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    Sorting, Saving, and Using Fabric Scraps

    Last Modified: September 26, 2024 by Amy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 48 Comments

    I love fabric scraps. I think most of us quilters, sewing and crafty people love scraps because we see so much potential in them. (And because we also recognize the investment in all of that fabric!) As anyone with experience with cutting and using fabric scraps (or breeding small animals) knows, they can quickly multiply and get out of control!  In my opinion some of the most beautiful quilts are made from scraps, so here are some tips and inspiration to help you sort and organize, and USE those fabric scraps.

    Tips for Sorting, Storing, and actually Using your Fabric Quilting Scraps

    Sorting, Saving, and Storing Scraps:

    First of all, lets talk about sorting scraps. My best tip: find a simple solution that you'll actually do. If you're just getting started, then definitely go simple because it's more likely to be effective.

    Sorting Scraps by Color

    Ideas for sorting fabric scraps - clear bins by color

    When I finally decided to start getting organized I took everything smaller than a fat eighth out of my regular stash and sorted my scraps by colors only. I still use clear plastic bins from Target/Walmart/etc. and just automatically add my scraps to the right bin.

    How to sort, store, and use your fabric scraps

    The other benefits to storing scraps by color is it's easier to find something I need AND they look prettier, they inspire me to make something with them and therefore I'm a whole lot more likely to actually do something with them!

    Improv Log Cabin quilt blocks using all red and white fabric scraps.

    Here's an example where I used a bunch of my red scraps to make a wonky log cabin quilt! It's such a fun, mindless project. I'm ready to make another in a different color - I should probably just tackle which ever scrap drawer is the fullest!

    Sorting by Size:

    I have often been asked what size scraps I save. I save anything bigger than about 2" x 2" and smaller than a 10" x 10" square in my scrap bins. Anything bigger than that I put them with my yardage (which I also sort by color).

    Use scraps for English Paper Piecing

    I save smaller scraps and little pieces to use for English Paper Piecing projects. (Video tutorial for EPP here.)

    More on sorting scraps by size below.

    Uses for Fabric Scrap Strips

    Another common size we end up with is long, strips or "strings". One of my favorite quilts for strips and strings are this string quilt using paper foundations to create the blocks. 

    String Quilt Block tutorial using fabric scraps

    Another classic and personal favorite for strips are traditional log cabin quilts. It's easy to trim down your scraps to the right sizes for these blocks. You can see the start of this vintage inspired version - and learn about how to make a log cabin quilt here.

    Vintage log cabin blocks made with fabric scraps

    Here's another variation on a traditional log cabin block (this one is a Courthouse Steps variation) that is part of the wonderful Scraps Inc pattern book. That book is full of other gorgeous scrap quilt inspiration.

    Chinese Lantern Log Cabin Quilt - use fabric scraps

    One of my very favorite quilts for using leftover strips is my Scrap Happy Rainbow Connection quit pattern. It's also a great quilt for cleaning out those scraps-sorted-by-colors bins!

    Scrap Quilt Pattern - Rainbow Connection by Amy Smart- perfect for sorting and using your leftover fabric scraps

    Sorting scraps by size:

    Lori Holt sort scraps by size
    image from Lori Holt

    In recent years, I also started sorting scraps a little bit by size as well. A while back I read a post by Lori Holt about organizing and saving fabric scraps. She's a genius.

    Sort fabric scraps by precut size

    I'm not quite as well organized, but I have started saving two sizes of "precuts" when I'm cutting fabric or have left over jelly-roll strips, etc. I save 2 ½'' squares and 2 ½'' strips. Both are useful in lots of patterns, and they've come in handy. I still keep them sorted by color so they look pretty are I'm more inspired to use them.

    I recently designed a really fun scrap quilt with my box of 2 ½" x 2 ½" squares in mind. As you can see, I've still got a bunch, so I could easily make another quilt. lol 

    2 ½" squares are really useful - and easy to collect from leftover 2 ½" Jelly Roll strips or 5" charm squares.

