A scraps survey
 

While cutting, for example a fat quarter, say there is scrap fabric left. Does anyone cut, right then, the balance into a layer cake, charm squares or 2.5” squares so as to have Pre-cut stock for a future project? Putting it all into a bin marked scrap seems hard to paw through and cut what I can find all at once. How do fellow quilters handle this? I took a big scrap bin to a local guild but now I’m thinking maybe make precuts. Hmm. Any great thoughts out there, tips and tricks? Thanks

Hi Reb, when I started losing my vision (I see things bent) and my ability to cut was fading, I did all my scraps and many boxes from members here into my own precuts. I only cut what I normally use, down to 1.5". mostly 2.5" and 2" strips if there was enough, everything else into squares. I have absolutely loved having a scrap pantry and am into it nearly daily.

I never use layer cakes or 5" pieces so that would have been useless for me.
Point being, cut what You will use, gift away if you aren't a scrap quilter

the 1.5"ers go in 2 boxes behing the machine (neutral and color) and I use them for leader end 4 and 9 patches.

I have an Accuquilt so what scraps fit any of the precut size dies that's what I cut. Usually different size squares or rectangles. If scraps are from the same project I band those together. I know they will go with each other. When I get too many I will take the bundles to quilt retreat free table.

Thank you for the information and including photos!

Thank you for your reply

My scraps are in a box of chaos. I probably won’t be inspired to cut into sizes. I am not sure I have that much patience for it.

I don't usually precut my scraps. I sort them by color or type and fold them neatly into plastic shoe boxes. I tried pre-cutting them for a while and found that I wasn't using those pieces. It all depends on how you like to work.

I spent several WEEKS about 10 years ago cutting scraps from 7 large totes into 2 1/2" and 5" squares and 2 1/2" strips. Have mostly used them up into a few quilt tops over the years. Great for somewhat mindless sewing. And they took up much less space - 3 shoeboxes full. The rest of the scraps were donated to schools for art projects.

I cut 2 1/2" strips or 2 1/2 squares normally. Every once in a while I might get lucky and get a 5"...very seldon though. Mine are then all separated by size and stored.

I cut a lot of my scraps into 2 1/2" strips and 2 1/2' squares and 5" squares. I finally let go of the tiny pieces. But, there are two big bags still in the garage, but outside the house. I guess that is progress. I do make a lot of scrap quilts but that generates more scraps.