Sorting small scraps...2 1/2"
 

Reading blogs, looking at pics how quilters sort their small scraps. Seems they are cut down to usable sizes which makes sense. However, my 2 1/2 squares are getting out of control.
So how do you store your 2 1/2 size squares?
Just by size
or
Subsort by color?
I store the rest of my scraps by sze. Each size their own container not sorted by color.

Sorting out scraps really does help out later when setting up a quick project or when needing that particular size or color to fill in for variety. I sort my 2 1/2" squares according to size and color.

A friend suggested using boxes from Ikea that have cardboard partitions to keep the squares separated and organized. When I went to buy some they were sold out so I looked around and saw that the wine boxes at the grocery/liquor stores had cardboard partitions to protect the bottles during shipping that were about 3.5" square - I asked if I could have a bunch of the bottle inserts ( took the ones that were not too thick/heavy cardboard) and then bought rectangular plastic containers from the dollar store. Better price than Ikea :) I cut the partitions to fit the containers and now have my squares pressed & neatly stored. LOL I have a stack of boxes with squares sorted & ready close at hand.

I sort my squares by size and then sort by plains and prints. I store mine in a square plactic donut container that comes from walmart.
I have scraps from cutting strips and squares left and decided to keep them in a medium size box to use for applique. Some other smaller than one inch strips , I toss out.
It is a big job and it gets so you don't want to look at those same fabrics ever again.

I sort mine by size and when I get ready to do a project, then I sort them by color; simply because I am always adding to them.

I store each size in small plastic baggies. When the baggie gets full I get another one going. When I had 8 I sorted by color. Of course some have more than others. This is an annual job for me to do in this kind of weather, bitter cold). I also sort for smaller size pieces for DWR pieces when I am thinking of making another one. I have Thousands of pieces cut for a future DWR now in all colors of the rainbow. I have a bin that goes under my bed to save all the scrap squares of every size until I need them for a project.

All great ideas! Love scraps!

I made a huge quilt with those small squares but had left overs too. made them into stacks via color and style of print if necessary. cowboy went together, etc.

I use my 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 squares as leaders and enders, throw them in a drawer then when the drawer is full, I make a scrappy quilt, have made 4 of them so far. I don't try color coordinating or anything, just as long as they're not the same.

I would love to host a sorting party where I would invite you guys to come over and help me sort. Wine and whine available. Since we have to social distance I think I'll schedule 4-6 PM to sort and whine. Anyone want to join me? Who ever shows up can do what you want from 4-6. Do we need to start a new thread?

I saw a Pinterest where they used a clear plastic shoe back-of-door hanger and sorted by color for easy to see organization.


I don't cute down into 2.5 sq.---I keep sizes less that FQ and about 6" sq in a plastic drawer stack and stuff all strings into bags as I do more string quilts. I keep a white/lights, a black/gray/dark brown bag and the rest altogether. Wish I could figure a better way to sort is this is almost any size string.

I use the Ikea sectioned boxes. They were quite affordable.... and the perfect size for 2.5" charms.

If you have so many 2 1/2” squares that they are getting ( out of control) it’s time to use them :)
they are a great size for a leader/ender project and will be back to manageable in no time.
when my scrap basket gets full I start a new scrap quilt .

Julienm1 - I will be right there! Lol

After completing a project and a little fabric left, I will then cut into usually 2 1/2 inch squares. Have already made a big totally 2 1/2 inch squares quilt but didn't seem to make a dent.

Julieml - I would love to come to your sorting/wining party as it is way below zero in Minnesota with a good week of it to go, am sure it is much warmer in NM. It's bad enough that we don't get out because of Covid - now the weather is keeping us in, ugh.

I sort them by size and then I separate them by light and dark. when I have a lot, I make a quilt! I have made a lot of 2 1/2" strips from left over fabrics and they become donation quilts. I managed to put 23 quilt tops together for a quilt group last year for donation to a woman's shelter. I agree with SewingSuz...I get tired of seeing some fabrics even though I basically make scrappy quilts and that fabric just has to go. Lol

I am quite addicted to 2.5 squares so my collection is large. Just last week I went to the Dollar store and purchased 8 clear plastic storage bins that are about 13 X 9 X 2.5. Divided my 2.5's by color. Some boxes have two colors because knowing my stash, I do not have a deep selection of lets say, yellow. I spent a large part of this past week-end cutting my scrap bin into 2.5 squares and 3..5 x6.5 bricks. It is just lovely to look at my stack of covered bins filling up with my favorites little squares. Looking forward to just popping the top and finding all the choices I need of a chosen color to start or finish a quilting project. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

OK, this is an unabashed advertisement for the 2021/2022 Birthday Swap. If you have piles of 2.5, this may be an opportunity for you to share your abundance with others on this site. Full info is in the Member Swaps category of the QB. Or.... you can PM me.

I have many 2 1/2" squares and I keep them in a plastic container from JoAnn's or Michaels and when I get a lot then I start just sewing them together for a utility quilt.

Teach, careful what you ask for! lol Send you a PM.

Giant ziploc baggie, when it starts to get full, I either make a scrappie quilt or placemats.

We love ice cream so I use the 1-gallon plastic boxes to store my squares in, they start with 2", 2 1/2'" and go up to 6 1/2" squares. I have 10 boxes that get filled up regularly, they get donated to a group of women who are learning how to quilt. I also use the squares when camping by making 16" squares with them. I have a hand-crank machine that I take with me.