Livin' the Scrappy Life - Four Ways to Use Small Scraps

All quilters have it. The ever-growing bin of scraps that we swear we'll someday do something with. Maybe there's something in the psychology of creative types where we can't stand the idea of getting rid of something that might someday be useful in our projects. Or, maybe some of those fabrics have come to symbolize an important person or time in our lives. Or, maybe some fabrics are just so cute/pretty/unique that we have a hard time convincing ourselves to use them. No matter the reason, the stash of scraps just keeps growing and growing. After many years of quilting, I've come up several ways to use scraps. I organize my scraps according to the following four patterns. My system of organizing is not the only system, of course, but I hope reading about it will inspire others to tackle their own stash.

I use different size scraps for different kinds of projects. So the first thing I do is sort scraps by size. For example, I sometimes use scraps in more traditional quilt designs. I regularly collect patterns that start with pieces at 5" x 5" or smaller. From these, I use a mix of scraps in similar color schemes to achieve an overall color story, but without using the exact same fabrics in each block. An easy one to do is the Bow Tie pattern (see a great tutorial here). I seem to accumulate a lot of blues and purples in my scrap stash, so here is a baby quilt I made with this pattern, using all scraps from other projects. Because I collect these patterns, I keep all scraps that are at least 5" x 5" in a separate box.

Most of my scraps are smaller than 5" x 5" inches, though, and I still want to use them. I find a simple patchwork quilt to be so satisfying. I keep all pieces that are smaller than 5" x 5" but at least 3" x 3" in a separate box for patchwork quilts. Some I make traditionally (as in the first picture below). For others I off-set the blocks to give it more movement (and avoid worrying about matching up corners -- see second picture of a work in progress). I love making these with 3" squares and I've taken to making about one a year that has pieces from every fabric I've used in the quilts I made that year. I don't worry about coordinating colors or perfecting every seam. I make these for the joy of using fabrics in a way that allows me to keep them in my memory. One of my favorite things to do is sit with one of these patchwork quilts on my lap and think about all the quilts I've made. It's even better when someone sits with me and wants to ask about particular pieces!

 Many of my scraps are actually strips of fabric instead of square blocks. These strips are perfect for Quilt As You Go Strip designs. Here is a very detailed set of directions, if you don't know this design. The basic idea is that you sew strips of fabric onto the batting and backing as you are attaching the strips to one another. It's a very quick way to put together quilts, but it can also be nice for other home items. I recently made placemats for my partner's very large family using this pattern. Each person got their own set of colors and each strip had a story to tell. The great thing about using this pattern for placemats is that you don't need strips that are very long, making it perfect for using up some of my scraps. I set aside scraps that are at least 9" long, no matter the width for this pattern.

I like to use up every bit of workable fabric I have, so the final way I use scraps is a bit unconventional, but it's actually my favorite. All pieces that are smaller than 3" in any direction or oddly shaped are saved for what I call Chaos designs. It probably has an official name. And I know other quilters achieve the same final look with paper piecing, but I prefer a more... artistic approach. I start with a small-ish triangle and sew contrasting pieces to each side. I keep doing that until the blob is too big for the scraps I'm using, and then I start another one. After making several of these blobs, I cut them up and sew them back together in various configurations. The end result looks a bit like shattered glass to me. I have used resulting panels for quilts, placemats, wall-hangings, and pillows. I keep the fabrics for this design organized by sorting the small/odd pieces into into color groups and store them in small tubs.

Even After making all of these things, I still sometimes have pieces that are too small to sew. I have made a commitment to throwing away as little as I can (of everything), so I use these tiny scraps as filler for dog beds. I mix in actual stuffing to keep them from getting too lumpy. I like to imagine that my dogs can smell all my hard sewing work when they lay on the beds. They are quite the sewing helpers!