    Here's the finished quilt made with my box of 2 ½" scraps. It's called County Fair and it's found in the wonderful book, Scrap School - a collection of 12 inspiring quilts made entirely from scraps. Scrap School also has some excellent tips for choosing color palettes as well as alternate color/fabric examples for many of the quilts – to give you lots more inspiration and ideas for using your scraps with confidence. You can see more of the projects in Scrap School here.

    County Fair Scrap Quilt Pattern by Amy Smart - perfect for using 2 ½" squares

    Kitchen Table Quilting has some great ideas for using specific scrap sizes to make some beautiful scrappy quilts.

    My last Scrap Management tip: purge!

    Routinely go through your scrap bins and pull out scraps that just don't inspire you any more and let them go. Give them to a friend, a quilt guild, or a charity and let someone else create with them. I guarantee that you will be more inspired to use your scraps after you've got rid of the ones you don't like anymore.

    These are just a couple of suggestions that have worked for me. There are loads of great ideas out there for organizing and using scraps. Most importantly, do what works for YOU! Saving and organizing scraps is only worth doing if they're something you'll use, not because they're something you feel guilty about.

    Here are a few other helpful posts with ideas for sorting, saving and using scraps:

    A Bright Corner - Fabric and Scrap Storage Ideas

    A Quilting Life - How to Sort Fabric Scraps

    In Color Order - Tips for Organizing Scraps and Storing Fabric

    The Sewing Loft - How to Organize Fabric Scraps

    Ideas for Using Fabric Scraps

    Here is a fun little project for using scraps. Bev has organized a series of tutorials for busting your scraps - and they're more than just fabric scraps - there's paper, trims, etc. involved as well! 

    I've shared mini-quilt tutorial perfect for using up fabric scraps - and it would be really easy to adapt this tutorial to make a larger version. You can find the full tutorial HERE.

    Mini Scrap Quilt Tutorial

    If you're looking for other ideas for using up scraps, this post is full of over 20 more ideas for using your fabric scraps including pillows, pincushions, great gifts, quilt blocks and even Christmas decorations!

    20 Ideas to use leftover fabric scraps

    I've also started a Scraps pinboard that I update regularly, if you want to follow it for the latest projects and ideas:

    Follow Amy Smart's board scraps on Pinterest.

     

    What are some of your favorite tips for sorting, storing, and using fabric scraps?

    More scraps

    • Ideas for using scraps, Repurpose and Reuse sewing notions
      How to Reuse and Repurpose as a Quilter: Tips for Sustainable Sewing
    • How to make a improv-style Log Cabin Quilt block with scraps
      Improv Log Cabin Block Tutorial
    • Quick Handmade Gift Idea - Flannel Pocket Handwarmers
      Flannel and Felt Reusable Handwarmer Tutorial
    • Carrot table runner for spring - perfect for sewing with scraps
      Scrappy Quilted Carrot Table Runner for Spring

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessie Fincham @ Messy Jesse

      January 27, 2015 at 3:17 am

      Your mini string quilt has been on my radar for so long! Must. Make. Soon! Thanks for the reminder Amy, hope you're keeping well. xo

      Reply
    2. Mary Marcotte

      January 27, 2015 at 5:13 am

      I wish I stored my scraps using a better system. I'm out of space and honestly do not have room for another bin! But I do put them all in a fabric basket that I made of scraps and when I'm scrap-busting I generally just go crazy and try to use at least half. That basket, btw, is a really good size...extra large and deep and attached to my worktable. It's not the best system, but I

      Reply
    3. cityquilter grace

      January 27, 2015 at 6:12 am

      excellent post with terrific ideas....saving and using scraps satisfies my frugal gene and continually reminds me how much stash i really have, thereby curbing casual and excessive buying....

      Reply
      • Alycia

        April 06, 2023 at 6:22 am

        I store my scraps the way you do! I used to sort by size between 2.5"-5" squares and strips by half inch increments. I wS inspired to change to by color by doing APQ's Scrappy Celebration QAL that is by color. It has made a huge positive difference in my efficiency in using scraps.

