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

I keep strips as small as 1" to use in mini log cabin blocks. A friend of mine made some of these and bordered a quilt with them and it's awesome! I keep my scraps all cut into strips and squares of all sizes, sorted by size in plastic boxes and then within each box, I sort by darks and lights. For years I just kept scraps in plastic boxes by color, but not cut at all. Since I cut all my scraps into strips and squares, I've used them so many time for scrappy quilts.

I keep pretty much anything that can be used in a crumb, strip, or other scrappy quilt, down to about an inch in size. When one of the bins is full, I decide if it's something I'm really going to do, and usually the answer is no. Then I box it up and mail it to someone on the board.

mine is 1 1/2" X 1 1/2"
One of my earliest quilts was a postage stamp that I designed. It had 5,620 1 1/2" squares and was tied. It was quite ugly, but a pleasure to sleep under and I loved it.
It's become too worn out to use, so I've put it aside to use as a batt in a double that I make for myself someday.

I'm saving everything at least 1" or larger. Thinking about sorting somewhat by size and shape eventually.

Years ago our guild started collecting 1" squares. They gathered them all in a big garbage bag, which they shook every now and again and when it was full they scooped them up into gallon size zip bags and gave them out as a challenge. The women who completed them called them their 'QUILTS FROM HELL'. I guess because it was lots of work putting the tiny squares together.

Right now I am working on a project where there are a lot of pieces that measure 1.5" x 1.5" and 1.5" x 2.5".

I don't think I have much use for anything much smaller than that.

Our Quilt group in Arizona, keeps every teeney tiny unusable scrap, and thread, when we have enough a member has an outlet with the Humane Society and they use this for filler for their dog beds,

My limit is 1.5 x 1.5. But it changes sometimes to smaller if I just really love it (.75 x 2) for minis. I throw everything in a box and when it gets full - or I'm bored - or making a mini - I sort through and organize by color. I used to put scraps in zip-locks but now I have boxes. I wish sometimes that I would cut things into strips or squares or whatever - but I don't. I might need that extra 1/8" some day! Another case where I think bigger is better. :)

2x2 is my smallest. I do use scraps to stuff thing though.

I save all of my batting scraps to stuff things!

I save anything that will make a 2" square or a strip that is at least 1" wide. I have clear plastic tubs and just toss scraps into the appropriate color tub. Anything approx. fat qtr size I put with folded fabrics.

I see you have sunbonnet sue
on your wall, love them too, been buying machine emboidery patterns of sue and fred and plan to do something with them soon.

I save everything.
even the smallest scraps I sew them together to form larger
pieces of fabrics( crumb blocks)
these I cut into squares,triangles, or tumbler shapes with
my accuquilt studio die cutter.
combine these with a solid background fabric
and you have some amazing quilts
from what others call garbage!