My fabric scraps have been getting out of control! I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I had five years worth of unsorted fabric scraps in a large tub. A few weeks ago I sorted the scraps by colour into a stack of shoebox sized containers. The smaller tubs were soon overflowing and I was in an even bigger mess. Inspired by Lori Holt’s method for scrap organisation, I cut the scraps into squares and strips. Lori always makes the sweetest projects from her scraps and it will save me time if I have a stack of pre-cuts ready when inspiration strikes!
If you follow us on instagram, you will know that I set up a fabric cutting station in my laundry last week. Whenever I had a spare moment, I popped into the laundry and pressed, cut and sorted some of my fabric remnants. I found I had some ugly fabrics that I no longer wanted, as well as loads of scraps that are really too small to use (i.e. less 1 inch or less). I busily cut and sorted them into stackable shoe box sized containers in the following sizes:
- 1 1/2 inch squares and strips
- 2 1/2 inch squares and strips
- 3 1/2 inch squares and strips
- 5 inch squares
I generally keep anything bigger than 10 x 10 in with my fat quarters which are all sorted by colour. Before long I had most of the scraps sorted. The scraps now take up a lot less room and will be better utilised. I am planning on using some of the fabrics in Christmas gifts.
I have always wanted to make a postage stamp quilt. I had a large pile of 1 1/2 inch squares but wasn’t sure if they would be too small for a quilt. I gathered the pink, grey, and low volume prints, and stitched them together in 8 rows of 8, to make a Postage Stamp Pot Holder. It came together quickly as all the cutting was done. I sandwich the pot holder top together with batting and insul-brite and quilted it in a grid pattern. I found some left over binding to finish it off.
It was a quick project that was completed one evening after work. If I make a postage stamp quilt I will use slightly larger squares – probably 2 1/2 inch. The 1 1/2 inch squares were perfect for a pot holder. I have loads more 1 1/2 inch squares so there may be more pot holders in my future.
I would be interested to know how you store/sort your scraps. Do you have any scrappy projects planned?
Honestly, my scraps are a bit of a mess. Stashed away in a big box, waiting for me to do something with them. Which I hardly ever do, because, well, I can’t really see what I have and therefor don’t dare start anything that needs some sort of order.
I guess I should do some organizing 🙂
Love what you made. The potholder looks gorgeous. That is a great colour combination!
I hear you – mine were like that – all crushed and never really used. I don’t like scrap projects that are too busy – so using just pink and gray worked well for me.
I love this kind of pot holder. I like to make mine about 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 so that it just fits my hand. When I take cake pans out of the oven I don’t accidently stick the pot holder into the cake.. Yeah I speak from experience!
I know what you mean – occupational hazard! I have a variety of sizes depending on the what I am cooking.
Thank you for sharing about your tub of scraps and how you sorted and sized and stored them. Very smart and clever of you. Now you have created a truly wonderful little Postage Stamp Pot Holder. Christmas gifts will be sew easy this year. Creative Fabric Bliss…
My scraps dwell in a basket under my cutting area. Good intentions to sort and size are just that. I do use them though when I am creating small items. it would be so much easier if I sorted though! I love your little pot holder – I never have enough in my kitchen!!
I have a large scrap tub, I am never sure when it’s too big for the tub or no good to use. . . I like the tub idea though. Thank you for sharing.
I know what you mean Fiona. I wasn’t using mine at all so even though there was some wastage, at least I am using the scraps now they are all neatly cut.
Beautiful colors!! and fab idea I have just started cutting scraps into 5″ squares to do the same on larger scale quilts!
But may just have to cut some of the down into 2.5″ squares for mini quilts!
Have fun cutting those scraps! It is great having a stack of squares ready for some quick quilting.
Beautiful! I love using scraps. Thanks for sharing this tutorial!
I love the color combination. Very pretty potholder! My scraps are semi organized by size, but I really need to cut them and organized better. Thanks for another inspiring post.
Thanks Amy – I am finding that I am using my scraps more now they are better sorted.
This is such a gorgeous scrap project. A few years ago I made some scrap baby quilts using 2.5 inch squares and donated them to my local neo natal unit. I want to do that again and you have inspired me to get started.
Such a worthwhile cause! Great project to use up your little scraps.
I love your idea for precutting and sorting by squares and strips. As a beginner self taught sewing and quilter I have so much to still learn. Currently all of my scraps are stored in clear rectangular lettuce containers by color. A nice way to repurpose. I sew enjoy your blog and now look forward to attempting my own postage stamp pot holder. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Callie! Happy sewing.