6 Patchwork Crafts That Bring New Life to Your Leftover Fabric Scraps

Sometimes the best DIY projects come from materials you would least expect—namely, the pile of leftover fabric from your other crafts. While the scraps from other sewing or quilting projects may not look like much, with a little TLC, you can turn them into your new favorite sweatshirt or holiday decoration.

Get inspired by our roundup of patchwork crafts to turn leftover fabric into a project of its very own.

1. Patchwork T-Shirts and Sweatshirts

Whether you're a master seamstress or just a beginner, DIYers of any level can whip up their own patchwork T-shirts and sweatshirts using scraps of fabric, a needle, and thread. Cut out shapes, like fruit or animals, or letters from scrap fabric, and stitch them onto a plain shirt or sweatshirt. To ensure the patches stay secure after multiple wears, use fabric with a self-adhesive back, and stick the patches onto the shirt before stitching around the perimeter.

2. Banners

Craft banners for parties, photo backdrops, or home decor using the method outlined above. Instead of sewing letters onto a shirt, attach large fabric letters to a sheet, canvas, or pillowcase for a makeshift banner. The best part is that after the party or event is done, you can save the banner to hang up for the next birthday or holiday.

3. Book Sleeves

If you're an avid reader, you probably understand the struggle of having a book always floating around in your bag. Folded pages and cracked spines may not seem like a massive deal to some, but avid readers and frequent library users understand. Prevent damage by crafting a patchwork book sleeve.

Make a simple sleeve by sewing a quilted pouch the size of a book. Attach a button or zipper to keep the sleeve closed, or make a sleeve with a foldable top and a clasp to keep your books snug and protected.

4. Quilt Squares

You don't have to be an expert quilter to sew patterned quilt squares, and you don't have to commit to making an entire quilt, either. Use scrap fabric or old clothes to sew a handful of squares, and use them as coasters, or put them in a frame for easy wall art. You can also sew the corners of the squares together to create a garland to hand on your mantle or banister.

5. Laptop, Kindle, or Phone Cases

All you need to DIY a custom patchwork cover for your tech is scrap fabric and a clear case. Simply trace the case onto a piece of fabric, then stitch on other scraps, ribbons, or buttons until the fabric is covered. Once you're finished, place the fabric inside the clear case before popping it onto your laptop, phone, or Kindle. If you love the mix-matched look, craft different fabric inserts for each season or holiday to switch out during the year.

6. Holiday Decorations

DIY ornaments are just the tip of the iceberg for holiday patchwork crafts. Sew letters, stars, and shapes to hang on your tree, making sure to stuff the ornaments with cotton before sewing them closed to give a 3-D look. If you're set on ornaments for the year, try making a garland that spells out a holiday phrase, or, if you're feeling ambitious, sew custom stockings for your friends and family.