We know just how much our readers love scrappy sewing and quilting projects, and to celebrate Earth Day, we’ve rounded up our all-time favorite sewing patterns! From small sewing projects that you can make in just a few hours to a scrap quilt pattern that our readers love, we know you’ll find the perfect scrap pattern to start today. Take a trip through our archives to see what thrifty projects our editors can’t get enough of.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge push towards sustainability in popular culture and these patterns are both easy on your wallet and the environment. We’ve also included some of our favorite refashioning patterns as a way to fight back against fast fashion while creating a beautiful custom wardrobe. We hope you enjoy our list of our all-time favorite scrap sewing patterns. Plus, if you love thrifty sewing tips and tricks, don’t miss Our Ultimate Shopping Guide for the Thrifty Sewist.
Fave Scrap Sewing Patterns to Start Today
- Folksy Fat Quarter Plant Cozy – November 2021: Plant moms out there: we see you, we hear you! This reader-favorite scrap pattern from Shan Grierson is a fun way to get rid of any leftover fat quarters and fat eighths that you have on hand. These boho chic plant cozies can be made in three different sizes and are a creative way to dress up your houseplants.
- Ultimate Scrapbuster Crumb Quilt Pillow – January 2022: Welcome to the ULTIMATE scrapbuster, quilters! Crumb quilting is a wonderful way to get rid of small fabric scraps while creating something new. Pam Voth shared how to embrace crumb quilting with her quilted pillow pattern back in our January 2022 issue.
- Garden Walk Spring Sheet Quilt – April 2023: When’s the last time you emptied out your linen closet? Stephanie Woodson’s spring sheet quilt pattern is a great way to put old and vintage sheets to good use. Play with pattern and color combos from thrifted sheets with this beginner-friendly quilt pattern.
- Snow Shower Upcycled Sweater Scarf – December 2023: Check out this upcycling project before you pack away your winter sweaters! Stephanie’s refashioned sweater scarf is made from a combo of two felted sweaters from the thrift store. This budget-friendly sewing pattern for beginners is a great way for sewing newbies to get comfortable.
- Hexie Hues Quilted Wall Organizer – April 2022: Get your sewing room in order with this creative way to use up your fabric scraps. Pam’s quilted wall organizer is perfect for holding your small sewing essentials like scissors, seam gauges, and fabric markers. Plus, this organizer is designed to be displayed on your wall, making the most of your sewing space.
- Sunny Season Jeans to Shorts Refashion – June 2023: Don’t toss your torn or old jeans into the trash! Transform them into a cute pair of summer shorts with this sewing tutorial from Meg Healy. Give your refashioned shorts a personal touch by adding some sweet embroidery details.
- Rustic Upcycled Denim Rag Wreath – August 2023: As you can tell with the three denim projects featured in this month’s issue, we can’t resist upcycled denim! Rebecca George shows you how to create a rustic farmhouse-inspired denim rag wreath to adorn your front door or hang over your mantel. Save your jeans (and your wallet) with this easy recycled sewing pattern.
- How to Make a T-Shirt Quilted Pillow – September 2022: Clean out your bedroom drawers by transforming old tees into a quirky throw pillow. Marie Segares walks you through the ins and outs of creating a simple t-shirt pillow in our September 2022 issue. These projects make wonderful memory gifts for loved ones or for kids who are all grown up.
- Shooting Stars Rainbow Zipper Pouch – August 2021: Your little ones are going to love this pattern! Mallory Theiss’ rainbow zipper pouch is perfect for holding pencils, stickers, and other school necessities and is made from a combination of fabric scraps and fat quarters. Save this one now and make this pattern ahead of back-to-school season.
- Fresh Start Quilt to Top Upcycle – January 2023: Is your quilting studio haunted by unfinished projects? Turn them into a colorful quilted top with this pattern from Quayln Stark. Ideal for thrifting quilt tops, this shirt sewing pattern has a lovely retro vibe that can be customized to fit the wearer’s aesthetic.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of scrap sewing patterns. What is your all-time favorite scrap sewing project that you’ve ever made? What types of recycled patterns would you like to see in our magazine? Let us know below in the comments.