I live for scraps!! And yes I use them all but not before they multiply lol. I recently learned a new trick that might help add to your cutting process. All you need are some big zip lock bags and a pattern. Take that pattern and cut what you need to make that quilt. Voila…. You just made your own quilt kit!! Super effective for busting that stash!! I also add the birders and binding so its all together most of the time.

I came to quilting from garment sewing so I began with scraps from that. My first quilt was one for my daughter who asked for a pink and purple quilt. I pulled out all the scraps in those colors and set to work making a nine-patch for her. Most of the pieces had memories attached and that's what makes scrap quilting so fun to me. Before the 1970's most home-made clothing was made from cotton (or wool in the winter) so scraps made wonderful quilts. I still go into quilt shops and look at the fabric and think "Oh, that would make a gorgeous dress or blouse." I process scraps similar to you, by color, and in pre-cut sizes. I'm amazed at that ruler you use, wow! That is like magic. I'd like to get one of those. Thanks for sharing, I love learning new things. I live in a tiny rural town and haven't found an active quilt group near me, so I consider my KZfaq "friends" my quilt group. Keep up the great work.

I loved reading thru the comments and learning how different quilters deal with their scraps. I came to the concept of scrap sorting after 50-some years of sewing/quilting/crafting. At the beginning, everyone saved, but the "how" wasn't an issue. Any bag or box would work. Later on, after a certain amount of trial and error, I returned to my roots. Once again, I no longer cut until needed. It just seems more frugal to me. I don't waste time re-cutting to get the size I need from an already-cut piece. I don't need to cobble together two too-short, already-cut pieces to get the longer length I need. I can use that teensy piece for a tiny leaf or vine or cat's eye on my latest applique block, etc. I haven't seemed to use the nicely cut pieces any faster than the scrappy scraps. Funny thing is that I do get frustrated when the nicely cut pieces get askew in their neat stacks, but it doesn't bother me a bit when the scrappy scraps play hide and seek in their tub. :>) And lastly, I'm sending a bit less to the landfill. Goodness knows I will never be able to use all the scraps, regardless of how I save/store them. If you see a sudden influx of scraps in your local thrift store some day, remember me. (smile)

I use nothing but scraps. I get friends' leftovers, mix them all up, then try to make some sense out of them. I make quilts for charities, bunting, santa sacks and so on. Some scraps are as large as fat quarters but I have made several crumb quilts. It's very satisfying knowing that I am saving fabrics from landfill, making useful and beautiful projects, and giving myself hours of gainful occupation.

I adore scraps! They make the most dynamic, beautiful quilts that represent the essence of quilts of lore. It feels thrifty and somewhat virtuous to make something beautiful and useful from scraps that others would discard!

Morning coffee with Amy!! I just told hubby I will be in my sewing room all day. I'm all set for a morning of cutting, sewing 1 block, attaching a binding and possibly cutting again. How satisfying is the sound of that rotary cutter thru the fabric. Thanks for jump starting my day in the sewing room with another great video.

I love scraps and make many scrap quilts! I do organize all my scraps in plastic drawers. I must confess to being a bit OCD. I have a few drawers of large pieces, but smaller than a fat quarter, sorted by color. Next are my solids and tone on tone large pieces for appliqué. After that, the madness begins. Strips that are larger than 3” in one drawer. Then a drawer for 3”, a drawer for 2.5”, a drawer for 2”, a drawer for 1.5 and a drawer for 1” all strips of any length. Then I have my squares drawers, starting with 5”, then 4.5”, 4”, 3”, 2.5”, 2”, and finally 1” squares. Last, I have two drawers of triangles, one for half square triangles and the other for all other triangles. Only the large pieces are sorted by color. The rest I pick out colors when I’m pulling scraps for a particular quilt. The drawers are quite shallow, so when one gets full, I pick a pattern that uses that size square, strip, or triangle. Lately it’s been half square triangles in red, white and black for a bear paws quilt, 1.5” strips in blues and whites for a pineapple quilt and green and beige 2.5” squares for something with 4 patches… still working on that one!

I do cut my scraps but have never thought to use my stripology ruler. What a great tip! Thanks for sharing.

