50+ Sewing Ideas for Leftover Material
Tutorial: How to Make a Lightweight Summer Infinity Scarf
This is a quick step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to make a lightweight infinity scarf. I designed this pattern to use only 1/4 yard of fabric (60″ width), so if you have any leftover from another project, this is the perfect scarf to make. I’ll also walk you through…
Tutorial: How to Make a Fleece Lined Cowl Scarf
This tutorial will teach you the step-by-step process for making a fleece lined cowl scarf with a clasp closure. I used flannel for the main fabric and minky fleece for the back to make it softer to wear. You can download the pattern for free below, but I also recommend…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Shopping Bag Tote with 1/2 yard of fabric
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple grocery shopping bag with just 1/2 yard remnant. I’ve digitized the pattern I made for this tutorial so you can print it out and follow along with the step-by-step. This bag was made so that the pattern will fit pretty…
Tutorial: How to Make a Mini Backpack with Pockets
This is a tutorial for a mini backpack with a drawstring closure and pockets, one zipper pocket on the front and one little pocket inside. I’ve also included the pattern that I created so you can print it out and easily follow along with the steps. This design is based…
Tutorial: How to Make a Sling Bag with 1/2 yard of Fabric
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a lined, crossbody sling bag using 1/2 yard remnants. I’ve also digitized the pattern that I made so that you can easily print it out and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial. Since I have the tendency to get an…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Corset-Style Belt
I only started sewing a few years ago, and I’ve always found corsets to be a bit intimidating. But a corset belt? I just wanted to try and see if I could do it, and I could not be happier with the result. It was actually a lot easier than…
Tutorial: Cute Bunny Drawstring Pouch
This is the cutest drawstring bag you will ever make (and it’s a pretty easy tutorial). You can use leftover remnants of fabric (you need less than 1/4 yard) to reduce fabric waste and use this pouch as an Easter party goody bag, a DnD dice bag, a simple coin…
Tutorial: Cute Ruffle Flower Throw Pillow
Learn how to make a cute flower throw pillow that uses a ruffle to mimic the petals. This is the simplest flower pillow that I’ve made since you don’t have to worry about sewing together the individual petals with this design. Download the free pattern below and use it to…
Tutorial: How to Make a Ruffle ‘Flower’ Purse
This tutorial will teach you how to make a cute ruffle purse that resembles a flower. I chose my fabric to make the purse look like a sunflower, but you can be as creative as you want when deciding what kind of flower your purse should look like. I also…
Tutorial: How to Make a 3-Color Handkerchief Bag
This cute little handkerchief tote bag is made with three contrast colors and has a handle that ties together. If you have any half yard remnants of fabric, those will be perfect for creating the unique handles of this bag. I’ve also included a free sewing pattern that you can…
Tutorial: How to Make a Tote Backpack with Side Pockets
This is a tutorial for a cute little tote backpack with side pockets for a water bottle or glasses (or whatever you want). There is also an inner pocket and adjustable straps. The bag can be made with half a yard of fabric and a remnant piece for the flap….
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Scarf with Pockets (or mittens)
I like adding pockets to almost everything, and scarves are no exception. This tutorial will walk you through how to create an easy scarf with pockets on the end. I made these pockets big enough to hold my phone and wallet. I also use the pockets as makeshift mittens sometimes….
Tutorial: How to Make a Reversible Hooded Scarf
In this tutorial, I will teach you how to make a scarf with a hood attached. It’s also completely reversible, so you can wear a different color depending on the day. I made this pattern so that it will work with 1 yard remnants of fabric that you might find…
Tutorial: How to Make a Large Tote Bag With Pockets (using Fabric Remnants)
This tutorial will teach you how to make a large tote bag with pockets and just 1/2 yard of fabric and some scraps. I’ve digitized the pattern I made for this tutorial so you can print it out and follow along with the step-by-step. This bag was made so that…
Tutorial: How to Make a Messenger Bag with Pockets and Scraps
This tutorial will teach you how to make a lined crossbody messenger bag using scraps of fabric for the flap and 1 yard of fabric. I’ve also included a free bag pattern for you to print and follow along with the tutorial. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of my patterns…
Tutorial: How to Make a Fleece Bunny Hat
