Scrap Fabric Sewing Projects perfect or back to school

3 Quick Scrap Fabric Projects for Back-to-School | DIY Snack Bags, Pencil Holder & Bookmark

3 Beginner-Friendly Scrap Fabric Projects for School, Work & Everyday Organization

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a basket, or maybe even several baskets, filled with fabric scraps that were just too pretty to throw away.

Today’s Back-to-School Sewing Series project is all about turning those leftover pieces into something you’ll actually use.

In this Scrap Saver Collection, we’re creating three beginner-friendly accessories that are perfect for students, teachers, busy parents, or anyone who loves staying organized. You’ll learn how to sew a clip-on pen and pencil holder, a reusable snack bag with an optional water-resistant lining, and a quick fabric corner bookmark.

Along the way, I’ll also be sharing helpful beginner sewing tips, time-saving techniques, and even how to confidently sew with specialty fabrics like waterproof PUL.

We’ll be sewing today’s projects on the NECCHI K132A, a lightweight, beginner-friendly sewing machine that’s simple to use while still offering features that make projects like these enjoyable from start to finish. From its automatic needle threader and adjustable stitch settings to its lightweight design, it’s a wonderful machine whether you’re just beginning your sewing journey or looking for an everyday machine that’s ready whenever inspiration strikes.

So, gather your favorite scraps, thread your machine, and let’s turn those leftovers into something useful!

DIY Pen and Pencil Clip on Holder for Teachers

Clip-On Pen & Pencil Holder

A Jelly Roll Friendly Project!

Never dig through your backpack or purse looking for your favorite pen again!

This quick little project clips onto a backpack, lanyard, planner, keychain, or tote bag so your favorite writing utensil is always within reach. It’s also a wonderful handmade teacher gift and a fantastic way to use up those long fabric strips left over from quilting projects.

Materials

1 Outer Fabric Strip – 11½” × 2½”
1 Lining Fabric Strip – 11½” × 2½”
1 Outer Fabric Strip – 3” × 1½” (Clasp Tab)
1 Piece Fusible Interfacing – 11” × 2”
Swivel clasp, lobster clasp, split ring, or key ring
Coordinating Thread
Wonder Clips or Pins
Iron & Ironing Board
Machine Used: NECCHI K132A Sewing Machine

Before You Begin

Iron your fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric strip, centering it so approximately ¼” of fabric remains around each edge. This little trick helps reduce bulk inside the seams while still giving your finished holder plenty of structure.

Next, let’s prepare the clasp tab.

Fold both long edges toward the center, then fold the strip in half again and press.

Topstitch along both long edges.

Slide your clasp onto the tab, fold the tab in half, and switch to your zipper foot.

Using the zipper foot, sew as close to the clasp ring as possible to secure it in place.

And just like that, your clasp tab is finished!

✂️ Beginner Sewing Tip: Don’t have a swivel clasp? No problem! Split key rings, lobster clasps, ribbon loops, or even a simple fabric loop all work beautifully for this project.

Let’s Start Sewing!

Lay your outer fabric strip right side up on your work surface.

Center your completed clasp tab along the top edge with the clasp pointing inward toward the middle of the fabric.

Now place your lining strip right side down on top, sandwiching the clasp tab between the two fabrics.

Clip or pin everything together.

Sew around both long sides and across the top using a ¼-inch seam allowance, leaving the bottom edge open for turning.

Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.

Trim away any excess seam allowance and clip both top corners, being careful not to cut into your stitches.

Now reach through the opening and gently pull the clasp through to turn the project right side out.

Use a point turner—or even a chopstick—to gently push out both corners until they’re nice and crisp.

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and give everything a good press.

Topstitch approximately ⅛ inch from the bottom edge to neatly close the turning opening.

Next, fold the bottom portion of the holder upward approximately 5 inches, creating the pocket for your pens or pencils.

Clip everything securely in place.

Topstitch around both sides and across the bottom, staying approximately ⅛ inch from the edge to finish the pocket.

That’s it!

Your Clip-On Pen & Pencil Holder is ready to use.

Attach it to a backpack, planner, tote bag, keychain, teacher lanyard, or anywhere you’d like to keep your favorite writing utensil close at hand.

⭐ Why We Love the NECCHI K132A for Projects Like This

Sometimes the simplest projects teach the most valuable sewing skills.

The NECCHI K132A makes beginner projects feel approachable thanks to features like:

✔ Adjustable stitch width and length

✔ Automatic needle threader

✔ Easy snap-on presser feet

✔ Lightweight 13-pound design

✔ Simple stitch selection dial

One of my favorite features during this project was being able to quickly switch from the all-purpose foot to the zipper foot when sewing the clasp tab. The snap-on feet make the change quick and easy, helping you spend less time adjusting your machine and more time creating.

Up Next…

Now that we’ve transformed a few fabric strips into a practical pen holder, let’s keep those scraps going!