        Reply
    4. gigi

      January 27, 2015 at 6:18 am

      I used to save scraps but it got out of hand! If I adore them, I save them in a little bundle or make a baby quilt out of them. Otherwise I donate them to my quilt guild, as we have a garage sale as part of our biannual quilt show and sell bags of scraps as well as other quilty items. Thanks for blogging so much too-- lots of my other favorites aren't blogging as much and I look forward to

      Reply
    5. Andrea R

      January 27, 2015 at 6:25 am

      I sort by size only, and not by color. Works for me! I have each size in ziploc bags in one big bin.<br /><br />My mom says even the ugly scraps look good if you cut &#39;em small enough. 😀

      Reply
    6. Linda

      January 27, 2015 at 7:21 am

      Thank you! I just completed my first-ever scrap organization, and I needed your guidance on sizes to save. This post is so helpful.

      Reply
      • Sharry

        March 24, 2024 at 11:51 am

        Good suggestions! In addition to sorting by color, I have a separate container (actually a big clear bag) with pastels just for making baby quilts that I donate. Hospitals prefer pastels to bright colors. I use all the other colors for baby quilts for friends and relatives.

        Reply
        • Amy

          March 25, 2024 at 11:18 am

          That is a great idea!

          Reply
    7. cassandra

      January 27, 2015 at 7:33 am

      A year ago I sorted and trimmed all of my scraps into usable squares and strips. Iit made such a big difference for me! I frequently take out my 2.5in squares and just play around with them, or sew them up into zipper pouches for quick gifts. I&#39;ve also made a bunch of pillows from scraps because I have them at the ready. I haven&#39;t touched the tiny scraps I threw in ziplock bags, but maybe

      Reply
    8. Sarah

      January 27, 2015 at 8:42 am

      Thank you, my to-do list has just doubled in size! 🙂 So many ideas, so little time. I am especially inspired by your cute EPP bag! I think I need to pull out those little hexagon templates and my precious little scraps to make myself a little something...

      Reply
    9. Rachel

      January 27, 2015 at 9:14 am

      You have a scrap up there with gray, red, and aqua dots on it. What bin would you store that in? I&#39;m currently making your Chinese Lanterns quilt from the Scaps book.

      Reply
      • Rachel

        January 27, 2015 at 9:14 am

        Scraps book, not scaps book!

        Reply
    10. Ruth

      January 27, 2015 at 9:46 am

      I definitely needed to read this post - I have scraps at the bottom of the basket I really could do with letting go - thanks for the tips!

      Reply
    11. Beverly {Flamingo Toes}

      January 27, 2015 at 10:13 am

      Thank you so much for being a part of the series Amy - you are the best!! The Scrap Quilt is amazing and I can&#39;t wait to make up one!

      Reply
    12. Laura Chaney

      January 27, 2015 at 11:22 am

      One of my goals for the next couple of months is getting my scraps cut down into usable pieces. I use 2x2 squares for EPP, and I can tell when I&#39;ve gotten bored by the fabric options that I&#39;ve already cut. Time to get some fresh fabric choices in there!

      Reply
    13. Kathelle - Strandom

      January 27, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Great ideas - mine are all stuffed in a bag... haha! The 2&quot;x2&quot; guideline is useful, it&#39;s hard to know what&#39;s realistically useable 🙂 x

      Reply
    14. Christals Creations

      January 27, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      I love scraps but I rarely use them. Thank you for the inspiration. 🙂

      Reply
    15. ParadiseBreeze Quilts

      January 27, 2015 at 4:47 pm

      Thanks Amy - this was great. Where I live (Qld, Australia) there is so much light that anything left out, fades. I would love to use the clear plastic bins as they would indeed be inspiring. My stash is folded into a chest of drawers - it&#39;s wonderful to open the drawers and see the rainbow of colours. I&#39;ll try your suggestion of the size sorting and saving. Cheers Amy.

      Reply
    16. weddingdressblue

      January 27, 2015 at 9:53 pm

      I mostly just sew with scraps--mine, or ones gifted by others. There is never a shortage of scraps and, so far, I haven&#39;t run out of ways to use them.

