I love scraps because …. I always have a lot of them! I don’t think many quilters are actually without scraps. When I cut out a project, I usually end up with basket by the side of my cutting table looking like this:
Yeah, this mess … it’s one part wanting to get to sewing my project and 3 parts laziness. I really need to sort out the strips. I usually sort them into containers based on whether they are a color print or a tan print and if they are a full width of fabric (40″) strip or just a piece of a strip. Here’s one of the bags I use to contain my strips:
So what can you do with all these leftover strips? I like to design patterns with log cabin blocks. 
And 1 1/2″ and 2 1/2″ strips are great to make a very scrappy log cabin quilt. I used mine to make a Courthouse Steps Log Cabin block (above). Of course you can also use them to make traditional Log Cabin blocks as well.
Another great use for leftover strips are pieced borders. Especially if you finish a project, have lots of fabric left over and you want to make it bigger. This example below is the piano key style strip border created by using 2 1/2″ strips.
Another option is to mix pieces cut from 2 1/2″ and 1 1/2″ strips to make a unique border.
Finally another use for my strips is to make scrappy binding. What a great way to use up the fabric from a project! And you do not have to buy additional fabric for a binding.
If it does not work to cut a leftover piece of fabric into strips, I separate those pieces by color and put them into bins to use in appliqué projects. Instead of having to cut into a larger piece of fabric for a small flower, I just dig into my appliqué bin of the appropriate color!
Here’s some of those bins:
Another way I put scraps to use is to use them to make test blocks. I make these when I am trying out color ideas for a block. Instead of cutting into “fresh” fabric, I dig through my scraps for colors I want to audition and make the block. I can even make two or three different variations. Once I have chosen the color combo I want, I can purchase the fabric and make the quilt with no worries. This is also a great idea because it familiarizes you with the pattern instructions before you tackle the whole project.
When you are done with the test blocks, you can add a few scrappy borders to it and have an instant mini quilt! They make great gifts! Here’s one I made a few years ago:
So do you want to try a scrap quilt and are not sure how to get started? Try a “planned” scrap quilt. Take a quilt pattern for a quilt made with one block make each block separately using different colors (but still coordinating). Another way to get scrappier is to do it while buying fabric. If a pattern calls for 1 yard of blue, consider buying 4 fat quarters in different blues or other colors in that color family. Do the same for the other colors in the pattern. You’ve instantly made it scrappier!
The key to enjoying scrap quilting is to let go and have fun! Buy smaller cuts of fabric in many colors from your local quilt shop instead of larger cuts of just one color. Once you build up a stash, it’s fun to go “shopping” there and experiment.
***Share with me your ideas on scraps! I’d love to hear from you. I’ll pick a winner from the comments to receive my scrappiest pattern, Scrappy North Stars!*** Winner will be chosen next week. ***We have a winner! Yvette Borden. Congrats!***
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
I am terrible with using my scraps but I am a great saver of them.😁
Sometimes I think I keep too many around too! I can’t bring myself to throw any fabric out.
I like to use scraps making disappearing nine patches, you can use any size squares and any color makes them interesting.
Sounds like fun!
Love using scraps. Some of them are used in charity quilts I make for a camp for foster children. Can’t bear to toss anything but the smallest bits.
Great use of your scraps!
Strip quilts can be made with any length of strips sewn together, even using two or three strips to make the proper lengths
Yes they can. And scrappy strip quilts can be beautiful!
I love scraps! I have them separated by color as best I can. I just finished appliquing some blocks using scraps. I like using different colors of green for leaves. It seems to give a nice look to them. I also like using scraps from previous quilts because I like to remember that quilt through the new quilt with it’s scraps.
I like using lots of different greens in my applique too.
Log cabin pattern is what I bnb use to scrap bust this massive pile I have.
My favorite block!
I. Have started using my scraps and actually completed 2 quilts with them. Love to save those bits and pieces!
It’s really fun to use them up!
There’s been many times I’ve used my scraps for other things also. Just yesterday I repaired my chihuahua ‘s harness. … with scrap ISU fabric, of course!
Cool! I know people who use little scraps to stuff dog or cat beds for their local shelter.
I use them in almost every quilt but still keeping with the organized scrap theme. The more different fabrics the better for me. Thanks for sharing your inspiration on scraps.
The organized scrappy is easier for me but still just as nice as a unplanned scrappy.
I’m drowning in scraps but have never made a ‘truly’ scrap quilt even tho I love them. You have inspired me to get those scraps out and get going. Would love to do a log cabin and I’m in love with your North Stars pattern. Hope I win!!!
