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When you look at your ever-growing pile of fabric scraps, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but there’s also something exciting in the possibilities they hold.
The scraps in your fabric stash aren’t just remnants—they’re reminders of the projects you’ve loved, the time you’ve spent creating. Rather than letting them sit unused, why not turn them into something new?
Below are 15 scrap-friendly Seamwork patterns. Some of them only require a few yards, and many of them can be made entirely of scraps. Plus, you can sew one up over the weekend.
First, here are a few tips when you’re looking easy, scrap-friendly patterns.
What Patterns are Good for Your Scraps?
When you’re looking for scrap-busting patterns, it’s tempting to search for, “1-yard patterns, or “patterns that don’t use much fabric.”
That is a totally effective way to bust your stash. However, there are a few more tricks you can use so you aren’t only limited to low-yardage patterns.
Analyze the pattern flats: The first step when you’re looking for scrap-busting patterns is to analyze the pattern flats. Sometimes it can be distracting to look at a pattern sewn up in fabric and think of how to break it apart. The pattern flats will give you a blank slate, and you can even print them and then sketch or color your ideas.
Look for color-blocked patterns: Some patterns are designed to be color-blocked. Look for tops, leggings, skirts, and dresses that allow you to mix and match fabric remnants.
Add your own style lines: If the pattern isn’t specifically designed to be color-blocked, you can add your own style lines using this tutorial, How to Color-block Sewing Patterns. You can add style lines anywhere, but keep an eye out for larger, boxier tops and dresses, which will give you plenty of space.
Search for reversible patterns: Reversible garments or accessories allow you to use two different fabrics, often in smaller quantities, making them perfect for scraps.
Sew clothes for kids: Children's clothing patterns, especially for little babies, often require much less fabric than adult patterns, making them perfect for using up leftovers. If you need tips for sewing for kids, don’t miss this podcast Sarai recorded with Tilly: Sewing For Kids: 10 Tips From Tilly and the Buttons.
Choose patterns with smaller components: Some patterns have smaller parts like collars, cuffs, yokes, or other details that can be cut from scraps. Look for designs where you can use a contrast fabric for these accents.
Don’t forget about the insides: If you don’t want to use contrasting fabric on the outside, search for places to use it on the inside. Look for patterns with linings, such as jackets, skirts, or bags, which use smaller scraps for the inside, where fabric matching is less important. You can also use scraps for inner waistbands, pocket bags, channels for cording or elastic, facings, under collars, and wide hems.
Take advantage of layered or tiered patterns: Dresses and skirts with layered or tiered designs often allow for different fabric sections. These are perfect for using smaller fabric pieces for each layer.
Focus on accessories: Small items like bags, wallets, belts, or headbands require less fabric and are great for using up those extra pieces you have lying around.
Opt for patchwork: You can sew your scraps together to create a totally new textile. Read this article: Two Ways to Use Patchwork to Sew Your Scraps.
The Baker Dress
The Baker dress is the perfect example of a pattern that has plenty of places for color-blocking and using scraps. It really helps if you look at the pattern flats.
All the different style lines are places you can get creative. Use different fabrics for the ties, the front and back yokes, the front and back panels below the yokes, and the princess seams. There’s even an elastic casing at the sleeve hem.
This dress also sews up in all kinds of lightweight, flowy fabrics. This means you should have no trouble mixing cotton, linen, lawn, eyelet, shirting, or any other fabrics that have similar weights.
Here are some ideas for Baker:
- Use eyelet or lace for the yokes and a regular cotton for the rest of the dress. Check out Sarai’s example here.
- Use striped fabric on the sides and a solid colored fabric on the yokes and panels.
- Create patchwork yokes or panels and sew the rest in a coordinating color.
- Use scraps to make the ties and elastic casings.
- Hack the dress into a shirt, so it requires even less fabric. Check out Sarai’s example here: How to Turn Any Dress Pattern into a Top.
The Otto Vest
A vest is a great scrap-buster. The Otto vest is lined, so it ticks that scrap-friendlly box. You can use one fabric for the main and one for the lining.
