SUggestions to make a scrap quilt
 

I am quickly coming up on enough scraps to make a scrap quilt. I don't really like them as to me they are just to busy. I am a more structured, tailored kind of person so things to me just have to have more order than a scrappy quilt...BUT...I am here to learn and not waste so....scrap quilt it is!

I have kept pieces as large as possible when trimming scraps as I figure I can always cut smaller if I need to. I have one drawer thing of 2,1/2inch squares and strips. One with 3,1/2 and same with 5"
Alot of colors, not to many of the same color or pattern.

So.. I have the supplies, now I need the "know how". How do you choose a pattern for scrap quilts? Color pattern I figure isn't much a requirement, but I want something other than just sewing squares together. That "postage stamp" quilt makes me cross eyed! Just to much right there.

So give me some suggestions on using pretty much any size scraps to make a quilt that isn't so busy as so many prints could be. Thank you very much.

you will be shocked on how awesome a scrap quilt looks unplanned..the color end up all going together. I made one 3 1/2 inch tumbler...only rule I had was no two alike touch...everyone loves it...when I was first making it I thought it was ugly...until I sewed them all together.

About half of the quilts I make are scrap quilts, although I call them "controlled" scrappy quilts. I have heard the true definition is simply pulling one piece after another, not paying attention as to whether they blend together the way you want them to or not. (I could be wildly wrong, so someone please correct this if necessary.) I don't make mine that way. I find a pattern I want to use, and then find scrap fabrics that I want to use.

Sorry if this doesn't help you, but I'm sure others will reply and help you out with this. One site I use frequently is www.quiltville.com for ideas.

Soooo many different scrappy patterns. Try Edita Sitar's patterns just for a start .....

http://laundrybasketquilts.com/Shop/shopindex.htm

And Bonnie Hunter ...

http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/index.html

And some free patterns ..

http://www.scrapquilts.com/

Of course there are many ... so many ... traditional block patterns that you can find free that make lovely scrap quilts. I've always like Buckeye Beauty done scrappy, and apple core, and tumbler block .. and soooo many others.

I am so glad you posted this! I looked in my scrap box (under bed big plastic box) and I know I need to start thinking about this too. I like some scrap quilts I've seen, but I'm a more specific colors person too. What about seasonal scraps like fall and Christmas? Are you including any? I haven't cut anything yet because I'm afraid they won't be the size I'm going to end up needing. I'll be watching this thread for all the great suggestions and advice I know are coming!

quilterscache Sunny Lanes used small scrappy squares (can strip piece) mixed with plain fabric. Alex's Star on the Clothilde website uses a scrappy rail fence with dark stars in the solid sashing to tie it all together( 2 1/2" strips). The pattern is easy to figure out. A D9P with sashing. A Disappearing 16 Patch with a solid (5 inch squares). These all worked out for me. I can post a picture or two if you need them. I think the trick in not looking to scrappy is to mix in a blender or solid to tie everything together.

Some great websites have been listed to get you started. Think in terms of "value" -- light and dark instead of color.

In the past I've used my scraps for log cabin quilts. While those will always be my favorites, I'm currently working on a scrapaholics quilt, just for something different. You can use lights and darks to establish a pattern, but otherwise just pick whatever fabric patch is handy.

search "scrappy" -- lots to look at here!