I process my scraps like this as well. I cut sizes I use most. Anything over 1 yard gets folded and put with yardage. Anything under a yard and larger than a fat quarter gets folded and put into shoe boxes, sorted by color. I started doing it this way because I wasn't using my scraps because it was too overwhelming. I also work with a lot of hand me down fabric and thrifted fabric, which tends to be smaller remnants anyways. I do find it a little time consuming cutting it all up. I keep a small bin and try to process scraps once it's full. I was surprised at how fast you processed yours with that ruler though. During your video I realized I have a shape cut ruler that was given to me and it goes up to 12 inches square! I don't know why I didn't think of using it before. So thank you for the inspiration! My scrap bin is full and this afternoon I plan on using that ruler to knock out some precuts and have some progress satisfaction 😂

Thank-you or your ideas. I watched the lady from the quilted forest. She got out her many scrap bins, with her 2 1/2" strips she sewed the ends together and ran them under the iron, some were a real mess, then rolled them up like jelly rolls on an old spool, ribbon or elastic? She got two rows side by side on it. She got a whole bin tamed neat enough to put on a shelf, for her next jelly roll race style quilts. Have you seen Brenda from mt scrapmore, she makes potato chip blocks, with 2 1/2" × 4 1/2"bricks or their smaller or larger cousins. She also put together an orphan blocks quilt, in the jr race style, that worked well. She does a lot of tedious work with leaders and enders, while sewing up other things. Ready in advance for the next project. Pat sloan has light and dark squares for leaders and enders, keeping to a theme, she does blue, green or another colour, sews two pairs light and dark, turns them into 4-patches opposite corners for lights, after she's done her project for the day, puts 4 together for a larger block, and sets them aside until she has enough. 4×4, 32-patches could be a baby quilt? 5 or 6 × 9 or 10 would be a twin? Or mix up the sizes and do a really scrappy one. You could make all sorts of smaller gifts with the double 4-patches. You could really tame those blues? Tiffany recently did a free visual pattern with increasing 4-patch sizes that fit all together. 1 1/2", 2 1/2", 4 /2" , and 8 1/2", i think? And said if you don't "do" fiddly little pieces, skip them. You can easy cut down those 10" squares too, for the right colour 2 1/2", 3", 5", etc. You must have so much fun, from the quilts on your wall for exaample, with your scraps. All the best.

I'm using my scraps to make crumb quilting 10" squares. It is so freeing and relaxing! I use scissors for most of the work, then a rotary cutter and mat for cutting the finished crumb chunks into squares. I'm having lots of fun doing this!!

I do save scraps but don't cut them down until I need them. I'm always afraid if I cut them down that they will then be too small when I find a pattern to use them in. 😊 I've usually got a few scrap projects going so my bins don't get too bad. And only small pieces go in a bin. Bigger scraps get folded up and put with other big scraps. And don't make me define big and small scraps! Lol

What I love most about precutting the fabric is that takes minimum place and can be stored pressed in perfect condition.

I save all the scraps 😂 i love scrappy quilting. I have 3 sizes of epp hexies that i take on the road. I'm working on a 1.5 inch postage stamp quilt. Sometimes those are leaders and enders or I'll set a timer and work on it. I get a lot of scraps from friends or the thrift store so I make improv quilts to bust through those and practice new skills. Lately I've been making wonky log cabins (duckworth blocks) out of my strings all in one color at a time. I also recently got a 4 inch and 6 inch square ruler so those have helped me go towards pre-cutting my scraps. Overall i alternate between a scrappy project, which brings lots of joy and no stress, with true pattern projects... And have my epp and postage stamp running in the background to eat scraps 😁

Hi Amy, You just popped up on my suggested list. I'm Rose and it's nice to meet you! I just worked scraps today after being gifted 3 trash bags of scraps yesterday. I sort large pieces by color into ckear pkastic bins. Smaller pieces get processed much like yours but I use different sizes ( Lori Holt method). I'm working on scrap quilts for five sisters and nine grandkids, all nade from scraps. I've finished seven quilts this year and haven't made a dent in my stash. Almost all my fabrics have come from garage sales snd estate sales. The only time I pay full price is if I need a large backing or a background in a specific color. I'm cheap like thst, lol but recipients would never know the difference.

Oh do I save scraps, and I use them. I sort scraps by color. I used to process them into pre cut sizes. But I didn’t tend to use them. I have an Accuquilt electric cutter and many dies. So what I do now is this. I plan my quilt and decide on a color “story”. And choose my chosen colors from my scrap drawers. I sort of kit my quilt and cut the necessary sizes I need then. I love hearing about how people “process” their scraps. I too keep strings. I have a large tub of neutrals and a large tub of colored strings. I do love string quilts. I got hooked on them watching Bonnie Hunter. She has some great string quilt books. Love all of your videos. Thank you for all you do. ❤

The harder I work at using up my scraps, the more scraps I have. I love working in scraps. I have spent many happy days cutting my scraps into 2 1/2 inch squares, 2 1/2 X 4 1/2 in rectangles, and 5 inch squares. If I ever get to my larger pieces of scraps, I will cut 2 1/2 inch strips, 2 inch strips, 1 1/2 inch strips, and 10 inch squares (and anything I can add to my smaller per-cuts). I was taught by my parents and teachers to save my scraps.

