Scrap Quilt Patterns

Did you know that 1 Nov is International Scrap Sorting Day? A great day to dive into all things scrappy, including some scrap quilt patterns. Because there’s no point sorting all your scraps without something to make once you’re finished! Hopefully this post will change the way you look at your scrap pile, and help you sort it so that it better suits your needs. And if you pick up some ideas for a new scrap quilt then my job here will be done.

So What is a Scrap?

I’d love to hear how you define a scrap! Generally, I don’t put anything in my scrap pile until it’s roughly smaller than a layer cake (10″) square. Anything larger than that goes back in my stash cupboard. I can’t really explain why, but this system works for me.

I know some folks will put anything smaller than a FQ in the scrap pile, but my pile would be enormous if I did that. At the opposite end, do you keep the really little pieces? Or are you only looking to keep more useful pieces?

Scraps can be any sort of leftover project fabric, samples you’ve received when you’ve ordered other things, or even parts of your favourite, worn out blouse that you’ve managed to salvage.

One thing that all scraps share is potential value. With a bit of work they can be turned into something very practical or very beautiful (or if you’re lucky, both!)

Why Keep Scraps?

So many reasons! Let’s have a look at them.

Minimise waste.

This is the no-brainer response, and it’s baked into most of us. We’re thrifty and resourceful and don’t throw something away when it could be used for something else. This is satisfying on so many levels – it keeps fabric out of landfill, it saves you having to buy as much new fabric, both of which help the environment. Pretty good reasons!

Special Meaning

Scraps can often carry memories. For me they bring back memories of the person I sewed the quilt for and how I feel about them. Sometimes it brings back memories of the year that fabric line came out.

I was deeply in love with Anna Maria Horner fabrics while we were living in France, so seeing old AMH scraps always bring back the feeling of summer in Provence. And little babies (which I had a few of back in those days).

I think this is why it can be so hard to throw out super small, probably-not-very-useful scraps. There’s meaning attached to each little square, so how could I possibly get rid of it?

Creative Challenge

Who doesn’t look at their scrap pile and feel a yearning to dive in and sew something up? There’s something about a scrap pile that challenges you to get to work making something new.

Scraps will also challenge you to think about colour, value and the scale of the print and how to pull it all together in a project. Alterations, improvisation, substitution – all creative challenges that come up frequently when working with scraps. I’m sure it helps with brain health!

Your Point of Difference

Just as no one else in the world has your unique set of skills and talents, no one else in the world has the same scrap pile as you. No one else in the world will use them the same way you do. Each project you make from your scraps will have inbuilt uniqueness thanks to those facts.

I always love to use reader versions of the Scrappy Lattice Quilt to prove this fact. There have been so many versions made, all tailored to the individual person’s scrap pile, and they all look so amazingly different. Very cool!

How to Sort Your Scraps

I think the biggest road block to using your scraps is not having them under control. This is probably why they invented this International Scrap Sorting Day business. So let’s talk about sorting your scraps.

I would say the most popular method is by colour. It’s very easy to file things away by colour as you go.

You can expand your storage as your grow. You might just have warm and cool scraps when you first start. Then as you get more leftovers you can break out into each of the ROYGBIV groups.

If you’re a super scrapper you can start separating your citrine from your forest greens, and your maroons from your violets and so on.

I also find sorting scraps by colour to be the most inspiring for me. Putting piles of single-colour scraps together is great for sparking colour palette ideas or new scrap projects.

The second most popular method of sorting scrap fabrics would be by size. I know some people like to cut their scraps down immediately after a project so they’re ready for scrap use. These folks are so disciplined in my mind – I think I would have a tough time making myself do this. But having a ready-trimmed stash of 2.5″ squares, long strings and charm (5″) squares would be pretty amazing.

For me the trimming of scraps into useable sizes is an important part of my project ruminating phase. Before I start sewing I like to take all my scraps out, see what I have, find what I need, press and trim. It’s tedious but kind of soothing too.

Scrap Storage Ideas

If it has a cavity and can sit on a flat surface it’s fair game for scrap storage, I say! But my favourites would be:

• Clear zip lock bags (recycled from other uses) for smaller pieces, or project pieces I want to keep together.
• Larger, recycled plastic bags (clear). This is my main storage method. The bags mould into the spaces where I can keep them, which makes storage easier for me.

• Small clear containers that you use regularly in life and can reuse (think instant coffee jars, jam jars, etc). These can look really pretty on mass when loaded up with colour-sorted small scraps.

• Bins of all types are great when you get a good scrap collection going. There are plenty out there – stand alone tub-like bins are great for quick access. Stackable bins are fantastic when storage space is at a premium. And you can usually pick them up at good prices at the dollar shops. Bonus (or negative, depending how you look at it): your cat will probably like sleeping in them.

• Drawer units are great for scrap storage too as they are nice and compact, and keep the scraps dust (and cat hair) free. Clear-front drawers are great for knowing what colour is where instantly. If you need sunlight protection (sun makes fabric fade) then go for solid drawer-fronts and put a label (or tape a piece of the fabric colour) on the drawer so you know what’s in there.