Our next project introduces something many beginners have never sewn before—water-resistant fabric.

Don’t worry if it sounds intimidating. I’ll share several simple tips that make sewing with waterproof PUL surprisingly easy while we create one of my favorite reusable sewing projects.

Let’s make a reusable snack bag!

Reusable Snack Bags

Learn to Sew with Water-Resistant Fabric

Reusable snack bags are one of those projects you’ll find yourself making again and again.

They’re perfect for crackers, fruit, trail mix, sandwiches, craft supplies, travel organization, and so much more. Better yet, they’re a fantastic introduction to sewing with specialty fabrics.

Today’s bags feature a beautiful cotton exterior paired with an optional waterproof PUL lining, creating a reusable bag that’s easy to wipe clean while helping reduce disposable plastic bags.

Never sewn with waterproof fabric before? Don’t worry!

The NECCHI K132A makes this project surprisingly approachable, and I’ll share a few simple tricks that make sewing with PUL much less intimidating than it sounds.

Materials

¼ yard Quilting Cotton
¼ yard Waterproof PUL Fabric (optional)
6½” Sew-On Velcro
Coordinating Thread
Wonder Clips
Sharp Universal or Microtex Needle (80/12 recommended)
Machine Used: NECCHI K132A Sewing Machine

💧 Beginner Tips for Sewing with Waterproof Fabric

Waterproof PUL behaves a little differently than quilting cotton, but with a few simple adjustments you’ll be sewing confidently in no time.

Increase Your Stitch Length - One of the first things I recommend is increasing your stitch length to around 3–3.5 mm.

Longer stitches create fewer holes in the waterproof layer while also helping the fabric feed smoothly through your machine.

The K132A makes this adjustment quick and easy using its simple stitch dial controls.

Skip the Pins - Unlike quilting cotton, every pin hole you make in waterproof fabric is permanent.

Instead, use Wonder Clips to hold everything together.

They’re quicker, gentler on the fabric, and keep your waterproof lining looking its best.

Don’t Iron PUL - The waterproof coating can melt under high heat.

Instead of ironing, simply finger press your seams into place.

If you absolutely need to use an iron, always test on a scrap first and use the lowest synthetic setting with a pressing cloth.

Use a Sharp Needle - An 80/12 Universal or Microtex needle creates cleaner holes and helps prevent skipped stitches.

No Waterproof Fabric? No problem!

You can absolutely make these snack bags using two layers of quilting cotton.

They’ll still be washable, reusable, and perfect for everyday snacks.

✂️ Download the FREE Snack Bag Templates

Before we begin sewing, you’ll need your printable templates.

Inside you’ll find:

✔ Small Snack Bag Template

✔ Large Sandwich Bag Template

The large bag is perfect for sandwiches, while the smaller size is great for crackers, cookies, and other grab-and-go snacks.

Simply enter your email below and we’ll send both templates straight to your inbox!

Let’s Sew!

Begin by printing your template at 100% scale.

Before cutting your fabric, measure the 1-inch test square included on the template to ensure everything printed correctly.

Cut one outer fabric piece and one PUL lining piece using your template.

✂️ Sewing Tip: PUL can be a little slippery while cutting. Instead of pinning your template, try using pattern weights. Large metal washers from the hardware store make excellent inexpensive pattern weights and help keep everything from shifting.

I like placing the paper template underneath the PUL and trimming around it with a rotary cutter and ruler.

Don’t worry about trimming the curved corners perfectly on the PUL fabric just yet, we’ll clean those up after sewing.

Place the outer fabric right side up. Lay the waterproof lining right side down on top.

Clip around all the edges.

Remember…No pins!

Increase your stitch length to 3–3.5 mm before sewing.

Using a ¼-inch seam allowance, sew all the way around the bag, leaving approximately a 2-inch opening along the bottom edge for turning.

Trim your seam allowance down to approximately ⅛ inch, clipping the two bottom corners while leaving the opening untouched. You’ll need to keep the seam allowance here for closing the opening!

Turn the bag right side out through the opening.

Use your fingers to gently press the seams into place before carefully pushing out the corners with a point turner or chopstick.

💡 Beginner Tip: If your bag looks a little wrinkled after turning it right side out, don’t worry! Simply finger press the seams and shape the corners. Avoid ironing the waterproof lining.

Fold the opening seam allowance inward and clip it closed.

Topstitch approximately ⅛ inch from the edge to permanently close the opening.

Just like we did on our pen holder, moving your needle slightly to the left can make narrow topstitching much easier while helping your fabric feed evenly.

Using the placement lines on your printable template, position one side of your sew-on Velcro on the outer fabric.

Stitch around all four sides of the Velcro.

Repeat for the opposite piece of Velcro on the inside flap.

Fold the bottom of the bag upward following the fold line marked on your template.

Clip the sides together.

Topstitch around both sides and across the curved flap approximately ⅛ inch from the edge.