I dont mind creating fabric. put a seam in it and get your 10 inch sq pieces. Oh my, pandemic squares...crazy mam crazy. I had no scraps because I had not seriously sewn in years. I decided I wanted to sew someway. I bought and had cleaned 2 machines, I watched a ton of videos. I went to Joanns...I lost heart. I went to walMart and picked out various colors all the same size..1/4 yd. Washed all and ironed all and stored them away. I was not happy at prices or selection. I remembered how my great grandmother used crumbs of all the clothes she made, mostly from flour sacks. I said well let me find cotton clothes that I can deconstruct, I went to Salvation Armt thrift and bought mostly kids clothes. I washed and ironed and stored it away. Later I decided to try a large Goodwill. I found yardages of beautiful dress fabrics that I had to buy. Also, lots of new flat sheets in white and various colors. I founf drapes and duvet covers. Almost every thing was new, I also found drapes. All were washed and ironed and stored away. I did cut apart most of the shirts. I did not cut the sheets. I have lovely fabrics in many colors and designs. Mostly from $1.00 mens shirts. Look at shirts...there is a lot of fabric in them. So now I have scraps and dress making fabric and sewing machines and backing. I hope to soon be able to start working on them. I have a tote full of clothes to mend. I also bought a mid arm quilting frame. Before now I have only done hand quilting and dress making. I also picked up some silk to mend a damaged comforter.

I found this video in my feed last night. ❤ I have since gone back and watched all your videos from the beginning. You inspire me. So happy to have found your channel. I adore scraps, thrift stores and not being wasteful. As for you, you have clearly done your research about filming and editing videos. Thank you for putting out videos that are well done. You are a joy to listen to and watch! I needed your joy today. Welcome to my feed and my home. I will enjoy spending time with you 😊. Diane

Pre-pandemic, my chronic illness decided to flare so I was housebound for days at a time. I went on a rampage through my stash, and pulled any fabric that wasn’t sparking joy. Then I cut up that yardage into precuts. The size of the cut was directly proportional to how much I still liked it. Keepers went into FQ’s or layer cakes. Not so much, went into charm squares or 2.5” strips. And really don’t likes went into 2” or 1.5” strips, and mini-charms. The horrendous, What Was I Thinking, garish pattern that was unbearable as yardage, made colorful and joyful strips for my stash, and yawningly boring yardage turned into soothing strips and squares for the eye to rest. Win/win!!

I have a love/hate relationship with scraps. I hate waste so I will use them eventually but the hate comes in because I have seen these colors and fabrics while doing a quilt so by the time they become scraps, I am so sick of looking at them. I leave the pile for a while and process it when I have the inclination. My process is much the same as yours. 10" , 5" blocks, 2.5" strips, if I have longer 2" strips, I will cut them to 2"x3.5" and save those for leader and enders when I sewing another project ( it makes a good scrappy quilt project from seweasy's channel). Thanks for sharing and I just subscribed. I really hope to see more scrap content to motivate me.

Saving scraps is easy … using scraps, oh my. I did just finish a Halloween quilt with scraps! One win!!!

I love my scraps and I process in a similar way, only next level. I try to process them after every project. I started cutting 10", 5", 4.5", 4", 3.5", 3", 2.5", 2" and 1.5" squares. That created too many tubs, so I've decided to change. In the last few weeks I've been cutting 10" squares, 5" strips and squares, 2.5" strips and squares and 1.5" strips and squares. If I am short on time I just cut strips. I've been using scraps more than my FQs and yardage lately and I'm trying not to buy any new fabric until I make a slight dint in my stash (unless I need it to finish a project). So far, so good! I think I need a stripology ruler - and now I'm posting this comment 45 minutes after typing it because *squirrel* Amazon and stripolgy ruler (which I didn't buy - yet!)

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a hard time with math in my head. That was actually 40 5" squares. 😂 I love your method. Your personality is so cute and bubbly! I must subscribe!