And it only requires up to 1 1/8 yards (1 meter) of fabric for each side!
You can make it even more scrap-friendly by adding a horizontal style line through one side for a small panel.
Another idea is to create a patchwork lining—no need to worry about getting it perfect.
Katiusca Tank Top
This pattern was actually designed for scrap-busting. The Katiusca tank top doesn’t require much yardage, and you can use a contrasting fabric for the bottom panel (on the inside and outside).
Use eyelet or another semi-sheer fabric for the bottom panel. Or, pick out two pieces of a print with different scales. For example, use a larger gingham and a smaller gingham.
Fable Underwear
Underthings make the perfect scrap-busting projects for all those tiny leftover pieces of knit fabric. You can use a different fabric for each piece if you want.
The Fable undies have two versions, and neither require much yardage at all. If you have lace scraps, they would perfect for the side panels.
Kemper Top
The Kemper top was also designed for color-blocking—the instructions include cutting layouts for different options.
Kemper has a partial peplum, front yoke, and a paneled front and back. These are the kinds of details that make for a good scrap-busting pattern.
You can use contrasting textures, like in the sample, which uses eyelet and plain cotton. Or, you could patchwork the whole thing.
It helps to print the pattern flats and sketch out your ideas for this design.
Amari Sweatshirt
Don’t throw away your cozy, fleecy scraps! The Amari sweatshirt has plenty of stye lines for color-blocking.
Use different fabrics for the yoke, sleeves, collar, and bodice. The pattern flats for this design also include some color-blocking ideas.
Tino Leggings
Leggings offer another blank canvas for scraps. The Tino leggings already have style lines in the design. If you are working with a plain pair of leggings, you can just add your own lines.
Use mesh, lace, or other fun scraps in the side panels.
Easton Jacket
Quilts are an ideal scrap-busting project, and so is a quilted jacket. The Easton jacket looks beautiful in patchwork of any kind.
You can add style lines, divide the jacket in half, or create an entirely unique patchwork textile to sew the whole thing.
It’s also lined, so you can have fun on the inside and keep it simple on the outside.
Dorian Shorts
Shorts don’t take much yardage, and the Dorian shorts have style lines you can use to color-block.
The front and back have panels, there are pockets, and the waistband is another opportunity for scraps.
Emma Dress
The Emma dress has a little secret on the back. Emma is a sleeveless fit and flare dress with princess seams and corset-inspired details that offer ways to color-block.
There's a modesty placket at the center back behind the lacing that would also be a fun place for a print or contrasting fabric.
Amber Dress
One of the tips for scrap-friendly patterns is to look for tiers on dresses. The Amber dress has a gathered tiered skirt that you can easily color-block.
Patsy Skirt
If you look at the pattern flats for the Patsy skirt, you’ll see so many opportunities to work with scraps. Patsy features a wide waist yoke, patch pockets, and a bottom panel.
It would be fun to tetris this skirt with prints and solids. Or, just add a contrasting panel to the bottom or top.
Sonya Dress
Finally, there is the ultimate scrap-busting Seamwork pattern. The Sonya dress has three versions with a bunch of mix and match panels and pockets.
This dress is great for all your leftover denim scraps. You can get creative with any amount of patchwork or color-blocking.
The Perfect Accessories for Fabric Scraps
Rey Belt Bag and Hat
This pattern is 2 for 1, and it’s designed to be super scrap friendly. The Rey belt bag and hat comes with a cute belt bag and a bucket hat pattern.
You can sew a coordinating set with your scraps or use whatever you can find. There are plenty of small pieces in both patterns.
Drew Headband
The Drew headband is our most popular accessory—and you can follow a free sewalong here.
It only takes 1/2 yard of fabric, and you can color block each side to use even smaller pieces.
Working with fabric scraps isn’t just about clearing space—it’s a really engaging creative exercise. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning what feels like excess into something purposeful.
Each piece carries the potential for something new. So, the next time you might feel a little guilty saving a scrap of fabric, remind yourself that you’re saving it for a totally new scrap-busting project.
Do you have any plans for your scraps? Just how big is your scrap pile? Comment and share!