This tutorial will show you how to make a cute fleece bunny hat using less than 1 yard of remnant fabric. It includes a free pdf pattern that you can downloaded and printed to follow along with the step-by-step instructions. This pattern is sized for an adult head, so if…
Tutorial: How to make a Bunny Pillow With Ears
Anyone who knows me knows that I love rabbits! Cute bunny projects are my favorites, and that includes making some fun bunny pillows. Download my free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions so you can create a bunny pillow of your own. It’s great for spring and…
Tutorial: How to Make a Clutch Purse WITHOUT a Zipper
In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a large clutch purse with an inner pocket and magnet closure. I’ve also provided the pattern that I made for this bag (for free) so you can follow along with the steps. I also decided to make a decorative handle…
Tutorial: How to Make a Purse with a Zipper
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple zipper purse with a lining and pocket inside. I’ve also digitized the pattern I used for this bag design so you can easily print it out (for free) and follow along with the steps. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of…
Tutorial: Easy DIY Tote Purse With Fabric Remnants
This tutorial uses fabric remnants to create a tote purse with a pleated handle. It is made to use up some smaller remnants of fabric that you may have leftover from bigger projects. I say you need half a yard of fabric, but really, you can get away with a…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Reversible Scarf
This is a super simple fabric scarf tutorial that’s also reversible. I made the pattern so that all you need is 1/4 yard of your two different fabrics and some basic sewing supplies. So mix and match some cute fleece materials to make your own cozy winter scarf (you can…
Tutorial: How to Make a Reversible Fleece Infinity Scarf (with a pocket)
I will teach you how to make a cozy infinity scarf with this step-by-step tutorial. This was made to be a reversible scarf that you can make using 1/4yd remnants of fabric that you have leftover from other projects. I’ve also included instructions for adding a hidden pocket so you…
Tutorial: How to Make a Fleece Scarf With a Hidden Zipper Pocket
This tutorial will teach you how to make a fabric scarf with a hidden pocket at the end (you can add a second pocket if you want to). I measured the pattern so you can make this with just half a yard of leftover material or fabric remnants (60″ wide)….
Tutorial: How to Make an Easter Basket With Fabric
This tutorial will teach you how to create a cute fabric Easter basket. I include step-by-step instructions for how to create the base of the basket with only a square of fabric. So choose your favorite pastel or Easter-themed fabric, download the pattern and follow along to create your very…
Tutorial: How to Sew a Pencil Pouch With Only One Piece of Fabric
This tutorial is for an extremely simple pencil pouch that only requires one piece of fabric. A large leftover scrap or remnant of fabric will work, or use a fat-quarter sized piece of material. It’s best to use something like a light canvas or a quilting cotton for this, but…
Tutorial: Easy Pillowcase with Fabric Scraps
If you have a bunch of medium-sized fabric scraps and remnants available, this scrap pillowcase project is perfect for you. It’s a simple way to use up those scraps by making something that you can actually use every day. I recommend choosing some softer fabrics for this so that it…
Tutorial: How to Make Simple Stretch Hand warmers (with thumb holes)
This tutorial will teach you how to make cozy hand and arm warmers that keep your fingers free to type or do whatever you need to do. These arm warmers are made using remnants of stretch knit fabric so they can fit snuggly around your arms. You can download the…
Tutorial: Adorable Ear Warmer with Cat Ears
This tutorial is a variation on my basic ear warmer pattern that adds cute cat or fox ears to make your winter outfit adorable. This can be made with just 1/4 remnants of fleece fabric that you have leftover from other projects and is honestly quite simple to make. Download…
Tutorial: Cute Ear Warmer with a Big Bow
This is a variation of my basic ear warmer pattern that adds a cute bow to make it a little more fashionable. It’s an extremely simple project that can be made with just 1/4 remnants of fleece fabric that you have leftover from other projects. Download the free pattern below…
Tutorial: How to Make the Perfect Folding Wallet
The wallet that I’ve been using for the last 10 years is finally seeing the end of it’s days, so I decided it’s time to make a new one. This wallet pattern has four slot card pockets, two inner pockets, and a larger pocket for bills. I also show you…
Tutorial: How to Make a Keychain Wallet using Denim
If you have an old pair of jeans that’s too worn out to wear anymore, you can upcycle them and turn them into a cute little keychain wallet. This denim wallet has five pockets for cards and ID, as well as an inside pocket that I like to use for…
Tutorial: The Perfect Scrappy Rainbow Pillow (it’s easier than you think!)
