Originally Posted by
WMUTeach
. . . I seldom use my 3 inch cuts so I don't cut those any longer. I use the 2.5, 5's and 2.5 strips the most. That said, I have now disciplined myself to not toss small scraps into a bin but to cut them immediately into 2.5 squares and 5 inch squares or 2.5 strips if the piece is longer. If the remainder from a project is more than about fat quarter size I don't cut it into standard cuts. I leave it whole for future use. This fits me and my quilting choices and style. I like dipping into my "pre-cuts" for my scrappy quilts! Quick and ready to go.
Unlike most of us, I am a huge proponent of cutting up fabric - all sizes. This is close to my cutting approach. I hate fat quarters so they get cut down almost immediately. If the fabric is cutesy or beautiful, they get cut into 8.5 squares for popcorn quilts - fast and fun. Otherwise, the above is my cutting style and I don't hesitate to cut up lots of yardage especially my Kona Black and Snow into 2.5"strips. I also do some of those (but not as many) in 1.5" for sashing. NO 3" anything! I love 5" strips and squares. The 5' squares are perfect for fast four patches when sewn end to end, cut in half on the unsewn sides, turned and sewn end to end again then cut in two again. Voila! Nice four patches right quick and in a hurry! I also like 5" strips for the bindings on quilts that turn out smallish.
I do anywhere from 100 - 150 pieced tops for my three guilds' charities every year so I find that aggressive cutting helps me get a whole lot done. I have just finished about 60 tops and I don't remember actually "cutting out" even one of those. I used what I had already cut and (I admit) finished up about a half dozen UFOs as well.
NOTE: The beautiful quilts you see in shows aren't mine. I make "quilted fun covers" for kids and if my quilts warm and comfort them, that's my desired outcome. I use lots of fun juvenile novelty prints and fun stuff for "old farts" in wheel chairs.