Glad to be an inspiration!
Haha. I thought I was the only one.
There’s a lot of us that can’t part with even the smallest piece of fabric! 🙂
Hope to have enough scraps one day to be able to make a scrap quilt. As a new quilter, don’t have them yet.
That’s part of the fun when I cut out a quilt… stashing the scraps and imagining what I will make from them.
Love scraps have a lot of them need patterns to use them up or ideas
Log Cabin blocks are a great start!
I love to use scraps for applique!! You sways need just a little piece but they work great for small quilts too!
Exactly. I love to dig through my applique fabric scraps to find that perfect piece for a flower or leaf.
I sort the scraps by color. They get used for applique projects, pot holders, placemats, tote bags and test blocks. Then I use the test blocks to make pot holders.
Great idea for the test blocks. Instant gift too!
I keep my scraps in plastic shoeboxes labeled by color. When it gets full, I just begin on another. I use these a lot for applique so I do not have to make funky cuts in the corner on a large piece of fabric. The variety in my scrap box is 10 times the variety in my stash. Try sharing scraps with another quilter. That doubles the variety!!
Great idea about sharing with another quilter.
I cut up all my fabric leftovers into squares Someday I plan on making me 1 inch postage stamp quilt with the rest I make community service quilts. I use anything else i can for crumb quilts. The little leftovers i use to stuff pet beds for my local animal shelter. No waste ever! I use everything
I’ve never done a crumb quilt but would like to try someday.
I love scraps! My favorite thing to use scraps for other than in a quilt is for pincushions. I love pincushions! A project I have always wanted to make is a “scrapbook” to remember all the fabrics over the years, but have not got that far. I’m still in the thinking process. 😉
Cathy J ♥
Pincushions are a great use of scraps!
I usually buy 1/2 yard of each when I shop. That way I have a variety. Sometimes though, I need more than what is there. But most of the time, I end up with smaller scraps. Love the quilt pattern you are giving away. It is beautiful!
That’s what I usually buy …. unless I really, really love the fabric!
I have even been known to dig scraps out of the garbage cans at quilt retreats. I am working on a small dresden plate quilt with all those scraps. My friends will be jealous when they see it all done. This will be the third quilt I have made like this. The other two were gifted to my two daughters. Happy scrapping!
“Garbage” diving for scraps has been done at many of the retreats I’ve been to. Some people do not like scraps and toss.
My most favorite quilts are scrappy quilts….finishing a scrappy quilt called the Rainbow Quilt. My next quilt I make is scrappy. My motto is BRING ON THE SCRAPS!
My motto too!
I often use scraps for testing blocks, especially if the designer has called for a different way to do the piecing. Scrappy log cabins are great too.
Test blocks are great and a good way to understand the designers instructions.
I use scraps in almost every quilt I make.
Yay!
I love scraps. Love to see all the colors working together. I often make string quilts. I gave my daughter in law and my granddaughter scraps to “create” and loved watching both of them excited, ready to create. I shared memories of different scraps. It was fun selecting scraps and sharing my love of my scraps.
Great way to connect with your daughter and granddaughter!
I love scrappy quilts. I have a ton of scraps and the more I use it seems like the more I have. (I think they multiply when I’m not looking.) 😀 I like making strip quilts, log cabin quilts, crumb quilts and the scrappier the better. It’s no thinking sewing, just grab a piece and sew it on.
That’s the fun of scrap quilting. No thinking required!
I love scraps, so much in fact I buy them by the lb! Now what to do with them , sew them on paper to make string quilts
Love string quilts!
I love scraps and use them often to make scrappy quilts or fabric postcards or mug rugs , the list goes on .
Love the small projects that can be made from scraps. It’s fun to get something done!
I need to organize my scraps but lately I’ve been using them for small projects such as mug rugs which are so popular now. They also are used for pet mats for the cages at humane societys. The animals care for comfort not so much patterns. 😉 The tiny pieces are given to a group that use them for stuffing. Some strips I use in my veggie & flower gardens to tie plants to stakes.
Great uses for your scraps!
I also sort by TYPE, such as traditional material, fun- modern, youth type and 30s reproduction mtl. 3 basic types
Sounds like you are really organized!
I have been using my scraps to make string blocks. I am using my treadle sewing machine for this. I love it! So relaxing.
I’m so excited to be picked as your winner! Thank you so very much!!
I have several totes, tubs and shoe boxes full of scraps. I really need to use them. I am getting ready to make a scrappy quilt, however, that is really not even going to put a dent into my stash.