What sizes do you cut your bigger scraps into??
 

I have a lot of bigger scraps just a smidge smaller than fqs.. Now im wanting to clean up my unruly scraps some but I don't know what size would be the best utilized.. I have a GO and I have been cutting anywhere from a large tumbler down to 2x2 sqs with the appropriate size pieces.. But now Im looking to cut up the bigger scraps... any suggestions that on what sizes YOU find that you use a lot more than others??

I don't cut them until I know what I want to do with them.

I don't cut them either-If I did, I just know I would need that exact fabric I cut into 4" blocks, in 5" instead, for example!

I do not cut them either. I do that when and if I use them.

I do not cut them either. I do that when and if I use them.

it depends on what type of quilts you make---do you do alot of patchwork squares? use charms (5" squares)? 6 1/2" squares? strips? large blocks quilts? applque quilts? you need to cut your scraps into the types of pieces (YOU USE MOST) not what i use. pieces almost fq sized it would simply straighten the edges & fold them- leaving them whole until ready to use....but that is me.

You might look at Bonnie Hunters site www.quiltville.com and look at her scrap users system. She has specific sizes that she cuts things into. However, it really does depend on what size pieces you normally use in your quilts.

only cut when ready to use and know what your going to make....

only cut when ready to use and know what your going to make....

I have weeded out pieces from my stash that I'm not crazy about and cut them into 2 1/2 in. strips. I'm not a fan of small squares. I love to cut strip sets into triangles or squares and set them together at odd angles.

Well here's my dilemma - I have too many scrap piles- which are anything less than a fq. I use to keep a scrap bin but that turned into a basket that turned into a tub and now are just piles . These smaller pieces will get lost in my ruler folds as they are smaller chunks..I'd like to cut them and have them available already cut when I need them .. I just don't know what size I should cut them into .. I already have bins and drawers of 2x2 all the way up to the large tumbler.... I was looking for ideas

Same here!

I don't cut them until I am going to use them for something.

The same here. When I decide on a project I go through the scraps and take the ones I want, iron them and cut what I want/need.

Controlling my scrap treasures
 

I first cut to 1/2 yard if possible, then Fat qtr...then 12 in sq, 10 in sq, 9 in sq, 8 in sq, 6 in sq, 5 in sq, and then 4 in sq is smallest I cut... I alway cut largest possible first and then smaller.. i keep cut in color scheme groups..Oh, I also cut a jelly roll or two when I have less than a half yard piece. I was surprised how much nicer it is to make scrap quilts even if the sizes are not the exact size they need to be.

If it is close to a FQ in size I just go on and fold it and put with my stack that is FQ or smaller. Most of my fabric is larger pieces however. In general I don't cut my scraps until I'm ready to use them. However, I will trim off odd shaped or 'dangly' pieces so the fabric is easier to fold. As mentioned earlier, I want to keep my fabric in pieces as large as possible in case I want a good sized piece for something. My thought is that you can always cut it smaller, but it doesn't always look good to try to make it bigger.

I am a Bonnie Hunter follower using the scrap system. I bought the clear lid shoe boxes at Costco (Iris brand), cut not only fat quarters but smaller WOF pieces leftover from other projects into 2.5" strips. Put the strips into those boxes by colors and a Batik box. I used the whole lot from Costco - maybe 14 boxes. If I had just a few of a color I doubled up- ie. pink/red, purple/blue,.... I labeled using an index card place inside the box loose so if I need to change it I can. As long as you have 2.5"strips you can cut those down to 2.5" squares or into other shapes with a width of 2.5". I cut my odd pieces into bricks 3.5"X 6.5" for a future scrap quilt. I have cut other pieces that are large enough into 10" layer cake size and put in the clear box that Joann Fabrics has in their scrapbooking section- Protect n Store brand - it's 12X12 so you don't get sloshing or folding of the pieces. I don't cut charm size because I can cut down the layer cake if needed. I also have a box of 2.5" squares that I use as leaders and enders - from Bonnie's Quiltville website.

I don't cut them. If it gets too scrappy then I put them in a bin with its other scruffy cousins, one for light and one for dark. When the bins get full, I make a scrappy quilt. That's when I decide what pattern to use and then I cut my pieces for that quilt. Other bits are used for applique or assorted projects.

I do the exactly the same thing- ive got 2x2 up to 11x11 sqs, 1XWOF up to 5XWOF, lil tumblers and large tumblers... I'm just wondering if there was a 'specific' size that was better to cut than any of the others...

I don't cut them until I am ready to use them.

I would pick out a pattern first then start cutting. Any time I had the bright idea of cutting my scraps prior to picking out a pattern .. I live to regret it.

If it is almost a fat quarter dont cut it. Smaller scraps I cut into the sizes that fit best.

I don't cut until I use them. I store them folded into clear plastic boxes marked "usable pieces"....and I get into those boxes often!

Jan in VA

Bonnie Hunter's site is a good suggestion. I also cut 10.5" squares, and keep by theme (girlie, woodsy, etc.) and use them for making pieced backings.

I cut 5' squares and 3' strips. I use them for scrappy quilts ( all my quilts) and never seem to have too many cut. Since ironing and cutting are not my favorite things to do, I'm more likely to start a new top if the cutting is started, keeps me going. Also I send my GD 5" squares to sew as she's only 12 and shouldn't be using the rotary cutter. She loves getting an envelope of squares in the mail.