Learn how to make a cool scrap rainbow pillow. It may look complicated, but this is actually a very simple pillow and an easy way to use up fabric scraps from other sewing projects (or you can upcycle old pieces of clothing you never wear anymore). I’ll teach you how…
Tutorial: Fleece Winter Ear Warmer
Learn how to make a cozy ear warmer for when you when you want to go out on cold winter days. This is a simple fleece ear band that can be made using just 1/4 yard of leftover fleece remnant fabric. Download the free pattern and follow along with the…
Tutorial: How to Make a Basic Bandana Headband
Bandana headbands are quite cute and easy to make. This bandana uses ribbon to tie in the back, instead of a typical elastic casing. It makes the headband quite simple to make and the size is more adjustable. Download the free pattern below and check out my step-by-step instructions to…
Tutorial: How to Sew a Padded Case for Sunglasses
My sunglasses case just broke, split straight down the spine. But no worries! It just gives me the excuse to make this cute new case for my sunglasses. I only work with fabric, but of course I still want my sunglasses to be protected, so I designed a quick padded…
Tutorial: Strawberry Drawstring Pouch
Use this tutorial to make a strawberry drawstring pouch that you can use as a goody bag for a spring aesthetic at events or for spring decor. You can make this using leftover scraps and remnants of fabric (as long as you have some red and green!). Download the free…
Tutorial: How to Make a Cute Flower Headband
Learn how to make a simple elastic headband with fabric flowers to give it a cute spring and summer aesthetic. All you need for this are some fabric remnants (less than 1/4) leftover from other projects and some small lightweight scraps for the flowers. You can download the pattern below…
Tutorial: Cute Bunny Drawstring Tote With Fabric Remnants
Learn how to make a bunny drawstring bag with ears and a pom pom tail. This is made to utilize some bigger remnants of fabric scraps you may have leftover from other projects. I also added a lace overlay to the inside of the ears to create a cute bunny…
Tutorial: How to Make a Bunny Placemat Using Fabric Scraps
This tutorial will teach you how to make a cute bunny placemat using leftover scraps of fabric. The placemats are double sided and are great home decor options for you table for Easter season (especially if you have kids that love bunnies!). I’ve included the free pattern I drew for…
Tutorial: Bunny Coaster with Free Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make cute bunny coasters to bring a little whimsical “spring” to your decorations while giving your cups and mugs a place to rest. This bunny pattern (free to download below) can easily be made using small scraps of leftover fabric, giving you a cute and useful way…
Tutorial: How to Make a Pleated Drawstring Dice Bag
This tutorial will walk you through how to create a pleated drawstring bag that you can make using remnants from two contrasting fabrics. This is great to use as a small dice bag for your D&D sessions or just as a cute little drawstring bag for everyday items. I’ve also…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Clutch Purse
This tutorial will show you how to make a basic clutch purse with a metal frame. The pattern was made for an 8″ frame, but you can easily adjust the pattern to fit whatever size clutch you want. I made this bag so that you can make it with fat…
Tutorial: How to Make a Lightweight Scarf with Fabric Scraps
If you have any sheer or lightweight scraps sitting around from other projects, you can use them to create a truly unique summer scarf. Download the pattern (below), arrange your scraps, and I’ll teach you how to sew them together step-by-step. I recommend using a microtex needle when sewing lightweight…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Bunny Pillow
In this tutorial, I’ll go over how to make a simple bunny pillow to use as Easter decor (or year-round if you love rabbits as much as I do). This is an easy beginner pillow that can be accomplished in 1-2 hours even if you are a beginner. Simply download…
Tutorial: How to Make a Flower Pillow with 6 Petals
This tutorial will teach you how to make a flower-shaped pillow. It might look complicated, but this is actually a fairly simple project that’s great even for beginners. I had a half yard of quilting cotton leftover and it was just the right amount for the pillow. However, if you…
Tutorial: How to make a Pattern-Matched Belt with Leftover Fabric
If you don’t have enough length of fabric to create a perfectly matching belt, don’t worry! This tutorial will teach you how to cut and pattern match your fabric do you can create a belt to match any outfit even if your fabric scraps aren’t long enough. I’ll also include…
Tutorial: How to Design a Color Block Pillow
This color block pillow tutorial will teach you how to use leftover scraps of fabric to make a small pillow. I’ve included a sewing pattern for this design. The final pillow will be a 7″ square that you can make using small scrap pieces. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of…
Tutorial: How to Make an Obi-Style Wrap Belt
I’ve always liked how wrap-around belts look with the thin string going around the middle. So, I decided to make my own using some fabric scraps that I have on hand. This is actually a fairly simple tutorial that’s great even if you’re a beginner. You can download the pattern…
Tutorial: How to Design a color block Circle Throw Pillow
This tutorial is meant to teach you how to create a cute round throw pillow using bits of fabric scraps. You can follow the design I used for my pillow, or use the steps in this tutorial to create your own color-blocked pattern for your pillow. If you want to…
Tutorial: How to Make a Round Pillow With Leftover Scraps
If you have a bunch of random scraps, you can use them to create a truly unique pillow. In this tutorial I’ll go over the steps I use to create a round pillowcase without using any kind of color blocking pattern. Supplies Needed: Step 1 Make a circle for your…
Tutorial: How to Make a Reversible D-Ring Belt (with Scraps)
D-ring belts are easy since you don’t need to figure out how to make eyelets or use a pronged belt buckle. So why not challenge yourself to make a reversible belt using only leftover scraps of material. You will have a truly unique creation that is two belts in one….
