Free scrap size ?
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
I agree with Anna. I personally don't usually go smaller than 2.5" square (mini charm). Smaller than that is usable, but a hassle to try to keep track of/store/sort through so unless I had immediate plans for something smaller, I wouldn't want it.
In addition to string/crumb quilts, applique often uses lots of tiny pieces. I'm working on the Calico Garden pattern right now & the blocks themselves are 3" square with tiny appliques inside each square. I'm hoping I can find a pack of 1950's mini charms to add to the diversity of fabrics in my quilt, but I suppose if I were able to get scraps from someone with LQS quality 50's repro fabrics, I'd take them as small as 1" square.
In addition to string/crumb quilts, applique often uses lots of tiny pieces. I'm working on the Calico Garden pattern right now & the blocks themselves are 3" square with tiny appliques inside each square. I'm hoping I can find a pack of 1950's mini charms to add to the diversity of fabrics in my quilt, but I suppose if I were able to get scraps from someone with LQS quality 50's repro fabrics, I'd take them as small as 1" square.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I make foundation-pieced crazy quilts, so I can use virtually any size or shape piece! As long as some fabric will show once I put in my seams, I can use it; and if it's a batik I will sometimes just topstitch it down and leave the raw edges exposed so I can REALLY use tiny pieces there. Some people do a lot of applique with itty bitty pieces too. So I think it will really vary from person to person.
#8
I sew all the tiny pieces together, cut that into 5" squares, and then use the squares on a white background to make a scrappy quilt. As long as some fabric shows after the seam, I'm good. It's a peaceful, calming thing to work on in times of stress or when I'm not feeling well.
#10
I'm one of those who can barely throw any fabric away... Definitely not if it is big enough for a seam allowance! And I've now started collecting even smaller pieces, especially from any fabric with gold printing. I use gold thread to zig-zag them onto batting scraps and made a mug rag out of it!
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dolores
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11-08-2010 01:16 PM