Creative Ways to Use Scrap Pieces of Fabric (A4 Size or Smaller)

If you sew, craft, or quilt, you’ll know the feeling - your project’s finished, but there’s a growing pile of leftover fabric pieces staring at you from the corner of your sewing table. They’re too small for a full project, but too beautiful (and too pricey!) to throw away.

Good news: even fabric scraps the size of an A4 page (or smaller) can be transformed into something gorgeous and functional. Whether you’re working with printed cottons, soft knits, or durable vinyl, here are some fun, eco-friendly ways to give those scraps a second life.

* Fun fact. I used to have several boxes I would sort my scraps into, pending their size and what the end product could end up being!

1. Mini Zipper Pouches & Coin Purses

Small but mighty, zipper pouches are perfect scrap busters. They make great gifts, market stall sellers, or organisers for your handbag. Mix and match prints for a playful patchwork look, or keep it simple with a bold single fabric.

Tip: Use a contrasting zipper to make it pop!

2. Fabric Bookmarks

A quick and easy project that’s perfect for beginners. Simply cut your fabric into a long rectangle, back it with interfacing or felt, and topstitch the edges. Add a ribbon tassel for an extra special touch.

Bonus: They’re light and flat, making them perfect for posting as happy mail.

3. Hair Accessories

From knotted headbands to scrunchies, hair bows, and baby clips — small scraps are perfect for adding a pop of print to your outfits. If you sell your creations, these are also fabulous low-cost items to offer.

Pro tip: Knits and woven cottons both work beautifully for scrunchies.

4. Key Fobs & Wristlet Straps

A strip of fabric and a bit of hardware is all you need to create custom key fobs. They’re quick, practical, and a great way to show off your favourite fabrics every day.

5.Cutlery & Utensil Cases

Perfect for lunches, picnics, or travel, a small fabric case with slots for cutlery or straws is an easy scrap project. Simply sew a rectangle, add pockets, and finish with a tie or snap closure.

Eco-friendly bonus: Encourages less single-use plastic when eating on the go.

6. Patchwork Projects

If you can’t bear to part with even the tiniest pieces, turn them into patchwork! From tote bags to cushion covers, patchwork lets you showcase multiple prints in one unique piece.

7. Appliqué Accents

Cut fun shapes (hearts, stars, letters) from your scraps and appliqué them onto plain T-shirts, tote bags, tea towels, or quilts. This is a fantastic way to personalise gifts and make use of every last bit of fabric.

8. Doll Clothes & Mini Makes

Smaller than A4 fabric pieces are the perfect scale for doll dresses, toy accessories, or miniature home décor like bunting for dollhouses.

9. Sanitary Cloth Pads

A sustainable and thoughtful project, cloth pads are an amazing way to use up scrap fabrics. Soft cottons or flannels work beautifully for the top layers, while an absorbent core and waterproof backing can be added for function.

Why it’s great: Eco-friendly, reusable, and a fantastic way to make something practical from pieces that might otherwise be wasted.

10. Quilted Pot Holders

Combine scraps into a quilted block, add heat-resistant batting, and finish with a binding edge. Practical, colourful, and a fabulous way to keep your kitchen stylish.

Why Using Scraps Matters

• Eco-friendly: Keeps fabric out of landfill.

• Cost-effective: Makes the most of what you’ve already purchased.

• Creative freedom: Smaller projects let you experiment without fear of wasting fabric.

So, before you toss that leftover piece into the “someday” pile, think again — your next favourite make could be hiding in your scrap bin.

Do you have a favourite scrap-busting project?
Share it with us in the comments or tag us on social media with your creations — we’d love to see how you bring your leftovers to life!