      Reply
    17. AnnieO

      January 28, 2015 at 12:14 am

      Scrappy is best in my book! I have two papercrafting storage towers that hold scraps sorted by color in one, and by size in the other. Actually it&#39;s size and color. I keep lights or neutrals in their own bin. You are so right about purging--we all have our storage issues and need to be realistic about what we will actually USE !! Love your mini quilt. Strings are something I don&#39;t save

      Reply
    18. Allison

      January 28, 2015 at 2:32 am

      This is so useful! I have several scrap sorting systems started but but rarely use my scraps because they&#39;re not really working. I&#39;m going to try sorting by size as well, to separate out my &#39;stash&#39; from my scraps (and have a bit of a purge at the same time!).

      Reply
    19. Sew Create It - Jane

      January 28, 2015 at 3:39 am

      Great post as always...love the tip about getting rid of scraps that you don&#39;t love anymore...there is so much truth to that and a bit of advice I&#39;m going to take on-board! Thanks :o)

      Reply
    20. Carol

      January 28, 2015 at 6:31 am

      The reference to small breeding rodents cracked me up as I used to work with mice - a new litter every 20-21 days.

      Reply
    21. quiltytherapy

      January 28, 2015 at 8:59 am

      We have a local store that takes donations of used craft supplies. I have taken many bags of scraps that just need to go there. Each month I&#39;m trying to make 1 scrap project to help use up what I have just sitting around. Thanks for the sorting ideas.

      Reply
    22. Felice

      January 28, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      I get a little nutty when it comes to sorting scraps. I tend to over-sort into too many categories. I&#39;ve managed to widdle it down to basic color groups, a few bags that are sorted by my favorite designers (Heather Ross, Lizzy House, C&amp;S) plus an extra bin for scraps that&#39;d be good for fussy cuts.

      Reply
    23. Gail M

      January 28, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      Real quilters give me their scraps. Now I can make a 5&quot; squares quilt with no repeat swatches.

      Reply
    24. Carla

      February 07, 2015 at 5:28 pm

      I have scraps but haven&#39;t used them for anything. I have started cutting some using my die cutter to make small 1&quot; and 2&quot; squares plus if I can cut my scraps into strips I have them wound up on a wooden spool to make a scrappy string quilt one day. But the rest are in tubs all mixed together.

      Reply
    25. Kay

      June 23, 2015 at 9:46 am

      Great post, and thank you for the links too. x

      Reply
    26. Quilting Focus

      November 16, 2015 at 1:56 pm

      Love the ideas for sorting and saving fabric scraps, there are such a variety of beautiful ways to use scraps. We did a post on a cute way of using up some old scraps if you want to check it out! www,quiltingfocus.com/2015/03/scrappy-handmade-hot-pad-tutorial. Happy Quilting!

      Reply
    27. Diana

      February 13, 2016 at 8:23 am

      I sort and store my scraps by color and size and then put them in 14x14 inch plastic bins. I like to do BOM's so each project I am working on is also stored in it's own bin so I can grab and go or work on it and put it out of the way until I am ready to work on it again. I keep cut pieces in ziplock bags as well so they are easily accessible. My biggest challenge is where to put all those bins! 🙂

      Reply
    28. Mary McCormick

      January 06, 2018 at 8:15 am

      Where can I donate material in Houston, TX?

      Reply
      • Amy

        January 06, 2018 at 3:00 pm

        Hmm. I don't know of any place specific - try reaching out to a local quilt guild. They may know of local charities in need. Or they may gladying take the fabric themselves for charity quilts!

        Reply
      • elana goldberg

        March 25, 2024 at 8:11 pm

        Reach out to kat of covered in love. https://katandcatquilts.blogspot.com/p/covered-in-love.html she’s not too far from houston and has a comfort quilt charity where u can mail a whole box of scraps for very little.

        Reply
    29. katechiconi

      February 19, 2020 at 12:24 am

      I'm already a sorted scrap fiend. Over 5 years ago now, a friend in Sweden and I decided we'd do a monthly show and tell of what we'd made that month from our scraps. Over the years, others have joined us until it's now a Thing, and ScrapHappy Day is a regular monthly event for creations not only of fabric, but also yarn, woodwork, silversmithing scrap and home electronics, to name but a few! This most recent ScrapHappy post gives links to the regular members, if anyone's interested (https://wp.me/p3Wfbs-3TF)

      Reply
    30. Linda Christianson

      June 06, 2021 at 8:29 am

      I been sorting for years. It how to use as you go. Time, sleep, work, health and were do you store or keep all the small projects become a mess. You do have neat ideas and glad you share your ideas. I dreamed of scrapes 50 years ago and now even making charity quilts the scrapes have taken over.