This final row of stitching secures the pocket while giving the bag a polished finish.

And just like that…Your reusable snack bag is finished!

Fill it with crackers, fruit, sandwiches, trail mix, craft supplies, or even sewing notions for your next class

Fabric Corner Bookmark

A Five-Minute Scrap Fabric Favorite

We couldn’t let all those little fabric scraps go to waste!

This adorable fabric corner bookmark is one of my favorite last-minute sewing projects. It comes together in just a few minutes and makes a thoughtful handmade gift for students, teachers, book lovers, or anyone who enjoys curling up with a good book.

It’s also a wonderful way to practice sewing corners, turning projects right side out, and topstitching, all essential sewing skills you’ll use again and again.

Materials

2 Outer Fabric Squares — 4¼” × 4¼”
1 Pocket Fabric Square — 4¼” × 4¼”
1 Piece Fusible Interfacing — 3¾” × 3¾” (Optional)

Let’s Sew!

Begin by ironing the interfacing to the wrong side of one outer fabric square, centering it so approximately ¼ inch remains around each edge.

Fold your pocket fabric square in half diagonally and press.

Place the interfaced square right side up.

Position the folded triangle on top, aligning all the raw edges.

Finally, place your remaining outer square right side down to complete the fabric sandwich.

Clip everything together.

Using a ¼-inch seam allowance, sew around all four sides, leaving a small opening along one edge that doesn’t include the pocket layer.

Trim the excess seam allowance and clip all four corners.

Turn the bookmark right side out through the opening.

Use a point turner or chopstick to gently push out each corner.

Fold the opening inward and give everything a good press.

Topstitch ⅛ inch from the edge all the way around the bookmark to close the opening and create a crisp finished edge.

That’s it!

Slip the corner over the page of your favorite book and enjoy a handmade bookmark you’ll reach for again and again.

Or better yet…Make a few!

These are wonderful gifts, and once you make one, it’s hard to stop.

You’ve officially transformed a handful of fabric scraps into three practical projects, and hopefully learned a few new sewing techniques along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the snack bags without waterproof fabric?

Absolutely! While PUL creates a water-resistant lining that’s great for sandwiches and snacks, you can also make these bags using two layers of quilting cotton or flannel. They’ll still be reusable, washable, and perfect for dry snacks or organizing small items.

What if I don’t have a zipper foot?

Only the pen holder uses the zipper foot to sew close to the clasp. If needed, you can carefully sew this area using your all-purpose foot, although the zipper foot makes it much easier to get close to the hardware.

Are these projects beginner friendly?

Yes! These projects were specifically chosen to introduce new techniques without feeling overwhelming. They’re quick to complete, require very little fabric, and are perfect for building confidence behind the sewing machine.

Can I personalize these projects?

Definitely! Try adding:

🧵 Decorative stitches
🪡 Machine embroidery
🏷️ Name labels
✨ Appliqué
🎀 Decorative ribbon

These simple additions make wonderful personalized gifts for students, teachers, family, and friends.

What fabrics work best?

Quilting cotton is perfect for all three projects. For the snack bags, we recommend pairing quilting cotton with waterproof PUL for added durability, but two layers of cotton work beautifully as well.

Featured Machine - Meet the NECCHI K132A

Every project in today’s Scrap Saver Collection was sewn using the NECCHI K132A, proving that you don’t need an expensive sewing machine to create beautiful handmade projects.

Whether you’re learning to sew for the first time or looking for a dependable everyday machine, the K132A combines simplicity with features that help your skills grow from one project to the next.

Throughout today’s projects we used the K132A to:

🧵 Topstitch narrow edges with confidence

🪡 Sew close to hardware using the included zipper foot

✂️ Adjust stitch length when sewing waterproof fabric

📚 Create smooth, consistent stitches on everything from quilting cotton to PUL

It’s lightweight enough to take to sewing classes, retreats, or a friend’s house, yet feature-rich enough to become the machine you reach for every day.

Why Beginners Love the K132A

✔ 32 built-in utility and decorative stitches

✔ Adjustable stitch width

✔ Adjustable stitch length

✔ Automatic needle threader

✔ Easy stitch selection dial

✔ Automatic bobbin winding

✔ Snap-on presser feet

✔ Adjustable upper thread tension

✔ Lightweight 13-pound design

✔ Smooth, dependable stitching up to 1,000 stitches per minute

Whether you’re sewing your very first project or your fiftieth, the K132A is designed to make every step feel approachable.

Continue Your Sew in Style Journey

Every project in the Sew in Style Back-to-School series is designed to help you build new sewing skills while creating practical projects you’ll actually use.

From personalized binder covers to zipper pouches and now these scrap-friendly accessories, each tutorial introduces new techniques that make your next project feel even easier.

Be sure to explore the rest of the series for more free tutorials, downloadable project guides, beginner sewing tips, and creative inspiration.

👉 Browse the Sew in Style Collection