Hi Amy! Loved the video... I have a drawer full (lifetime amount) of scraps sorted by size only, for making multi-colored scrap quilts. But recently I decided to use scraps on the backs of the quilt providing the scraps. Works great!

I also save/cut my scraps in 10", 5", & 2 1/2" squares as well as 2 1/2" strips using my Accuquilt dies. Ahhhh! Wonderful. So easy. So fun.

Since my brain CANNOT make a 'random ', scrap; only a ' curator', tyoe quilt. I cut any leftovers (size appropriate), to 5"'s only. Everything else gets sent yo best friend , 48yrs, in Florida. She makes the most amazing quilts ever made. Far above my abilities. I have 2 totes of solids, 2 totes of prints only. Totes are not large, can't lift otherwise. ALL other fabric is in zip bags with pattern included. I have more fabric than many shops, BUT it's well & truly organized. I'm crazy but organized!

Exactly what I do. I don’t make 10” as it’s too big. I’m mostly scrappy but now are called crumb. Definitely save scraps. I’m almost done with my first string quilt 1.5”. I keep a pillow case for those toss aways. I stuff them sew them shut for pet beds, kennel pads. Makes me feel better than tossing them. I’ve been asked by a friend if I would ever consider making paper with tossed fabric. I don’t know how to make paper but it would be colorful.

I save my scraps and those from my friends too!! The tiny scraps make stuffing for draught excluders for the homeless Dog beds too. I also save selvedges - with plans to use them one day. I enjoy your videos, thank you. Take care

Not only do I save scraps, I save everyone’s scraps. I belong to a small guild; everyone gives me their scraps. I acculturation 5 in squares and 2.5 in strips as well as 2.5 in squares. I do not throw my tiny scraps away, I use them to stuff cat beds for a local no kill shelter. I do mine all in one day. I dump a bag of scraps on my cutting table, sort out big scraps, press and cut, stuffing beds as I go. One of my favorites is a crib size quilt I made from large trimming from a bed quilt. Cut smaller blocks, sewed them together, added sashing, and boom! A quilt for an underprivileged kid. Thanks for good ideas, starting color coded bins and a string bin.

No! I haven’t processed scraps. This gave me hope. The whole manageable amount of time and scraps. Thanks

I use my regular rulers and 45m rotary cutter. I try to do a scrap project regularly. My favourite though is making trivets (aka potholders!) which I donate to a wildlife rescue fundraiser. It thrills me to see those scraps out of a landfill and being used to raise money then to be used to protect people's hands while cooking!

I splurged on a Stripology ruler. Worth. Every. Penny. 🥰 My scraps are sorted by color. Mostly. I’m working on getting them cut into usable sizes. I appreciate your channel!

I love my scraps more than my stash. I cut into 2.5 strips, 2.5 squares and 5” squares. I make many scrap quilts. I have found that using a solid, usually a brighter color, ties it all together. I take my 5 inch squares and I cut them into tumblers and I make tumbler quilts. I can pretty much process the same way you do except I have a basket that is not that big and when it is full, I must process my scraps. I probably make about 12 scrap quilts a year. I really enjoyed your video. I must remember to set a timer for 15 minutes.

Thank you! Love the scrap tips - and I’ll use them. But my favorite part of this video was when you said you started this process during the pandemic. I laughed out loud, and I’m sewing on binding - alone! Glad I wasn’t the only one doing things to gain control during that time. Thanks for the real life laugh!!

❤I love my scraps and I use them into scrappy beautiful quilts

I stored my scraps into plastic bags and gave them to a lady making hexagons. Don’t even miss them.

Love, Love, Love scrap quilts! I think this is because I am utilitarian at heart. Thank you for your videos!

Great video! Love Love Love my scraps. Favorite quilting method is scraps. Favorite color is scraps. Favorite food is scraps JK. Though I process by color into bins, I don't precut anything as I mostly make up my patterns as I go. When a bin gets full, I focus on it for a quilt or 2. My grandmother was a/the seamstress in her town and I remember visiting even at 6 years old - she had a scrap bin by her main machine that was a cardboard tube at least 2ft diameter and 3ft tall - no idea where she got it. Was always at least 2/3 full of scraps from wedding fabric and trousers and more. Very little was wasted. I try to channel her talent all the time:) I'm also lucky to have 2 friends that sew and prefer Not to save scraps. One picks a pattern and buys the fabric and makes the quilt or all the projects she wants from the fabric and she gives me the scraps. The other makes smaller projects but eventually doesn't have things to match up and doesn't have the space to keep all the excess, so she gives me the pieces she no longer thinks she will use. Very grateful that they bag their scraps up and save them for me.

