DIY pocket friends from scrap fabric – keep my craft habit going

If you have a stash of small scraps and no idea what to do with them, this is a quick win project. These little pocket friends are not only fun to make, but are sure to bring a smile and sense of comfort to whoever holds them.

They’re simple enough to sew in an afternoon, and you don’t need perfect stitches to look good — slightly uneven ones often end up being favorites. I’ll walk you through the process step by step, plus some easy ways to customize them.

Why you’ll love this project

• It uses fabric scraps that you would normally throw away
• A beginner-friendly sewing project with minimal cutting (but can also be done with fabric glue or a hot glue gun)
• Quick to make – perfect for group crafting sessions
• Great as handmade gifts, stocking stuffers or children’s toys
• It works like a scented sachet with dried herbs or lavender

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Required materials

• Woven fabric (we used leftover quilting fabrics, 100% cotton) in a variety of colors and patterns
• Stuffing or topping (we used a mix of polyfill and cut fabric scraps, BUT you could also use uncooked beans or rice for a more tangible pocket friend)
• Sewing machine and suitable thread
• Fabric scissors
• Felt sheets in a color of your choice (we used golden yellow, red)
• Small buttons
• Hot glue gun or fabric glue

How to make chicken pocket friends from scrap metal

Slicing

Cut small rectangular pieces (approximately 1” wide x 2.5” tall). Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and then cut the short ends at an angle as shown.

Sewing

Align the pieces RIGHT sides together and sew the outer edges together with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving a small gap on one side. Backstitch the beginning and end of the seam to secure.

Pinch the corners to reduce bulk.

Turn the piece RIGHT side out. Place some padding through the gap opening until the desired fullness is achieved.

Once you’re happy with the amount of stuffing, sew the opening closed with a column stitch or hot glue gun.

Cut wing shapes from the fabric scraps in contrasting patterns for each chicken.

Cut the beak and crown of the chicken into the felt sheets, two of each shape.

Glue the beak and crown of the chicken to the higher corner as shown using a hot glue gun.

Then glue the wings to the sides of the chickens.

Finally, glue the buttons in place for the eyes.

Repeat to make as many small pocket chickens as you want.

Choice of fabric and texture

Quilting scraps are the easiest to work with, especially if you’re new to sewing. Mixing patterns – floral motifs, gingham or polka dots – gives each chicken a little personality. If your fabric is too thin, double it or add interfacing.

Size and shape options

You can zoom in on the template for a larger plush version like we did here or keep them small for pocket-sized friends.

Add personality

• Use uncooked beans or rice as a filling instead of a soft pad
• Add a loop at the top to turn them into hanging decorations or farmhouse Christmas tree ornaments!

Other ways to display these DIY Pocket Buddies

These little chickens are surprisingly versatile once you start placing them around the house.

• Kitchen shelf decoration idea: Place a few along a windowsill or open shelf for a cozy farmhouse feel.
• Gift decoration idea: Place one in a basket of homemade goodies or candles for a carefully handcrafted touch.
• Seasonal styling: Add pastel fabrics for spring or brighter tones for a summer table.

You can also group them in an odd number for a more natural, stylized look – it makes a big difference visually.

Spring Chicken Pocket Buddies

These DIY Fabric Scrap Pocket Chicken Friends are the project you’ll keep coming back to when your scrap pile starts growing again. They are quick, flexible and a little addictive to make. If you try a batch, it’s worth mixing colors and sizes to see what you like best. Don’t forget to save or pin this for later – this is one of those ideas you’ll want to have on hand.

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