I am getting a lot of scraps in a lot of different colors. Some are as small as 1 inch by 2 inches. Are these worth keeping? What is the smallest size that is worth keeping? I've been putting scraps, by projects, in a zip-lock bag and tossing them in a drawer! Is there a better way to organize scraps so that I might actually use them sometime? Thanks for your help!

I don't have any organized system for storing, just throw them together. As for size, I keep anything that will accommodate quarter inch seams on all sides and still leave fabric left to see...my no-brainer sewing is making new fabric by just piecing together any of the scraps in the bag. When I want to make a purse/tote/apron, etc., I often go to this scrappy fabric first. If it's too scrappy, I add a solid color to it to highlight the fabric.

2"x 2" is my smallest.

it always depends on what type of quilting you do...and personal preference. i keep everything, but i applique so use little bits. if you do not have interest in scrap quilts, or do applique or use your scraps there are always plenty of people to pass them on to. I was overwhelmed with scraps for awhile (like 5 garbage bags full) and i started sharing them...now i am not so overwhelmed with them and can put what i have to use. some people save all of their salvages, some little triangles...there are a few here doing postage stamp quilts...keep what you can use, pass on the rest :)

I sort my scraps into containers: 2 1/2" strips, and then squares from 6 1/2" down to 2". Just sent off 1-1 1/2" strips to Gr8Gr8 for her log cabin quilt. I don't mind sharing my scraps rather than tossing them. I wondered if there are art quilters out there who perhaps might need the smaller sized, less than 2" square pieces. If you're out there and you want some let me know. Other than that I use them for leaders and enders.

Personally, I save tiny, tiny pieces. I have instructions for making fabric beads out of the tiny strips, not that I've made any yet.

Check out Bonnie Hunter at http://www.quiltville.com She has all kinds & sizes of scraps she manages to make use of. http://www.quiltville.com/

Personally, my size limit minimum is 2x2" for log cabin centers. I sort mine by color in ziplocs. When making swap blocks, I always go through the scraps first. Then I'll dig into fat quarters. Background fabrics are my only exception to my "swap rules" but even for that I prefer to dig through my stash of remnant bin treasures rather than use yardage if it's for swap blocks.

Thanks for the site! I looked at parts of it to see that I'll need to return when I have more time so I bookmarked it. She seemed to have the answers to my questions.

i keep any and all scraps that I can sew onto another piece of fabric with a quarter inch seam. Once I sewed on a piece it was just barely showing once more were added but if it had not been there - there would've been a hole... :)

I need to shift thru mine :oops: I am sure I kept some that are way too small for anything :roll: LOL