Scrap Quilt Ideas: 6 Fun Ways to Empty (or at Least Dent) Your Scrap Bin

Hello, my quilty friends!

If your scrap bin is looking more like a fabric volcano ready to erupt, same. But let’s be honest—turning those little leftovers into something gorgeous is one of the most satisfying parts of quilting. Like, nothing screams “I have the power!” like transforming chaos into cozy.

So if your scraps are bursting out of a drawer (or let’s be real, a 64-gallon tote), grab your beverage of choice, dump that bin on the table, and let’s get scrappy!

Quick Tips Before You Dive In:

• Sort first, sew faster. Keep crumbs, strings, and precuts in their own little piles so you’re not rummaging mid-seam.
• Pick a vibe. Want something color-coordinated and classy? Great. Want total scrappy chaos? Also great. Just decide upfront so your brain doesn’t spiral.
• Use leaders & enders. Chain-piece a little bonus block at the start and end of your seams. It adds up!
• Set a size rule. I keep anything over 2½" for strip piecing, and the teensy bits go in my crumb pile.
• Finger press as you go. It’s low-effort, and it keeps your patchwork from turning into a lumpy pancake.

6 Scrap Quilt Ideas I’m Loving Right Now:

1. Scrappy & Happy String Quilt – by Emily Dennis
   Emily is the queen of clean, modern patterns, and her string quilt tutorial is the perfect place to use up all those narrow 1½″ to 2½″ strips you’ve been hoarding. It’s foundation-pieced, super satisfying, and those diagonal lines? Chef’s kiss. The finished quilt looks way more complex than it is. Bonus points for using paper you were going to recycle anyway.
2. Scrappy Trip Around the World – by Bonnie Hunter
   This one’s practically legendary. Bonnie’s pattern uses 2½″ strips to create graphic, woven-looking blocks that feel vintage and modern all at once. The layout options are endless, and it’s addicting. You’ll say “just one more block” like ten times… minimum.
3. 30+ Modern Scrap Quilt Patterns – curated by Designed to Quilt 
   Need inspiration but don’t know where to start? The team at Designed to Quilt rounded up 30+ free modern scrap quilt patterns, and honestly, it’s a goldmine. If your style leans minimal but your scrap bin says “party,” this list is for you. Clean lines, fresh layouts, all the heart-eyes.
4. Scrappy Improv Blocks – by Angie Wilson
   Angie takes the improv idea and shows how to scrap-ify traditional blocks. Think: log cabins, stars, flying geese—just made with whatever fabric you’ve got. Her technique is super versatile, and I love that it brings a fresh spin to blocks we already know and love.
5. 30+ Jelly Roll Scrap Projects – by Caroline at SewCanShe
   If your scrap pile is basically just a bunch of leftover 2½″ strips, this roundup from Caroline is going to be your new bestie. Over 30 free patterns, all made for jelly roll widths—think tote bags, table runners, and full-blown quilts. It’s like a buffet of scrappy goodness.
6. Simple Scrappy Quilt – by Sherri McConnell
   Sherri’s free pattern is beginner-friendly and so classic. It’s the kind of quilt that looks good in literally any fabric combo—florals, solids, novelty prints, you name it. If you want to make something scrappy without overthinking it, this is your pattern.

So… Which One Are You Making First?

Honestly, I want to make them all, but even choosing just one of these is a fabulous start. And if you’re somehow short on scraps (teach me your ways), I’ve got you: our Mystery Color Fat Quarter Bundles are basically curated scraps without the mess. Perfect for sparking ideas and guilt-free stash building.

If you make something scrappy and fun, please tag me @makervalley on Instagram—I live for seeing your WIPs and finished quilts! And if you’re not on our email list yet, what are you doing?! Free tutorials and fun stuff land in inboxes every week.

Happy making (and may your scrap bin get just a little lighter),

🩵 Holly