Question about scrappy quilts
 

My scraps are really getting out of control :) I think I am going to start cutting them into 2-1/2" squares to make a scrappy quilt out of later.

What I am wondering is do the different fabrics matter? Do you guys mix your cotton scraps with flannel scraps with homespun scraps all in one scrappy quilt?

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*** I do, it works for me. If fabric has been washed.
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I don't use flannel very often. I usually prefer to keep them in strips of 2.5" because I prefer to sew strips together and then sub-cut them.

I'm adopting Bonnie Hunter's scrap users system. Check it out at quiltville.com

I agree. Bonnie has great ideas and wonderful free patterns.

I'm adopting Bonnie Hunter's scrap users system. Check it out at quiltville.com

You might want to also check out her free patterns. Scrappy is her style and I've made several of her free patterns as well as her annual mystery quilts.

Thanks for the Bonnie Hunter's tip I will check that out
I agree. I will do this with the scraps that I can.. but some are pretty wacky shapes :)

I separate scraps by fabric type (flannel, quilter's cotton, homespun, etc.) and also by design type (children's, florals, holiday, batik, etc.) and also by color. I store pieces smaller in a FQ in plastic shoeboxes with labels. They stay pretty flat that way. I don't cut them up until I'm ready to use them, but sometimes that means there is so much to cut that I don't get started, so I can see the benefits of both systems.

Crumb blocks or Maverick Stars work for odd shapes. My problem is that once I get started on these I can't stop.

I cut my scraps into 2 1/2 inch strips to make scrappy jelly roll charity quilts. Skinnier strips go in the string block bin--I swear they multiply overnite.

I don't think I would mix flannel with quilting cotton in a scrap quilt, but it sounds like others do. I certainly have mixed differing weights (thread counts) of cotton with good results.

I keep like scraps together, and any small pieces are cut 2 & 1/2" by however wide. When I get a small handful, I start sewing them into my own jelly rolls. Once I have a good sized "jelly roll", I use it to make my own pre-quilted fabric for small projects. I just sew it onto batting and a piece of backing, then cut out small projects like cell phone pockets to hang around the neck to keep it close, but not risk dropping it, and use extra lengths of binding to finish the top edges. Some pieces on my jelly rolls might only be 1" wide, but it just gives a crazy quilt look. I always have someone who needs a little pocket, bag, wallet, Barbie doll quilt, etc. I also use small scraps of batting for these. Here is one I made for DD to hold her cell phone in, in her purse to protect it from other "purse dwellers".

I started cutting a lot of my scraps into 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3 inch and so on. I saved mixed greens containers from the produce dept. and have them nicely lined up on a shelf. When I was making charity place mats for Meals on Wheels, I just grabbed a handful of already cut squares and sewed them together randomly. What I like about the size increments is that I can use the 3 inch size to make HST's to put with the 2 inch (finished) size so I have more options.

I haven't got the time to precut scraps but I do have them in different bins by size. I.e, crumbs, strips and larger scraps

I try to cut my scraps into the biggest size strip or square they can make. They store better than a box full of jumbled scraps that have to be ironed to straighten them back out, and they are ready to go when I want to play with them.

I love cutting my scraps and organizing the strips and squares. It's therapeutic for me....

I wouldn't mix flannels with cottons in a quilt. Save the flannels for their own quilt or backing. Homespuns occasionally make their way into a quilt with regular cottons, but I prefer grouping them with my recycled shirts fabric.

And crazy quilts for the wacky shapes. If big enough scrappy hexies or yo yos.

I think using different fabrics in a scrappy quilt would bring a lot of interest to it. I would suggest that a lightweight fusable interfacing on homespuns will help stabilize them an reduce fraying. Other than that wash every fabric first for shrinking, even if it is just a wash in the sink and then dried in a dryer bag or pillow case.

Have fun creating your special scrappy!
peace

I don't mix cottons and flannels in the same project. Don't use homespuns. I do keep my scrap strips in bins, and the odd shaped pieces get used for 3" crumb blocks. I use the crumb blocks to include in making charity projects. They add great color. :)

I don't use flannels with flat cottons(regular/batiks). I use all the other cotton scraps in my scrappy quilts.

Thats a good idea!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. This morning I plan on venturing into my fabric pile and start sorting and organizing... I may not make it out alive ha ha :)

I have used cotton flannels with my other cottons in scrappy quilts. There, now you've gotten all the answers! Do it if you want to! :)


Unless it isn't cotton, why are people saying "cottons/flannels/homespuns" as if they are different? cotton is a type of fiber and flannels and homespun are actually the type of material made out of that fiber, aren't they?

It seems like one is asking do you like "beef, roast, or ground meat"? as if one is exclusive of the other.

I've been curious about this for quite a while now....