quiltingdragon

How do all of you quilters organize your scraps? I've started cutting my scraps into Bonnie Hunter's Scrap User's system, which is working great for the larger scraps.
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...rs-system.html




I am unsure how to organize the odd bits. By color, by size, or some other method? What is the smallest scrap you save?

Prim Quilts

The smallest scrap I save is 1 1/2 inch squares. I am planning on doing a postage stamp quilt. I also make doll quilts though so I dip into that basket a lot. I have 1 1/2 inch squares, 2 inch squares, 4 inch squares 4 1/2 inch squares and 5 inch squares. I don't really have strips, as I don't usually have the width of fabric (wof) for those.

paulswalia

Let's say I'm working on 2.5 squares. I put each color in a zip lock bag by themselves, then all 2.5 zip lock bags in a bin . Same thing with other sizes - I cut 1.5, 2.5 and 5.0 by WOF strips. Each color in a bag, all the bags of the same size in a bin together. Fat quarters and sorted into bins by color. I love the bonnie hunter system.

asimplelife

I cut 6", 5", 4", 2.5" and 2" squares. 2.5" and 2" strips. Wonky sized strings go in a bin for string quilts. I love having things pre-cut and ready to be used.

Vanuatu Jill

I use to save everything by color in clear plastic totes because an did lots of appliqué, plus where I lived, I had NO access to fabric shops. This year, I have made about 100 purses/totes, none are the same, so I have TONS AND TONS of scraps!! So far, they aren't organized yet, but I will probably do it by color again. I just never pre cut them into anything, because I never know how I will use them, or If I will use them. I sold a large batch here on the board earlier in the year, and in all probability, do I again. I just don't see how I will get a chance to use them with the other projects an have lined up. I feel I am literally drowning in scraps at the moment!

NanaCsews2

I don't think I am at the point of storing scraps yet. When I cut fabric, I put the smaller pieces into an oval metal tub that is about 10" high and 20" long. About a month ago I took them all out and ironed them and neatly put them in piles in that tub. These are about 6" and up to less than a FQ. Bigger pieces get folded into the fabric yardage and placed back in the cabinets. Strings, tiny pieces, selvages, and scraps from each quilt are scrunched into a ball, put in a paper bag, and then handed over to my sister. I do landscape quilts and applique, but I prefer taking from the larger pieces. My sister does scrapbooking, rag quilts and scrap quilts. I will let her have all the glory of going through those tiny bits of fabric scraps.

pinecone

I don't cut them into anything as I do make small items too like wallets.

piney

lclang

I try to use as many of my scraps as I can as soon as I finish my main project. For instance...I made a quilt top, then used the scraps to make a purse, two Kindle covers, and two mug rugs. Very few scraps left to worry about. Also keeps my gift drawer supplied with handy dandy gifts to use at a moments notice.

homebody323

I just started using the scraps I cut using Bonnie's ideas and found that I have a problem when I get to sashing, borders, binding. All my pieces that coordinate are cut up too small. I'm going to think about that and make some changes.

Pieces2

I have a box I save all my scraps, strips, etc. in. I separate the childrens fabrics from the rest of the scraps.
When I start a new scrap quilt, I look here first to see what I can use. I don't keep anything under 2 inch squares.
I keep them in stacks so the fabric is neat and not all wrinkled. I never cut my scraps into pieces because you never know what you will need. But if I have leftover pieces the same size, 2 X 2 ex., I store them together in a ziplock bag.