Turn Fabric Scraps Into Perfectly Quilted Squares

If you sew regularly, you probably have a growing collection of fabric scraps that are too lovely to throw away—but too small for most projects.

This scrap-busting quilting technique transforms those leftover pieces into a brand-new fabric panel with neat, evenly matched squares. Use your finished panel to make zipper pouches, cosmetic bags, quilted accessories, and more.

The secret is fusible interfacing. It holds all your squares in place while you sew, making it much easier to create straight rows and crisp corners.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following supplies:

• Scrap fabric
• Lightweight fusible knit interfacing
• Square quilting template
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Iron and pressing mat or ironing board
• Pressing cloth or heat-transfer paper
• Sewing machine
• Small scissors

We use 2-inch squares, but you can adjust the size to suit your project.

Before You Begin

Cut enough fabric squares to create a panel approximately one inch larger than your finished pattern piece. This extra space accounts for some of the material lost in the seams.

For the best results, choose scraps with similar weights. Combining very thin and heavy fabrics can lead to puckering.

How the Technique Works

Arrange the fabric squares face down in straight, even rows. The edges should touch without overlapping.

Cut your fusible interfacing about half an inch smaller than the completed grid. Place it adhesive-side down against the wrong side of the fabric squares. Cover everything with a pressing cloth and fuse the pieces together according to the interfacing manufacturer’s directions.

Once the grid is secure, fold and sew the rows with quarter-inch seams.

Fabric should be right side up! Sew the side with interfacing, as shown below.

Carefully cut the interfacing between the stitched channels—without cutting the fabric—and press the seam allowances open.

Repeat the process in the opposite direction to complete the grid. Sew through all four layers at every corner while keeping the seams flat. This is what creates those beautifully crisp, matched corners.

Finish the panel by cutting and pressing the remaining channels.

Then sew a zigzag stitch over each seam. You can also add batting or backing fabric before topstitching to conceal the raw edges and give the panel more stability.

Now your scraps have become an entirely new piece of fabric!

What Can You Make With It?

Your finished quilted panel is perfect for projects such as:

• Zipper pouches
• Cosmetic bags
• Pencil cases
• Small storage baskets
• Quilted pockets
• Mug rugs
• Patchwork accessories

Experiment with denim, cotton, linen, or coordinated scraps from a favorite collection. Every panel will be completely unique.

Get the Free Step-by-Step Guide

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Happy sewing—and don’t throw away those scraps!