Hi Amy, it's nice to see you again. Do I save my scraps ? Yes. Why ? I don't know. I have never made anything from my scraps. Sure I have a few bins full of every size scrap and various shapes and sizes. After watching your video, maybe I need to get myself into gear and process them like you suggest. Thank you for making it look so easy. Cheers from Canada.

Yes to all your questions. . . love this idea!!! I'm trying to get down to precut sizes, in the beginning I did each half inch from 1.5 up to ??? I am part of a group that makes baby quilts for a pregnancy crisis center and lap quilts for an assisted living facility. We learned to put a rectangular pocket on the front of the lap quilts for warming hands, tissues, lip balm, phone, etc. Love your cheerful demeanor and your emphasis on what works for the individual!

I was bemoaning the cost of that Stripology ruler and complaining that I’d only use it for “one thing”. Well, now I can see that I was whining! I love scraps! Having this ruler will be an amazing tool for creating pre-cuts with! Thank you! And I also sort by color and then usually sort my bins in ROYGBIV.

Yes this is how I do mine too. Also during the pandemic (as a foodserver i was off work for 4 months so i made the best of it) the only thing i do different is when i cut my 5 in strips i leave them whole in case i need a extra 2.5 strip so i dont cut them into squares. I love the bins from Target for the 10 in squares and i have 6 that are full and have no need to buy another precut bundle in my life but cant help it cuz they are so pretty haha

Thanks for a very interesting scrap processing video. I have one medium size plastic bin for small and one for larger scraps because I use every bit of fabric I can. I don’t like to waste fabric. I do use the scraps for other projects as needed. ❤

I have a plethora of scraps in 3, 4, and 5 inch squares! My tiny scraps are sorted by color or holiday and I also have bags of 1.5, 2 and 2.5 inch strips. I bring a bag of scraps to my quilting group and process them there so I don't have to haul the machine. The key is putting them in the appropriate bag or bin when I get home. It is pretty easy to stay on top of scraps if you deal with them after each project. Now if I just had time to sew all of the scraps I have prepared!!

Love your sense of humor....15 minute increments is a great idea.

💙💚💙💚💙 I love the stripology rulers too!

I use to toss anything less than half a yard. Then, I donated. Thanks to you, I have a whole new way to look at the extra fabric which I always thought was a huge waste. Hope you have a fabulous day.

Yes, i have scraps. Tons if them. I do a lot of charity tops for a hospital in Afruca. The Potato Chip block is my favorite from Conquering Mount Scrapmore.

So glad I found your channel. I am enjoying your ideas and process. I never thought about setting a timer as it goes so fast with my short June Taylor stripology ruler. I have a 10” ruler that I use a lot. I just cut up 49 mens dress shirts. Then I went to 5” strips and 5” squares. After that I did 2.5 strips and 2.5 squares. I have my scraps for crumb quilting and a few smaller strips but nothing smaller than one inch. I pared down about a year and a half ago after watching Suze at Revelation Quilts. She had an awesome video that really spoke to me. I love scrap quilting and enjoy putting together at the drop of a hat. When I aimlessly sew I make blocks a little bigger than 10” and trim to 10 and store in a drawer or storage box until I have enough to make something . I also use my short strips to sew to adding tape about 14” and store them also for borders. Thanks for this video. I am catching up slowly.

I'm always amazed at how many scraps some quilters have. I really don't have that many. I really don't cut down what I have either except for strips but I'm using those to make a string quilt. Maybe I'm looking at my fabric wrong. lol

If you have cats, you can use the long unusable pieces to make tassels for them to play. Tie them together to make toys or tie them to a long piece of fabric to make a toy to play with them.

It is an appliqué of sorts… use a piece of steam a seam 2 stuck to a background piece and attach confetti cut pieces to form a palm tree or anything… so stick little squares organized with a toothpick and tweezers on the sticky side revealed on the steam a seam … then browns for a trunk… tan sand blue ocean etc… them cover either any type of tulle you like! I use glittery tulle on a spool from the craft area at Walmart! Lol Now put on your appliqué foot so it won’t snag the tulle and fmq or I light straight lines or shape you will make of this… bind and add hanging circles to the back… someone has a nice thoughtful gift that uses only snippets of scraps!!! lol 🎉

Yes, I save scraps and I have you some. I’m a new quilter so i don’t have that much. I do use frankenbatting, the art of sewing batting scraps to make a bigger piece, no sense in wasting anything. That ruler is cool.

