, make reading even more fun by crafting a unique fabric bookmark using even the tiniest scraps. Stitch all the leftover fabric pieces together onto a ribbon or rectangular piece of felt, and you’ll have a personalized bookmark in no time. Now reading sessions can be both enjoyable and fashionable.

Fabric Coasters: Protect Your Surfaces

Tired of all the watermarks and cup rings on your table? Turn fabric scraps into chic coasters. Cut the scraps into pieces large enough to cover the bottom of a cup, add a layer of batting in between for absorbency, and sew it all together. Not only will your table be safe, but you’ll also have a cool decor piece.

Black tea with lemon in large white porcelain cup on natural bamboo wooden tray, There are little green wildflowers next to the cup, Flat lay Istanbul, Turkey-April 13, 2021: Black tea with lemon in large white porcelain cup on natural bamboo wooden tray, There are little green wildflowers next to the cup, Flat lay. Under the cup is a folded white cloth napkin with a green leaf pattern. There are small green wildflowers next to the cup. Shot with Canon EOS R5. fabric coasters stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Fabric Hair Accessories: Sustainable Style

Hair accessories are a fun way to add a bit of flair to any plain hairstyle, so if you have a few fabric scraps laying around, why not make your own? Fabric scraps are ideal for crafting one-of-a-kind hair pieces since not much material is needed. Whether it’s fabric barrettes, scrunchies, headbands, bows, or head scarfs, fabric hair accessories are a great way to express your personal style while being eco-friendly and reducing waste.

gold and silver round analog watch beside gold and silver bracelet

Fabric Accessories and Neck Scarfs: Stand Out

Unique jewelry or accessories can make any basic outfit more interesting, and the only way to make sure your look stands out is by crafting your own. A neck scarf, bows, ties, fabric earrings, bracelets, or necklace can add that missing piece your ensemble may be lacking. Be bold, mix textures, and create accessories that reflect your individuality.

Close up of well dressed man's torso. Guy wearing jacket, shirt and colorful handkerchief and bow tie Close up of well dressed man's torso. Guy wearing jacket, shirt and colorful handkerchief and bow tie fabric accessories stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Fabric Covered Buttons: Customized Details

Buttons are already a fun way to jazz up any clothing piece, but if you can’t find a button to compliment your fabric, fabric-covered buttons are an ideal alternative to obtaining a perfect match. Simply wrap fabric around a regular button, secure it, and you’ve got a uniquely fashionable button at half the cost. 

a red box filled with lots of different types of buttons

Fabric Keychains: Functional Style

Upgrade your keys with fabric keychains. Whether you choose a wristlet, key fob cover, or a decorative piece, fabric keychains improve the look of non-fashionable keys and reduce the chances of them going missing. Plus. they’re a fun DIY project.

Decorative hearts keychain. Handmade felt and fabric keychain on bag or backpack. Summer accessory for women or girls. Crafts and craft supplies background DIY felt heart craft idea, cute valentine day craft idea, valentines diy, valentine crafts, valentine felt hearts, valentines crafts, easy valentines day crafts, valentines day crafts, felt hearts, felt crafts, felt heart crafts, heart felt heart ornaments, cute DIY felt heart craft idea, craft idea for kids, simple DIY project, sewing for kids, hand-sewing valentine crafts fabric keychain stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Like the examples above, there’s an endless list of ways to repurpose fabric scraps. These creative uses for leftover fabric not only reduce waste but also allow you to express your creativity and style. 

If this article inspired you to repurpose your fabric scraps, remember to share on social media, tag @zelouffabrics on Instagram, use #MadeWithZelouf, and follow us on all socials. Happy crafting!

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