I want to make a scrappy quilt but I'm having a problem. I always coordinate my fabrics on a regular quilt, so using scraps are hard for me because they don't all go together. How do I get past this? I read somewhere to cut all my lights and darks - then put them in a bag (1 bag with lights and 1 bag with darks) then pull out 1 from each bag and sew it together. Is that pretty much how it works? I can use all the help I can get on this please.

that is the way to do it.

I have the same problem as you. And I haven't been able to make a quilt I like that way. I still coordinate my fabrics. I did a "scappy" Dresden plate quilt -- each plate is a color scheme....and it was still amazing to me how some of those still looked good together.

I just made my first truly scrappy piece- just a table runner- using ideas from www.quiltville.com- and yes, like Holice said, just grabbing the next piece and using it. It was so much fun- I didn't have any anxiety about using "just" scraps, and I was surprised how beautiful all the fabrics looked together. Try a small project and see if you like it!

I did a king size strip quilt--grab and sew--the rule is you HAVE to use the one you grab unless it is the same color as the previous one :>)
Mile a minute is an easy one, too.
It is really amazing how it all works!

I am so happy you ask this question. I have the same problem and putting them into a bag and sewing them as I pull them out seems like a great idea to me. Thank you for asking!!

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one that has trouble using scraps. I just started a crazy quilt, and I told my DH that I know why its called "Crazy" Its driving me crazy. I like for everything to be organized, and planned :)

It is hard to let go of "controlling" the colors :lol: I am going to start with 9 patches.. It is when I try using more elaborate patterns that I have severe control issues :roll: I am hoping this will help me with this problem :D:D:D

When I first started making scrappy quilts, I had all my scraps and then used a white or off-white fabric to tie it together and act as my neutralizer.

Every quilt I like best is scrappy but has lots of white or off white. Any color looks good in this setting. I love the scrappy look and I love using pieces too small for most quilters.:)

I used the light/dark paper bag method with the first two scrappy log cabins I made. Some of the strips clashed pretty bad when I was sewing them together but let me tell you, those clashes gave those quilts LIFE and PERSONALITY in a big way!!

Do not be afraid to sew stuff together that doesn't match or that clashes!

Whenever I tried the grab bag thing, I found myself 'cheating'! :oops:

I just cannot do a scappy quilt even the bag method is so hard I have to coordinate my bag fabric I know shame on me but scrappy needs a pattern :)

I did what Chairaquilts said, www.quiltville.com has many scrappy ideas and I love using Bonnie hunters ideas.

I have done the light/dark bag method. It was initially out of my "comfort zone". I used up a lot of those odd shaped strips that way. Sew them on squares of muslin-no stretching because of the bias edges.
The scrappy quilt I liked the best was cut in the "tumbler" shape in an equal amount and I sewed strips of light/dark/light/dark. Then laid the strips on the floor and played until I liked how it looked. Then labeled the rows so they wouldn't get mixed up and sewed them together. The end result will surprise you. That may be a more comfortable method for some.

Don't forget you can use the reverse side of a piece of fabric too if you are randomly drawing pieces from light/dark bags!! Our guild has had some scrappy workshops, we did the "draw from a bag" too. If once in a while something doesn't look quite right to you, go ahead and include it, you'd be amazed at how everything does work together in the end.

I make "planned scrappy" quilts. i use scraps but I like to put colors that look good next to each other. I can't just grab and stitch. I'm picky I guess.

Thanks for all the ideas. I'm just going to do it. What ever comes out of the bag I'll sew together. I will off sent it with white or off white. Now I have to decide on that. I guess the first quilt will be the hardest to ajust my mindset on and after seeing the result of it the next won't be so hard.

The way you describe it is a great way to piece and quilt top using scraps. Go for it :)

Like this idea, will definitely give it a try. I'm a very structured personality and it gets in the way of creativity, got to learn to lighten up. This may help, thanks.

I had the same problem. But I've overcome it. I put all my scrapes in a box, closed my eyes, picked out the piece of fabric, and no matter how ugly I thought it looked at the time. They turned out pretty cool. I pattern I made didn't use lights and darks, so I didn't separate them. But if you are making a pattern like Log Cabin with half light and half dark I'd separate them. Other wise, just dig in and pretend you are color blind until you have it finished.