Hi Amy! So happy to see this post from ya! I separate scraps into 9 color bins … I do use scraps once I have a quilt and color inspiration… I also look to my scraps for confetti quilt wallhangings and plain inspiration for a new quilt as I rarely repeat a quilt top! I do not cut my scraps up because I do much fabric crafts so until I use some of that fabric… I leave it irregular and all … Thanks for asking

Hi Amy, another good video! I cut 10,” 5,” and 2.5 inch squares from my scraps - strings and odd pieces are sorted and stored by color in 2 gal Ziplock bags. Bags then go into storage cubes in my Kallax unit from IKEA. I use the scraps for scrap blocks and to “make” fabric; Tracy from the Sewing Channel has a great video about making rainbow star blocks out of scraps.

I most certainly save scraps, mostly because we pay a premium price for fabric these days and I don't want to waste any. My problem is, as much as I want to store it as precut shapes, I do use my quilting fabric for a variety of applications so sometimes it's better not to cut it up. It gets messy, I get overwhelmed, I get frustrated.😅 But lately I have been trying this method. Great video Amy, I really enjoy your channel.😊

I also cut fat quarters from not quite a yard remnants that I have. Scraps go into precuts that I use often. I also cut hunks and chunks with my crazy quilt templates. I just finished two crazy quilts this week out of a box of those pieces. Creative grids crazier eights template set.

I save scraps and have quilt tops made from them. Keep on scraping..!♥️♥️

I’m still learning different techniques. I started strip piecing with 81/2 x11 newsprint paper. Hopefully I will learn to make a quilt with them. I’ve made cute hot pads out of them also. I just found you by scrolling on KZfaq and I’m so glad I did. Have to go now……… need to check out the rest of your site. Thank you😊

I keep most of my fat quarters and 1 meter cuts or there about ,in ikea wire baskets organized by holiday and pattern group. Sometimes I cut 2.5 strips out of the scraps or yardage as it’s great for bindings and some projects. Storage is the biggest issue.

Amy, comment #2: This was actually the very first video I watched. It took a while to save for my ruler because saving time makes sense. Next on my saving budget the Accuquilt machine. Please sometime show a clip on how you do that. Thanks because you make my quilting life beautiful. 🎶💐💖

My paternal grandmother would get precut squares and sew them together any old way as they came to hand. Didn't even bother to line up the corners. Some of her seams were a quarter inch off. On the other side, my great grandmothers ...I honestly don't know how their quilts were made. Its like they grabbed two pieces of scrap, sewed a straight line. Grabbed two more, and kept going till they somehow had a full quilt top. I've tried to recreate both types and discovered I can not deal with random fabric placement. It sets my teeth on edge. The closest I've ever come to random was a nine patch with solid squares between. And that was hard! lol THEN I decided to try paper piecing. Low and behold, I could deal with random. But only hexagons, and only paper pieced. I have no idea why, but that's what I'm going with for now.

I just found your channel, and you have made my day.

Amy, your scrap processing is genuis. You think like a Mathematician. I subscribed 6 minutes into this video, which is the first time I've ever seen you work. I'm looking forward to doing some binging. Your new friend from New Mexico, Carla 🎶💖💐

You have a wonderful matter-of-fact, down-to-earth personality which is so refreshing! Thanks for your video. I organize my scraps differently, but I believe I may convert to your method.

I need that ruler!!! I have large buckets of unprocessed scraps. I DO use them for scrappy projects ❤

I love your positivity!

Hi Amy, I'm a Bonnie Hunter scrap cutter . I take all scraps offered, but I am drowning in material (mostly unapologetically)😅. Yes I use them,but in all honesty it would take another millennia to use it all. I said something to a quilty friend about destashing and my daughter said noooooo😂 yes we have another quilter in the fold

You bet I save scraps, even the ones too small for sewing projects I save for stuffing projects. I also save by color. My brain just processes it easier that way. I am just in the middle of a big move. My Grandson has taken most of my sewing bins to the locker til I am able to get to my new place. Let me tell you I feel naked without all my bins. I am glad I still have a few left here with me so I don't have to go and buy more. Thanks so much for your truly bubbly personality. I will be watching more of your videos.