      Reply
    31. Bear Creek Quilting Company

      March 29, 2022 at 10:01 am

      Thank you for a post jam-packed with inspiration and tips! I particularly loved the tip about purging what doesn't inspire. So true!

      Reply
    32. Julie Kemp

      March 29, 2022 at 11:55 pm

      Do what I do.I am using up my scraps by making mini quilts for my local animal shelter for their Cat Cages. They gave me the measurments and love the quilts.

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 30, 2022 at 1:13 pm

        That is awesome!

        Reply
    33. Ana-Marija Pavić

      May 26, 2022 at 5:34 am

      Hi Amy!
      I am new quilter from Zagreb, Croatia, Europe. I was looking for some "scrappy info" and I found that beautiful pictures from Peek-a-boo and Escalante. I have been there in 2019 an that part of Utah was absolutely gorgeous and the most exciting part of our 1 month trip through 10 National Parks in Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. Thank you for reminding me on those beautiful days.
      If you are interested in what I am doing take a look at https://quiltana.hr/ or Instagram: @quiltana.
      Have a nice day, Ana-Marija Pavić

      Reply
    34. Helen Bowie

      March 30, 2023 at 6:39 am

      Thank you so much for your tips and patterns for using up those scraps! I am going to book mark this page for sure!

      Reply
    35. Gwyn

      April 02, 2023 at 1:01 pm

      I try to sort by size, type, color, but my fabric is in four different places in my house. I do try to give away what I am not interested in using anymore.

      Reply
    36. Sandra

      April 28, 2023 at 11:16 am

      If I have small scraps or pieces that I no longer love, I donate them all to my local school. They get used for collage and appear in lots of different projects! Plus it’s giving children a chance to play with fabric, something the school does not have a budget for just now

      Reply
    37. Darlene

      March 23, 2024 at 8:53 pm

      I sort my scraps by size. 2x2, 2.5x2.5, 2.5 inch strips. I have the 2.5 inch strips sorted by color. I try to cut and sort after each project. I do a lot of charity quilts, large and small, so I have a lot of scraps. Unfortunately scraps have a tendency to overwhelm me. When I get to the overwhelmed state I send them to an organization that will use them. My intention is to use them but it doesn't happen. I feel freed and get my sewing mojo back when I pass them along.

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 25, 2024 at 11:20 am

        So smart. I'm a big fan of passing along fabric that no longer inspires.

        Reply
    38. Wylma Ramos de Campos Mello

      August 06, 2024 at 2:58 pm

      Scraps can take a lot of space, but I d'ont cut them in squares.
      I do a lot of creazy kilt. I discovered that a pot holder is a very
      good small present. I usually make 2 that relate to each other,
      in the same scraps, and that is the way I give them.
      You do have to pick up hot plates from two sides.
      You would be amazed what these two can open doors
      to easy your life
      And it is a lot of fun do do them..

      Reply
    39. Mea Cadwell

      April 20, 2025 at 6:02 am

      I found a great way of using up quilt scraps.
      After you finish a quilt use the scraps to make a quilted tote.

      The tote will match the quilt.

      You have a convenient way to store the quilt when it's not in use.
      In the myriad of ways quilts are stored (closets, trunks, under a bed, etc.) are a lot of products that aren't acid-free (paper, varnish, or paint, etc.) which can harm fabric over time.

      It's easier to gift because the quilt isn't loose.

      And if you add a flap to the tote opening you don't even have to giftwrap the quilt because it comes with it's own "wrap".

      Reply
      • Stéphanie David

        April 21, 2025 at 1:39 am

        I love the way you put your scraps together and all your ideas of quilts.
        Thanks you so much for your sharing.
        Take care.

        Reply

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