Let’s talk about fabric scraps! Over the last few weeks, I have been hosting the Scrappy Spring Sew Along and today I want to dedicate a whole blog post to sorting and storing scraps. Scrappy quilts are not only better for the environment (and your wallet!), but they really represent the spirit and history of quilting as a craft.
What counts as a scrap?
When I finish working on a project, I sort through anything larger than about 2”x2” and organize them by color. Anything larger than about 12” I will put back with my yardage pieces, which I store in an old dresser that I refurbished.
How to keep them organized
I sort all my scraps by color and store them in rope baskets on shelf in my sewing studio. You may find that keeping them in a clear plastic drawers or linen closet organizers works better for you. I also have a whole list of sewing room organization and storage ideas here.
If I notice that any of my bins are looking overly full, I will look for a good scrap project to use them up. English Paper Piecing and Foundation Paper Piecing projects are usually great for this!
Don’t forget those “special” scraps
There is one other category of scraps that I sort and store separately. And that is the scraps from any super special quilts that I make, for example baby quilts, wedding quilts, etc. When I finish a one of these projects, I will store those scraps in zipper bags (I use these) and label them. I love to take the scraps from these milestone quilts and turn them into additional keepsakes. For example, I have used the scrap fabric from my children’s baby quilts and turned them wall hanging for my sewing studio. I also love to take the scraps from a baby quilt and make them into Christmas ornaments for Baby’s 1st Christmas (the same can be done for a wedding quilt!). These make such special gifts and if you keep the fabric stored together, you will thank yourself later! You can click here for a link to the tutorial that I made for these ornaments!
I'd love to hear what creative ways you store and use your scraps! Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!
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