20 quick and easy fat quarter projects
Published on March 23, 2020 By Sarah Jones 6 min read
Who doesn’t love Fat Quarters? A quarter yard of fabric that has so much making potential to create beautiful and unique patterns; fat quarter projects are ideal for beginner sewists, and these fat quarter sewing projects will make perfect gifts.
If you have a stash full of fun and colorful fat quarters and you’re not sure what to make next, you’ll definitely find inspiration here. If you love to sew then you’re going to love these projects!
1. Sweet hair scrunchies
Scrunchies are an absolute must-have accessory that come in so many colors, shapes and sizes, and now you can make them yourself! With your fat quarter of choice, elastic and this handy tutorial from Seamstress Kimberly at Sweet Red Poppy. This free sewing pattern is so versatile you’ll want to make all the scrunchies!
2. A quilted pin cushion
If you have some small scraps of fabric or you want to use up those fat quarters, this quilted pin cushion is a great choice. Perfect for the sewists amongst us to keep all those pins safe! We use the Tilda Lazy Days fat quarter bundle in this fabulous tutorial.
3. Super cute raindrop pillow for a rainy day project
This little raindrop character is the perfect make to gift the little ones in your life! This make from We Are Scout is a simple project that you can stitch up in a few hours. The added hand sewing adds some extra little touches to make it more personal.
4. Get organized with a study pillow
If you have a student in the family or want to get a little more organized, this study pillow is perfect, with pockets to fill with all your stationery necessities! Pick out some complimentary color blocks or patterns from your stash and stitch up a storm with this fantastic project from Polka Dot Chair.
5. Cute quilted coasters
This project from Amy (Diary of A Quilter) is another fab smaller project to practice your quilting skills. These botanical coasters are the perfect pretty (yet practical!) gift, or a quick project to bring some color into your home.
6. Quilted tablet case
For the tech-lovers in your life this is a great stash-busting, scrap-using project to help clear out your hoards of fab fat quarters. Emily’s tutorial breaks this project up into simple, easy to follow steps that will have you completing your project in no time!
7. Sew the perfect pouch pencil case
These charming little pencil pouches from Katy at Sweet Verbena are a fantastic quick and easy make. With minimal supplies needed, this is a quick make for you to give a go, and if you’re looking to learn how to sew a zip, this is a great project to start with!
8. DIY box pouch tutorial
Leslie at the Seasoned Homemaker has created a fantastic pattern for a small pouch, great for those everyday essentials that always end up floating around in the depths of your bag! Leslie breaks it down into super simple instructions for you to follow along with.
9. A gift bag worth gifting!
Another quick project to whip up in no time; if you already have your gift sorted and want a more sustainable wrapping solution, This Flax & Twine gift bag tutorial offers a great wrapping alternative and even counts as a bonus gift for the lucky person!
10. Precious potpourri pillows
If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift or a birthday present for an older relative, they won’t be able to get enough of these homemade pillows from Logan Berry Handmade, filled with scent-sational potpourri.
11. You’ll love this laundry bag
For an easy sewing project using fat quarters, this laundry bag is an easy sewing project to use up some of your fabric stash! It’s another fab project from the wonderful Melissa at Polka Dot Chair that’s a great make if you have any travels planned for the coming summer. Melissa includes a super handy chart to help you make drawstring bags in all the sizes you’ll ever need!
12. Quirky fat quarter tote bag
There are so many great fat quarter bag projects out there, but we loved this unique pattern from Sharon. With just a few fat quarters and some sewing time, you’ll be rocking this shopping bag!
13. Organize your stash with fold up baskets
A trickier project, but we think you’re up to the challenge! Thanks to Caroline at Sew Can She, we can all shop our stash while also getting it all organized. These fold-up baskets are the perfect organization fix for all your sewing patterns, fabrics and endless supplies! With some intricate stitches and cutting, it will be worth it to have a gorgeous looking stash in the end!
14. Stitch a sustainable bowl cover
Save on the plastic wrap, and make one of these fabric bowl covers from the fabulous Patti at Hearth and Vine - a super stylish and sustainable alternative. This is a great make to use up the whole fat quarter with little waste. It’s ideal for summer BBQs and outdoor picnics to keep your food fresh and away from the pesky bugs!
15. Summer lovin’ sunglasses case
Keep your sunnies scratch free with a simple sunglasses case from See Kate Sew. In just a few steps, you’ll have made a charming case for your sunglasses.
16. You’ll have this pouch made in no time!
Perfect to store your makeup, bag essentials, stationary or all your embroidery thread (ok, maybe just some of it!), this 7 Minute DIY zipper bag by Elizabeth will do the trick. With instructions on how to line your makes and sew a zipper, it’s the ideal beginner sewing project to use up your fat quarters quickly and with the cutest results.
17. Half moon coin purse
Cash in those fat quarters for a chic coin purse - a perfect make to store away loose change. This half moon coin purse by Susan and Laura of Sew Modern Bags is super easy to switch up to fit your favorite complimenting fabrics for outer and lining.
18. Simple storage solution
We can’t get enough of this cute storage pod pattern! With a free sewing pattern and tutorial, you’ll want to use up all your fat quarters making some of these super useful storage baskets. Find the pattern at Sewing 4 Free.
19. One for the babies
The perfect make to take to a baby shower - this design from Laura is the perfect first bib make for a new arrival. A fat quarter is the perfect size for this baby bib - so grab some animal print patterns or Disney fabrics to make fun designs that are sure to be a hit!
20. A practical fat quarter project
If you’re fed up with being surrounded by threads and fabric scraps while you work, Vanessa has a stylish solution. Using an embroidery hoop and a fabric cut to make the idea working desk trash can - genius!
We hope these fat quarter project ideas have inspired your creativity. Fat quarters are great to keep stocked up in your stash with the fabric cut and ready to go!
