luvstoquilt301

I struggled with this problem for quite sometime. Then I found the Creative Grids Scrap Crazy Template set. As soon as I am done with a project I cut up the scraps using these templates. I have 3 categories--patriotic----kids---floral. If it does not fit those---it gets tossed. I also save 2 1/2 in strips if they are at least half a width of fabric for scrappy binding. Here is a quilt made using those blocks. My sewing room is 8 x 8 so I cannot have containers full of things.

MissM

I am guilty of not organizing my scraps and accumulated a huge bin of scraps. So when my machine had to go in for a checkup and was gone for 2 weeks I did begin to tackle that bin. I got hallway through it before my machine returned. I just cut mine into blocks or strips whichever I could get with the least waste of fabric. Then I saved the tiny pieces and gave to a friend who does miniature quilts. Nothing wasted!

ManiacQuilter2

I am not much of a scrap quilter so I pass them onto friends who are.

AngeliaNR

I cut 7", 5", 3.5" squares, and strips (odd sizes) for string quilts. For me, these are the sizes I use most. I'll save FQ size or larger unless I'm just tired of the fabric; if so, I cut it. Think about what you will use and cut accordingly. Mine are organized by size, but that isn't likely the best for everyone--color is probably better for most.

Sewnoma

I LOVE scrappy quilts. Almost all of my quilts end up scrappy to some degree or another. To me, that's what patchwork quilts are all about! I have a few garment sewing friends who save all their cotton scraps for me, I am always THRILLED to get a bag full of "new" scraps!

If you have scraps you just don't want to use, don't feel obliged to keep them. Sell them, give them away, or trade them for some yardage you'll be happy to use.

Sometimes schools or senior centers will take scraps too.

Mariposa

Marcy, I used to be in similar situation. Then one day, I decided to make a couple mini quilts using scraps, and friends really like them. Instant gifts! I also joined in some swaps here on the board, and used included scraps in those. Mug rugs, mini quilts, table runners, etc. are great to use some scraps. I also make crumb blocks with scraps or leftovers, and when I have enough crumb blocks, I add a solid, and make quilts for the homeless or needy. They appreciate them, and I've cleared out some. I also use Bonnie Hunter's system...www.quiltville.com. Hope you find a few solutions that work for you!

AngeliaNR

I hadn't seen these templates before--May have to give Santa a hint!

mimstrel

I tend to jumble. Any "scrap" larger than 4.5"x4.5" gets a 4.5" square cut out of it, the others either get stitched together at random and cut into 4.5" squares (later to be pieced together at random into a blanket), or get tossed into the ziplock bag that I source my paper piecing bits from. I'm doing a 3/4" grandmother's flower garden, so I can use some fairly little scraps.

I'm also one of those people who will take in orphaned scraps of woven cotton fabric.

MsHeirloom

I do have some scraps cut into precut sizes and have studied every system ever described in a book or article. Most of my scraps, however, are sorted into 10 bins by color. I just made a beautiful Delectable Mountains quilt top- shown here without the borders. I was so glad that I hadn't cut my scraps into a "system" as I started with 9" blocks and likely would not have had enough precuts anywhere near that size. Just saying. What works for some, may not work for everyone. I LOVE "scrappy quilts," even if I start with all new fabrics.p

MsHeirloom

Pictures of my Delectable Mountain quilt in progress.[ATTACH=CONFIG]529076[/ATTACH]