willferg

I have a number of half yard pieces of fabric, and I'm thinking about turning them into precuts. I'd love to hear thoughts on the most efficient way to do so. Right now, I'm thinking to cut two 2.5 strips x wot for future jelly roll projects, then four 10" squares that can be used or turned into charms. Assuming a perfect 18" half yard piece and no cutting errors (not likely, but still) that leaves me with a 3" strip. Maybe another jelly roll strip? Or are there other configurations that you would do?

I know that I could leave it as is until I know what I want to use it for, but I don't want to do that because I think I will just let it sit forever while I admire it. I have enough other fabric serving that purpose

SuziSew

I think someone posted this in links and resources too, might give you a few ideas.

http://janesquilting.blogspot.com/20...-formulas.html

ManiacQuilter2

You need to think of what patterns you want to make and then go with the instructions.

Just Jan

I don't precut my half yards. Depending on the pattern, sometimes I need a full width of fabric and other times I need a fat quarter or less. You will get "more bang for your buck" by leaving them in half yard pieces, and they are easier to store by putting them all in one place and sorting them by color.

QuiltnNan

yes, i posted that. glad you found it useful enough to keep

Tartan

A lot of people do cut up their fabric or scraps. I like to leave mine until I have a project in mind. Do you have a lot of jelly roll patterns you want to do? 1/2 yards and fat quarters are great for the Dissappearing Hourglass pattern.

Geri B

How? Disappearing hourglass?

dunster

I don't cut anything up until I know what I want to use it for. However if you want to have pre-cut scraps, you might check out Bonnie Hunter's system. http://quiltville.com/scrapusersystem.shtml

Tartan

The Disappearing Hourglass pattern is one Jenny Doan did for the Missouri Star quilt co. Hers was smaller but I did a tutorial for a larger block. It is posted in tutorials under Disappearing Hourglass 12 and 1/2. I made one block using a light 10 inch square and a coloured 10 inch square. A half yard of dark fabric would probably yield about 8 blocks paired with a half yard of light fabric. There are lots of versions on QB of this pattern and they all turned out great.

sewbeadit

I cut up my small pieces into strips of varying sizes and put them in their own container. I hate having those small pieces stuck in with my larger fabrics, just hiding there.