Hi Amy! Oh YES to scraps!!! I make my own and friends donate them to me. I keep pre-cut sizes (2 1/2", 5", 6") in square cookie tins from the thrift store--they stack on shelves and keep fabric dust free. I also make crumb and string blocks and keep those in other tins which saves time when I'm making charity quilts. For your viewers that toss scraps, please suggest that they offer them to other quilters or guilds to make charity quilts or items for Christmas charities. (How many string zip pouches were sent to my local Xmas charity last year? Don't get me started!!!) You are the best Amy!!! Hugs from Canada.

I’ve been collecting “Pre-cut” patterns from magazines and books to use with my scraps that I process. They come in handy for charity projects or if I need a quick baby quilt for a gift!

I like your ideas for processing scraps, but I take it one step further. I decide on a pattern and process/cut the kit to make it and bag it ready to sew. I am usually 3-4 kits ahead so I can start sewing a project at anytime.

I started in 1998 and loved scrappy quilts. Problem was I didn’t have any. So I collected tons of FQs. Made several quilts then kinda finished my scrappy period,and 10 years later I found my sewing space (which was my busy family’s family room) was being overrun with bins of scraps. I really got tired of the constant (sorta controlled) mess that was taking over my family space. So I-hold on tight- threw them all away. All. Of course I kept my FQs, they were carefully sorted into colors and each color was in it’s own small box. I now have a bookcase with doors from IKEA with yardage flat folded and stored vertically like books and my FQ boxes in a second bookshelf/cabinet. Now I use my larger pieces and cut as I use them for patterns.

I like making napkins, so I have a pile that I can cut 15" squares out of. Then I like doing simple quilts that's a 6.5" square and a 6.5" four patch so I have piles I can get 6.5" and 3.5" out of. Then I like to make scrunchies 4" x 18" and bookmarks 3" x 6" and have piles for those

I do save scraps. I have tried various ways to organize them. My main fabric is sorted into colour bins. FQs to 2 yard cuts by batiks and regular fabric. Kids stuff has a bin and Christmas has a bin. I have to rethink thid because I also have solids...a bin or two, hand dyes, indigo dyed, ice dyed and eco printed. I may have a problem.... This summer I took my kids scraps, a neutral bin and cut them up for kids charity quilts. I also cut up my batik scraps to make a colorwash quilt. And my mask making scraps to cut a hexegon Quilt as you go. Now I have to many things to work on.... This winter I need to plow through them and get them done. I hope we are snowed in alot so I dont have to go out!

I save ALL my scraps! I have more scrap than yardage!!! Thank you for all your ideas.

I love your videos! I've been quilting for nearly 24 years and I love it! I make a lot of quilts which generate a lot of scraps. I couldn't process all of the without my Stripology rulers and my Go Big! You are right, quilters do not these and rulers work great...but it is a bit slower!

My scrap system is similar. I have a large basket on my cutting table that is the catch all for all scraps. When the basket is full, I first of all sort by color. I have bins for each color, including green vs spring green, and blue vs aqua and teals. I even have a bin for too many colors so I can’t decide where it goes. Those are fun for children’s quilts. I often don’t cut scraps until I’m working on a specific project. I do have a separate basket for crumbs, all colors, and two string bins, cool vs warm. This seems to work for me. I store all my 2.5” strips together, sorted by color, and same with 2” and 1.5” strips. It makes my heart happy to sort them into color families.

I tend to cut up my scraps as I go, if I can. The “weird” pcs I save, sew together or put in my “stuffing” bag (no trash). My “someday” make is calling for my attention! 😊

I came to quilting to use up the scraps left over from mask making during the beginning of the pandemic. I love the stripology ruler. It is probably one of the best investments I made in cutting rulers.

I save EVERYTHING!!! 😂. When I get a lot of them, I always make scrap quilts. The smaller pieces I keep to make scrap squares. I just sit and sew until I get a piece big enough and then cut that into squares. The super little scraps I use as stuffing for pillows, pet beds, or anything else I need stuffing for. I try not to put any fabric scraps in landfill. I use everything.

I just discovered your channel! I do the same process as you, same sizes. Although I don’t have an accuquilt, I do have all of the stripology rulers and LOVE them. You are right, you don’t need them, but the time savings and improved accuracy I think are well worth the investment. I would get the largest one if you have to chose as it will help you process just about everything really fast. GE Designs, who makes the ruler, has many tutorials on how to use them that are extremely helpful. I also cut a few other sizes right now for some specific scrappy quilt projects I am working on (and I need a ton of variety for them).

