When I have my quilting projects finished "completely", I then cut the scraps into 5", 4",3", 2-1/2"squares, or cut strips 2-1/2 inchs, nothing smaller. I have containers I put these all in and when I need any of these sizes, I just have to get them out. When there are enough scraps of 3, 4 or 5" squares, then I make a scrappy quilt. Same with the 2 -1/2" strips. Then you are left with different lengths of strings (less than 2-1/2"for a string quilt. I waste very little.