What is a crumb?
#12
also my guideline. that small they go in the round file next to my foot. I do save my 1.5" scrap squares and used them in quilts, they make stunning borders 5-6 wide.
#13
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 67
For me, a crumb is anything small enough that a sane person would throw away instead of saving. But then, I'm a quilter so by default I'm not exactly the sanest person around LOL.
I keep a basket by my cutting table just for all those odd shapes and small pieces (anything over 1.5") and periodically as the basket fills up, and I'm in-between projects or don't know what I want to work on next, I just start randomly reaching in the basket and sewing pieces together. When I get a big enough collage of fabric sewn together then I cut it down to a 9" block. When I have enough blocks they get sewn together. I find the process very relaxing because there's no thought process invoilved: no measuring, no planning, no pattern... just sew and trim.
I keep a basket by my cutting table just for all those odd shapes and small pieces (anything over 1.5") and periodically as the basket fills up, and I'm in-between projects or don't know what I want to work on next, I just start randomly reaching in the basket and sewing pieces together. When I get a big enough collage of fabric sewn together then I cut it down to a 9" block. When I have enough blocks they get sewn together. I find the process very relaxing because there's no thought process invoilved: no measuring, no planning, no pattern... just sew and trim.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
I actually use pieces that are just 1/2 inch. I make 1/8 inch seams in most of my crumb quilts. I start with my two smallest pieces and sew them together. Find or make a straight side and sew something onto that. If I can't find a piece large enough, I pick through and find pieces the same width, sew them all together in a row, and now I have a strip to sew onto the block. I've made four of these quilts now with black sashing. My cornerstones are 2 1/2 inch squares, and they have anywhere from four to 10 pieces in them. At least four of strange shapes and sizes.
#15
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
Kalama—thanks for posting that . It was fun to watch. Makes a lot more sense to me now , seeing that she lines up multiple pieces along a long straight edge piece rather than two by two. I still don’t kniw if I’ll venture into crumb quilt making; aren’t the pressing and quilting a pain with all the seams?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: South East, PA
Posts: 345
I love crumbs... for me, anything bigger than an inch is a crumb. I want to be able to see it when I sew it into the block. I have a friend from guild who gives me hers, and I am always looking for more. For me, to toss it in the trash is wasteful. I do not dedicate time to sew crumbs, but when I want to sew and not think too hard, I sew crumbs
#19
A few things--if you use a foundation--whether it is muslin or an old sheet or fusible lightweight interfacing, you really can get away with 1/8th inch seam. I steer away from used dryer sheets because most of my quilts are for charity and I worry about the residual chemicals and scents in the sheets.
If you have 'larger' crumbs, consider slab blocks. Crumbs on steroids.
If you have 'larger' crumbs, consider slab blocks. Crumbs on steroids.