quick and easy fat quarter project - hanging storage containers

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 colourful 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. Stylish DIY scrunchies

Scrunchies are an absolute must-have accessory that come in so many colours, shapes and sizes, and now you can make them yourself! All you need is a fat quarter of choice, elastic and our handy tutorial. 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.

quilted pin cushion design

Shop the supplies

3. 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 zipper bag by will do the trick! With instructions on how to line your pouch and sew a zipper, it’s the ideal beginner sewing project to use up your fat quarters quickly and with the cutest results.

4. 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.

rain drop child's cushionrain drop child's cushion colourful red and blue fat quarters

5. Get organised with a study pillow

If you have a student in the family or want to get a little more organised, this study pillow is perfect, with pockets to fill with all your stationery necessities! Pick out some complimentary colour blocks or patterns from your stash and stitch up a storm with this fantastic project from Polka Dot Chair.

a study pillow with book pocket, ribbon handle and pencil holder

6. 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 colour into your home.

leaf shaped sewn coasters made from floral fat quarter fabricleaf shaped sewn coasters made from floral fat quarter fabric

7. 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!

quilted floral tablet case

8. Sew the perfect picnic fold up

These cute little picnic fold up is fantastic quick and easy project. With minimal supplies needed, this is a quick make for you to give a go; and it would make an ideal present for an outdoor adventurer!

9. 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.

box pouch with zip close

10. 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! 

gift bag sewing project with pull tie fasteninggift bag sewing project with pull tie fastening

11. 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.

Mother's Day diy potpourri cushionspotpourri filled small pillows

12. You’ll love this wine bottle gift bag!

For an easy sewing project using fat quarters, this bottle gift bag is an easy sewing project to use up some of your fabric stash! With fab contrasting fabric inside and a practical drawstring tie, this is the ideal handmade project to wrap up a shop-bought pressie!

13. 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!

triangle design tote bagtriangle design tote bag

14. Organise 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 organised. These fold-up baskets are the perfect organisation 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! 

foldable sewing boxes made from fat quarters

15. 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! 

fabric bowl cover

16. 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.

diy fabric sunglasses case for summerdiy fabric sunglasses case for summer

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 favourite complimenting fabrics for outer and lining.

sewn coin purse with zip compartment, lined with plastic popper closesewn coin purse with zip compartment, lined with plastic popper close

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.

storage pod sewing pattern

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!

diy baby's first bib patterndiy baby's first bib pattern

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 bin - genius!

sewing fabric desk bin

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!

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