I fold my scraps nicely and store them Marie Kondo Style in a box so that I can see them. I do not like precutting them since I use a wide variaty of sizes and like sampler blocks. From the crumbs I save I just made strips on adding maschine tape and sewed it into a rainbow spiral. It amazed me, that a 1m by 1.2m quilt came out of the crumbs from my small metal box I threw the crumbs into. Any offcuts too small for piecing go into a big pillow what is sewn shut and goes to an animal shelter as soon as its two third to three quarter filled.

I love to cut fabric! I am going to dig into my scraps and start cutting.

I save scraps. All colors jammed into Rubbermaid tubs or plastic drawers. I use them if I can find what I need. I’m going to try your system.

This is by far the best how to process scrap fabric video i have watched. All the other ones say to cut the scaps tp your desired size??? I dont know what my desired size is. But you explained that by using pre cut sizes because there are many pre cut patterns just clicked in my brain. Thank you.

When I started quilting just a few years ago, I started with scraps my friend gave me. I still keep and use my scraps! I have them loosely sorted by color, but not cut apart. I’m going to give your method a try!

I am fairly new to quilting since I'll be retiring in couple of years; I love using scraps that my friend gave me, making scrappy potholders. I sort the scraps by size of strings. Thanks for teaching me!! 🤙

I am inspired! I needed this video in my life! xo

I cut my scraps in the same sizes plus 6.5 in! I put 5 in squares in leftover diswasher pod containers, sorted into lights/darks. Now I see the value of the stripology ruler! I'm buying it today!

I didn't want to to cut my scraps a second time for a project. I found a dozen or so scrappy quilt patterns I want to make. I figured out the common shapes and sizes to make these patterns. I am finding more patterns that use these sizes and shapes all the time. While more complicated than your system I can sit and sew from my precut pieces anytime. I use my Accuquilt to cut my scraps and store the pieces in containers by size and stacks by color. It makes it very easy to pull together a project and start sewing. I cut the following shapes and sizes. 4.5" , 3.5", 2.5", and 2" squares 6.5" x 3.5", 4.5" x 2.5", 3.5" x 2.5" rectangles 2.5", 2", and 1.5" strips I have also cut HST's in 2" finished, 4" finished, and 6" finished in certain colors for a couple of projects. These shapes and sizes play well together. The 2", 3.5" and 6'5" based pieces can be used together in blocks. The1.5", 2.5", and 4.5" based pieces also can be used in blocks together. I have way too much fabric and often pull other fabrics to round out my precut scraps for a project. I also cut hexagons for English Paper Piecing. Crumbs and strings are sorted by color or active project. Now that I have cut up a large portion of my scraps I need to assemble a binder of all the patterns that I have found that use these shapes and sizes.

I love scraps! When I don’t have enough I buy scrap packs, and I collect scraps from friends who are sick of theirs. Great video! I have an accumulator but didn’t realize there was a square die for 2.5” squares. I will definitely get one! I just subscribed and am looking forward to your other videos

I just started organizing some old fabrics when I made a Scrappy Triple Irish Chain quilt. It used 2 1/2" squares. I cut 2 1/2" WOF strips then some into squares but I kept many in WOF strips to use as possible binding, borders, log cabin strips, etc. I store by size then by color or value. I enjoyed your video!

Thanks for the tips Amy. I am revising my scrap process and I am using the rainbow string quilt as an excuse to do it. I’ll dig into it more when I delve into the stash to get green strips.

Very informative video, thank you. One thing I would recommend, don’t use the effect that makes your video stop and start again as you are talking. It is not pleasant to watch and makes my stomach feel upset. You don’t need it, you are easy to listen to and share very helpful knowledge.

Fabulous idea! I have 4 boxes under my pressing table that I haven’t looked at in over a year…ugh. I will try your technique after the holidays when I’m done with the gifts I’m making now 👍. Thank you for your help

I cut my scraps into precut sizes unless I can use the piece for applique. I use my scraps-I enjoy the challenge. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it. I use the same tools as you. I now choose fabrics differently knowing they will be used in multiple projects!

Love your glasses and your hair color and your zippiness and your gentle voice and your sense of humor. Oh, and your content!

Great tips in this video. I use scraps all the time. I love scrappy quilts. I always have something in the works with leaders and Enders. I have to remember to use my strip ruler. I recently started cutting slightly larger pieces of fabric, up to fat quarters just so I can have more 2 1/2” strips. I recently purchase a used accuquilt cutting system so I think I will invest in the 1 1/2” square cutter as I find those tedious to cut.