I cut fabric that is left over from a project only if it is smaller than a fat eighth. I try to cut them into charms or pieces that fit together such as 6 1/2" blocks and 6" finished HST's. Or 3 1/2" blocks and 3" finished HST's. Does that make any sense? I love the scrappy look so this works for me. I would never cut up anything like a fat eighth or fat quarter before I knew what I was making.