Cutting scraps
 

Finally taking the time to tame the scrap monster. I won't tell you how many containers I have but more than three.

Just wondering what sizes are the best to trim. I know 2.5 squares are used in many patterns as well as 5" but what else.

So you scrappers...what size are you trimming?

I am one who doesn't pre-cut. When I have a pattern in mind, that is when I start cutting. Most of my scraps are strips so they are not hard to contain them. I sort them by color.

When I decide to ( tame) some of my scraps I keep in mind what I tend to use most. Some may recommend specific sizes I would probably never use- so I cut to my ( style) of quilting. I also cut the largest possible first, then work my way down. (9-10" squares, 6 or 6 1/2" squares, 5". I also cut rectangles ( bricks) and strips as long as possible in widths I can get- often 3", 2 1/2", 2", 1 1/2" & 1" . 3/4" strips go into my Basket of strips for lockerhooking and wrapped clothesline projects. Think about the projects you make, and try to cut into sizes shapes you would use.

I'm working to reduce my fabric stash. I cut 3" squares for scrappy 16 patch blocks and 1.5" to 2" strips for scrappy string blocks.

Take a look at Bonnie hunter's site. She has a scrap system, with sizes to cut an scores of free patterns
http://quiltville.com/scrapusersystem.shtml
Patterns
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html
at the top of the pattern page, she has a chart that lists what sizes are used with what patterns so if you get a bunch cut of a particular size, you can go right to the patterns that use them.

I quit pre-cutting. Now I just lay a square ruler on them and see the approximate size they would be squared then put them in a bin of that color status. Larger pieces on bottom and work up to smaller.

Several years ago I decided to cut my scraps and went to Bonnie Hunter's site. Cutting by her directions I filled three drawers of one of the small roll around plastic carts. But I have found that I have only made one quilt from those scraps, as I see a scrappy pattern I like and it uses different sizes then what I cut. I guess I should stick with patterns from Bonnie Hunter's site. (grin)

I am in the process of doing mine now. I've been quilting since 2009 and have boxes of scraps. The boxes were overflowing. I cut what I thought I would use the most. Squares in 6,4,3.5,2.5,2 and strips in 2.5 and 3.5 strips. Any bricks just got put in a separate box. So far I'm halfway done and what used to fit on two shelves now has room to spare on one. Now to finish 4 more boxes.....

I am another who does not pre-cut. I just keep whatever as I also like to paper piece. You just never know what size you need for those projects. Also, I'm not a scrappy quilter so I just have hunks of leftovers - no 'stash' per se.

I cut my pieces as I find a quilt I want to make. In the last month I've cut strips for and made two string quilts and a "spool quilt." Now on to the mock cathedral window jeans quilt. When it is completed I will have pulled 50 pieces from my stash - a fat quarter or less and used them up. Managed to consolidate two drawers to one. The empty drawer quickly filled up with Star Wars fabric!