What to Do with Your Scraps

Now you have your scraps under control and sorted in a system that works for you, it’s time to put them to use. Here are some ideas for you:

Scrap Quilt Patterns. You can use a dedicated scrap quilt pattern or turn a yardage/FQ pattern into a scrappy version. Sometimes the latter is easy, sometimes you just have to wing it as you go and hope you have enough of what you need. Living on the edge!

Here are some of the scrap quilt patterns I have in the shop:

Scrappy Lattice: always popular and can be used with single or multi-colours of scraps.

Scrap Magnet: this one allows for some fun colour matching in each medallion.

Merry Xmas Mini Quilt:

Modern Chevron Quilt Pattern:

Broken Dishes Quilt Pattern:

Patchwork Drawstring Bag Pattern: very handy as we’re heading into the festive season.

Here are some patterns that are not written specifically for scraps but are very easy to make scrappy:

Hello Hearts! looks great in rainbow scraps:

Bottomless Bear Paws are a lot of fun when made scrappy:

Window Panes Quilt Pattern: A jelly roll pattern that converts well to scraps

Stash Knockout:

Fleur Mini Quilt:

All The Triangles:

Small scrap projects. Other great uses for scraps:

• Scrappy binding
• Zippered pouches
• Pincushions
• Hair scrunchies
• Coasters
• Lavender sachets
• Fabric bookmarks
• Pot holders
• Glasses case
• Handmade cards with small scraps as decoration
• Ropes from scrap fabric can be made into bowls, baskets and rugs
• Use treasured pieces in embroidered art

• Sew larger panels from scraps and then use them in a larger project. I love doing this. I’ve used the panels to make patchwork bags (tutorial here), and as inserts in the Window Panes quilt (options here). I also sewed up my When You Wish…baby mat tutorial completely from scraps.

This scrappy quilt took a while to make but it was great fun and I love the “washed out” look that makes the scrappiness, rather than the star, the focal point.

I sewed all the scraps into squares and trimmed them back to size as per the pattern. Then I made HSTs with the scrappy squares and sewed it all together normally. The seams were bulky, but doable.

What to do with Unwanted Scraps

Even with a well sorted scrap pile and a bunch of scrappy projects, sometimes you will have scraps you don’t want anymore.

Perhaps the sheer volume of your scraps is overwhelming, or you’re just sick of seeing the same fabric time and time again. So what to do?

• Donation is always an option – to a local quilt guild or an organisation/charity that has need
• Scrap swap with friends – then you both get some new scraps
• Recycle – scraps can be used as stuffing for puff quilts, cushions or stuffed toys.
• Scraps can become other useful things such as cleaning rags or pet bedding
• Sew up some scraps as tester pieces for testing new machine stitches, hand stitching or new products (starches, fabric markers, glues, fusibles, etc).

My Next Quilt Pattern

I’m happy to say that my next quilt pattern, Log Cabin Ribbons, while written to be fat quarter friendly, will be very scrap friendly. In fact the first sample I sewed was completely from scraps and I think it looks fabulous.

No, I haven’t been drinking (today. so far) – I agree this looks nothing like ribbons! The Log Cabin Ribbons pattern will have an alternate layout for the baby and throw sizes, and this is that layout. The next sample I sew up will be in the proper Log Cabin Ribbons layout, I’ll be sure to share when it’s done!

And thus endeth my thoughts on scraps!

I’m actually quite grateful for the 1 November Scrap Sorting Day prompt as it got me to organise all my thoughts on scraps. I’m already itching to start another scrap quilt pattern, but that will have to wait until this next pattern sample is complete.

But I hope you agree that scrap quilting and sewing isn’t just a thrifty pursuit, it also leads to creativity, sustainability and unique, personal expression. Scraps aren’t just waste, they’re a springboard for all sorts of new ideas and purposes. And they’re a lot of fun too, as quilting should be. Yay for scraps!

Around the Interwebs…

Keeping with the scrappy theme, my Dad sent me a link to a short video on a very cool craft recycling shop called The Nest. The bonus for me is that it’s only an hour’s drive away, yippee!

I loved this 3-min, behind-the-scenes Liberty of London video.

Not quilting but VERY quilt-adjacent! (and joyful).

Hand sew some cute EPP stars for Christmas tree decorations with this tutorial.

For a bit of a laugh check out the Wildlife Comedy Photo Award finalists (click on the first photo to open, then arrow through them all) .

Chez Bonjour

Finally friends, Halloween is over.

It’s time to put away the decorations that invoke chaos, fear and weirdness…

And bring out the decorations that bring comfort and joy to mind. And Mariah Carey. Always Mariah, I love that song.

Anyway, as soon as I hit send on this blog post I’ll be digging my tree out from the garage and getting it set up. I like to put the Christmas decorations up early because it’s a lot of work and I want to get my money’s worth!

Are you ready to get into the festive spirit? Or is November just too early for you?

Cats with Scraps

I realised I never showed you these photos taken after I finished piecing my All The Triangles throw quilt (seen below).

It’s very fitting that this post is all about scraps, as the cats had lots of fun with the scrappy trimmings from that quilt.

Have a great weekend

Enjoy your weekend and the week to come. Dive into your scrap piles and get those pesky leftovers sorted and ready for action. New projects and creativity await you!

Until next time,

Kirsty x

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