I too had serious issues with the just grab from the bag and sew method. After spending years of each quilt carefully selecting each and every fabric ... it was sooo hard to disregard what was now second nature. But ..... I did it and yes there where times when sewing , I wanted to retreat and plan it out, but fought the craving for some order daily. Glad I was able to overcome ... the results are great, so just go for it. Throw all caution to the wind .. live and quilt on the wild side.

It was hard for me to just grab n sew the first four, then it got much easier! They look SO neat when done--even using the "uglies"

please don't worry about colors ''matching'' in your scrappy quilt!! I've found that lime green looks GREAT next to hot pink or deep purple when the entire quilt is finished. Yea, that moment you are sewing those 2 colors together is a bit ''hard to do' the first time but then just throw caution to the wind and as they say...go for it!! The worst that can happen is when you have all your blocks sewn together and you really really don't like it...you don't have to finish it. Call it a good learning experience but I have a sneaking suspicion that you will fall in love the scrappy mindset!!

jodi in lsavenworth

Sometimes it helps to use one constant fabric, be it either the light or the dark. the opposite would be your scraps.

I just completed my first scrappy quilt and used the paper bag method. It was a stretch for me as I usually agonize over color placement etc. The only time I didn't honor the bag method was if I pulled out 2 pieces that were the same (2 dark blues, or 2 reds, etc) that were supposed to go next to each other. In that case, I'd toss one back in and grab another. It worked great and I'm very happy with the outcome.

that is what i find that helps too..i think a string quilt is a good way to make a first scrappy quilt. with one string or strip in the center..to bring it all together.

Soo true

I know it can be difficult to put whatever together, especially if you are used to planning out all your quilts. But, after you've got into it for a bit, something magical happens, and all of a sudden all the colors look good together when you view the quilt as a whole. It just adds to their charm.

I use a different method for my scrappy quilts. I start by eliminating colors. My last quilt had no blue or purple in it. Different colors for each quilt. Finds this method helps me.

Sometimes I just shuffle pieces I've cut. For example, if I have a bunch of half-square triangle pieces, I might attach the top of one stack to the bottom of another and work thru the stacks that way.

As others have suggested go to Quiltville.com. I have made about 5 of her quilts and they are in my top 10 of favorite quilts I have made.

Try doing the Catherdal Star quilt. I was able to "control" with that one by preparing my scraps in color batches. And she uses three main fabrics in this quilt Black Red and Blue, so you don't feel so outside the box.

great idea think I will try it thanks. Love your avitar

I had the same delima and decided to make a scrap quilt when I went to one of my 3 scrap drawers and no more sraps would fit!! What I did was took out all of my scraps and strips and started color piling them (all my pinks, all blues, etc) before I knew it I had about 20 different color coordinated piles, cut all of my scraps into strips (at least 1 1/2" wide) and started sewing them together based on color. Out of each one of my sewn together strips, I started making template triangle cuts and put them all together in a spiderweb octagon, and used white on white sashing and borders. I still had enough strips left to make a piano key border about 6" wide and and also a piano key binding about 3" wide. I ended up Totally Loving the quilt!! All is not complete yet, but all pieces are there except backing and batting. Another UFO for 2011. Hope this reply makes sense and helps you get over your scrap fear. Have a great Holiday Season!!

This is a beautiful scap quilt!!! Love it, the constants make it look absolutely awesome. Will have to try this one!!

Funny this topic should come up right now. Just made myself do a scrappy (disappearing 9-patch w/black center block), and I have to tell you that some of the color combinations almost made me gag! It is now quilted, and I'm still in shock. It looks great. My advice: just do it and get ready for a pleasant surprise.

I made a string star our of every scrap I could find. I liked it because you can use the littlest pieces. I put it together with a yellow. You nearly need sunglasses to look at it but it is really interesting and I love it.

Most of my quilts are a scrappy crazy patch. I have used news papers for a foundation or muslin, just depends what I have on hand & what size I am doing.
It helps use up some scraps & fabric you are just not sure what to do with. The crazy patch does not have to match at seams, that is why I like them.
Jump in & use the bag method and have fun. :-)

I'm so glad you asked this questions. I love those scrappy quilts that I see on the net, but I think I have control issues and am never able to get that look. These suggestions are a big help.

I love the grab and sew method of using scraps. They really make the neatest quilts - quilts that will go with any color decor. Once you have done it, it gets easier.