Fabric Heart Cards (A Scrap Fabric Sewing Project)
Hi! My name is Lisa from Millie & Bun Designs, where I create modern geometric quilt patterns inspired by nature and architecture. I’m so excited to be a guest here and share one of my favorite ways to use up fabric scraps: fabric heart cards.
There’s something especially meaningful about receiving a handmade card. I first came up with this idea when I had a few notes to write to some special quilt friends. I gathered a pile of pink scraps, drafted a small heart template, and started sewing.
Because these hearts are made using improv piecing, every card is completely one of a kind. With Valentine’s Day coming up, these make perfect “I Love You” cards—but they also work beautifully for thank you notes, anniversaries, birthdays, or just because.
What You’ll Need
Fabric scraps (pinks and whites are lovely, but any color palette works!)
Heart template (free download when you join the Millie & Bun Designs newsletter)
Fabric scissors and/or rotary cutter
(A 28mm rotary cutter is especially helpful for curves)Pins
Ruler
Sewing machine
Thread
Iron
A6 size plain cards
Alphabet stamps
Stamp pad
Step 1: Gather & Sort Your Fabric Scraps
I chose a pink and white color palette, but there are no rules here. Use colors and prints you enjoy seeing together. Because the heart template is small, using smaller scraps helps add variety and visual interest.
Step 2: Improv Piecing the Fabric Hearts
I improv piece my fabric hearts and let the scraps guide the design. If improv feels intimidating, don’t overthink it—just start pairing fabrics and see what looks good together.
Helpful Improv Piecing Tips
Don’t be afraid to cut freely (safely!).
Sometimes I sew pieces together and then cut them again to create new shapes.I use a ruler to straighten edges but don’t measure anything precisely.
Prep multiple pieces at once so you can chain piece.
I press seams open to reduce bulk.
I often create larger fabric sections so I can cut multiple hearts from one piece.
Step 3: Cutting Out the Fabric Hearts
Download and print the free heart template. I like to print a few copies so I can cut multiple hearts at once.
Pin the paper template to your pieced fabric and carefully cut around the heart using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.
Once the hearts are cut, remove the paper template and trim any loose threads or fabric bits on the back. This helps prevent anything from peeking out while sewing.
Give the heart a good steamy press so it lays flat.
Step 4: Sewing the Heart Onto the Card
Open your card and place the fabric heart on the front wherever you like. I recommend starting to sew in the middle dip of the heart, using about a ⅛” seam allowance.
A walking foot can be helpful, but a standard presser foot works just fine.
Tip: You may want to use an older needle when sewing through paper.
Work slowly around the heart, stopping with the needle down to pivot as needed. I don’t backstitch—just overlap your stitches slightly at the beginning and end.
Step 5: Stamping the Message
Before stamping, I like to lay everything out on scrap paper or cardboard to test spacing and pressure.
Now stamp away! These cards are perfect for thank you notes, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just-because messages.
Final Thoughts
This is one of my favorite ways to use up fabric scraps while creating something meaningful and personal. Each card is unique, and the improv process makes it so much fun.
If you make some fabric heart cards, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @millieandbundesigns or stop by my website and say hi.
Happy sewing! 
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