Found some denim scraps leftover from my denim quilt. Scraps are 2-3 inch strips, and a few 4 inch pieces. Would 2 or 3" squares be too small to make a quilt? If so, any ideas for these pieces?

Thanks.

If the denim is somewhat heavy, using that small of pieces would be very difficult. I've made several (6-7) denim quilts using denim from men's jeans. I use 6" squares. Small pieces of denim sewn together are really hard to press as seams don't want to lie flat, etc.

If the denim is lightweight, you might be able to do it, but I'd probably not frustrate myself by trying to use that small of pieces unless you use something coordinating to sew with it (like bandana fabric). It is "doable" if you use a regular cotton, but honestly, two layers of heavy denim is difficult and it would be more of a chore than "fun".

I'd probably just toss them. Denim that small would be hard to work with and would have a lot of bulky seams close together. However, I may not be a good quilter to seek advice from as I don't like fiddling with little bits.

How about something like this: ssw little squares around one large square.. incorporate into quilt or make a pillow if center square is big enough (using 4-6 bigger square blocks) on the little squares, emblish with ribbon, beads, or bright buttons??? place a BIG red bandana covered button in center????? Even if seams does not lay all the way down, they would in time with a childs use of pillow. Maybe use for strap on a bag, or small childs swing bag. Same applies if used in a quilt. take a square add strip on all four sides with your small square acting as corner stones. Maybe ironed seams opened???? I tye all my denim quilts so open seams work. Surley our grandmothers would never toss. hahaha... have fun :)

Maybe sew them in strips - and then join the strips, but stagger the seam lines?

Use the denim scraps for applique projects on a quilt.
Or offer them to someone on the board!

Denim is heavy, so the more seams you have, the heavier the quilt will be.

Might not really need any batting, but it sounds like it would make a nice car quilt. When our kids were small, we kept one in the car at all times, so they would cover up and hopefully snooze a little.
We camped out a lot and denim was sure a good thing to take with us there. Almost indestructible.

I relly enjoy denim... never use batting. I do like fleece for a backing. do not even have to pre wash and is 60" wide so get by with less length. Applique does sound cute as well. how about denim snow men (smiling) :) It is heavy, but so many things to do with them. I have to think positive on denim. :)

If you like thick heavy quilts then a high loft batting would hide the feel of the seams. Then you would not have to worry about pressing them. I sewed the seams down on my kids denim quilts instead of pressing. I was using 6 inch squares though. Smaller ones would be quite heavy, but would make a very nice quilt I think. Depends on what you like and maybe where you live. It got up to 60 here today :-)

You can always turn those smaller strips in to a piece of fabric. THEN cut them into blocks for a raw edge quilt. When you are sewing them to make a piece of fabric, remember to join them right sides together. (or not)

One lady at my quilt group collects every single teeny tiny scrap and uses them to stuff dog beds. We all keep a bag of scraps and give them to her every month or so. She says the local animal shelter is always looking for donations of pet beds. Hope this helps!

You could use them as sashing around larger squares. If the larger squares are dark, then sash them with lighter strips & vise versa. When I make my denim quilts, I always sew next to the seam of every block I put together. Just makes everything lay better & holds the seams together to one side. Then I use fleece for the backing & tie them. I also use the scraps of the fleece to make the ties. Just cut strips about 1/4 inch & stretch them. They will curl & makes good strong ties that match the backing. They are heavy quilts, but everyone loves them & I have sold several.

Thanks for the idea's ladies!

Lots of good ideas here. You could make a log cabin block with strips that narrow, too. I use my serger when sewing denim. Before I had one, I used the overcast stitch on my regular machine. Keeps the seam more compressed and less likely to fray and rip.

:thumbup:

I use my denim to make rag quilts where the seams are on top and clipped so they fray. You can layer with flannel for a soft cozy back. No batting or quilting required.