Scrap Organization
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 914
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How do all of you quilters organize your scraps? I've started cutting my scraps into Bonnie Hunter's Scrap User's system, which is working great for the larger scraps.
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...rs-system.html
I am unsure how to organize the odd bits. By color, by size, or some other method? What is the smallest scrap you save?
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...rs-system.html
I am unsure how to organize the odd bits. By color, by size, or some other method? What is the smallest scrap you save?
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,063
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The smallest scrap I save is 1 1/2 inch squares. I am planning on doing a postage stamp quilt. I also make doll quilts though so I dip into that basket a lot. I have 1 1/2 inch squares, 2 inch squares, 4 inch squares 4 1/2 inch squares and 5 inch squares. I don't really have strips, as I don't usually have the width of fabric (wof) for those.
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,095
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Let's say I'm working on 2.5 squares. I put each color in a zip lock bag by themselves, then all 2.5 zip lock bags in a bin . Same thing with other sizes - I cut 1.5, 2.5 and 5.0 by WOF strips. Each color in a bag, all the bags of the same size in a bin together. Fat quarters and sorted into bins by color. I love the bonnie hunter system.
#5
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I use to save everything by color in clear plastic totes because an did lots of appliqué, plus where I lived, I had NO access to fabric shops. This year, I have made about 100 purses/totes, none are the same, so I have TONS AND TONS of scraps!! So far, they aren't organized yet, but I will probably do it by color again. I just never pre cut them into anything, because I never know how I will use them, or If I will use them. I sold a large batch here on the board earlier in the year, and in all probability, do I again. I just don't see how I will get a chance to use them with the other projects an have lined up. I feel I am literally drowning in scraps at the moment!
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,812
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I don't think I am at the point of storing scraps yet. When I cut fabric, I put the smaller pieces into an oval metal tub that is about 10" high and 20" long. About a month ago I took them all out and ironed them and neatly put them in piles in that tub. These are about 6" and up to less than a FQ. Bigger pieces get folded into the fabric yardage and placed back in the cabinets. Strings, tiny pieces, selvages, and scraps from each quilt are scrunched into a ball, put in a paper bag, and then handed over to my sister. I do landscape quilts and applique, but I prefer taking from the larger pieces. My sister does scrapbooking, rag quilts and scrap quilts. I will let her have all the glory of going through those tiny bits of fabric scraps.
#8
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,061
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I try to use as many of my scraps as I can as soon as I finish my main project. For instance...I made a quilt top, then used the scraps to make a purse, two Kindle covers, and two mug rugs. Very few scraps left to worry about. Also keeps my gift drawer supplied with handy dandy gifts to use at a moments notice.
#9
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I just started using the scraps I cut using Bonnie's ideas and found that I have a problem when I get to sashing, borders, binding. All my pieces that coordinate are cut up too small. I'm going to think about that and make some changes.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,250
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I have a box I save all my scraps, strips, etc. in. I separate the childrens fabrics from the rest of the scraps.
When I start a new scrap quilt, I look here first to see what I can use. I don't keep anything under 2 inch squares.
I keep them in stacks so the fabric is neat and not all wrinkled. I never cut my scraps into pieces because you never know what you will need. But if I have leftover pieces the same size, 2 X 2 ex., I store them together in a ziplock bag.
When I start a new scrap quilt, I look here first to see what I can use. I don't keep anything under 2 inch squares.
I keep them in stacks so the fabric is neat and not all wrinkled. I never cut my scraps into pieces because you never know what you will need. But if I have leftover pieces the same size, 2 X 2 ex., I store them together in a ziplock bag.
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