Scrap Stash

What do you do with your fabric scraps? I put mine in a tub to deal with later. This is a good idea if you have a small tub and take time to do something with the scraps before the tub is overflowing. Do you have a system for scrap storage? Is it working for you? I have gone through lots of different configurations for scraps over the years and like everything organizy, it’s good to make changes to meet new space constraints.

When I went through my last organization flurry, I found piles of scraps in all kinds of different places.  I had neatly organized bags of leftovers from quilts I had made and a tub of scraps from things I had cut out.  AARRGG.  I took the leftover fat quarters and 5 and 10 inch precut squares from their bags and put them together in see through tubs.  Yes I mixed those fat quarters together.  But look at that mess on my cutting table, what to do with that.

The Accuquilt Go was the answer.  I ironed all of the fabric pieces and put them on the die with the best fit and cranked away.  It took forever because I let my scraps get away from me.

I read somewhere that cutting scraps into 2.5 inch squares and strips, and 5” and 10” squares is the best strategy because that’s the size of pre-cuts and patterns are written for these size fabrics.  My Accuquilt Go has dies for 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5” squares and triangles for each of those sizes as well.  I will have to adjust patterns requirements for these sizes.   If the fabrics were the size to cut 5 inch and 10 inch squares I cut them using my rotary cutter.

It is so satisfying to have all of your fabrics cut and ready to be used.  Now I have to use them!

The big pieces like 10” squares, fat quarter and 2.5 “ strips fit in these see through tubs.  They are light weight and easy to get into to find fabrics and put fabric away.

I keep the small pieces boxes under my cutting table.  My solution to not having to spend so much time cutting scraps is having a smaller collection basket and labeled boxes to put the cut pieces in.  We will see how that works.

linking to Grace and Peace Quilting