If you’ve got a pile of leftover quilt blocks that didn’t quite make the cut for a quilt top — don’t toss them! Turn those pretties into something quick and useful instead.
These little fabric bookmarks are the perfect scrap-busting project and come together in just a few minutes.
No piecing, no fuss — just a clever way to give your orphan blocks a new life.
Why You’ll Love This Project
These bookmarks are one of those satisfying projects where you blink and you’re done. They’re:
★ Quick – 10 minutes, tops.
★ Easy – Straight stitching and simple layering.
★ Scrappy-friendly – Perfect for leftovers or charm squares.
★ Practical – Everyone can use a bookmark (or five).
They’re also a great beginner sewing project — small enough to practice stitching and straight seams, but still cute enough to show off.
I made the three fabric bookmarks with one quilt block that measured unfinished 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2
Use What You Have
This project is all about using what’s already in your stash. Pull out a leftover quilt block, trim it down, and pair it with a scrap of backing fabric. Add a bit of ribbon or twill tape for the tab and you’ve got yourself a bookmark!
It’s the kind of project that makes you feel productive without creating another UFO.
Perfect for Gifts
Need a quick gift for a friend, teacher, or book club buddy? These bookmarks sew up so fast you can make a whole set in one sitting. Bundle a few with a good book or a notebook for an easy handmade present.
They also make fun extras to tuck in with quilt swaps or fabric trades.
Watch the Video Tutorial
You can see the full step-by-step tutorial in the video below — I’ll walk you through how I made mine using a leftover quilt block and a few simple stitches.
How to sew the fabric bookmarks
1- Dig through your stash of quilt blocks and find one that you like. The one I chose was 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (I got 3 bookmarks out of it)
2- Cut a 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ piece out of the stabilizer. You can use this as a template if you’d like as well.
3- Using the template, place it on the block and cut out your front and back of the bookmark
4- Choose a ribbon, cut it to 3″
5- Lay the front or top of the bookmark on top of the stabilizer, stitch a few lines so secure them together
6- Place the ribbon at the top, center of the bookmark. Lay right sides together the front and back, pin to secure
7- Stitch all the way around the four sides… LEAVE an opening on one side around 3″. Snip the corners and trim if you need
8- Turn right sides out and push the corners out
9- Fold the opening inside and press the whole bookmark flat
10- Stitch all the way around the bookmark to close the opening and finish the project
Don’t let those orphan quilt blocks sit in the drawer any longer! This DIY fabric bookmark is proof that even the smallest leftovers can turn into something adorable (and useful).
Quick to sew, fun to make, and totally stash-friendly — that’s my kind of project.
More Quilt Block Projects
Make a bunny with a leftover quilt block – it’s great for any occasion.
Make a key card or keychain with those small Half square triangles.
Zipper change purse – perfect for those leftover flying geese.
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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