Can you see the patches of dark and light in this quilt? I sewed together alternating 9 patches of darks and lights (with medium values thrown in helter skelter). I just used my stack of 2.5″ squares from my scrap drawer.
I really do like the subtle pattern that this brings to a scrappy square quilt. It also is easier to assemble a quilt full of squares when you make them into 9 patches first.
I used poly batting and hand quilted this one, making it puffier and so very soft.
I really want to keep this one, but sadly we have enough of this baby size kicking around the house…
The back and binding are favorite prints that I tricked myself into using by telling myself that I’d keep this one:) Once the quilt is done, I’m usually okay with parting with those favorites because there’s always new favorites appearing!
I thought you might be interested in how I’ve been cutting up my scraps the last year or so. I still have my baskets overflowing with various sizes, divided by color.
What I’ve found for myself though is that I like making simple quilts from precut squares or strips, so more and more lately I’ve been taking my scraps from any project and quickly cutting the leftovers into a few different sizes and stacking them in my drawer. That’s where the 2.5″ squares for this quilt came from.
Here’s how I divide up my scraps:
Any piece that is width of fabric, or half width of fabric (the lenth of a fat quarter – 22″) I cut these into 2.5″ widths and pile them in this little drawer that you see above. I’ve found that I love making Scrappy Trip Quilts, and these strips are perfect for that. I also throw my leftover binding strips in here. Although they aren’t usually the right length, they are 2.5″ wide, so we’ll sew something with them eventually.
Next, I cut 5″ squares. I like 5 inches because they are the size of charm packs, so they are very versatile and there are lots of patterns written for 5″ squares.
Finally from the smaller pieces I cut 2.5″ squares.
Here’s my drawer of squares. I really like having these squares cut and stacked, they make me feel happy!
I just love your choice of fabrics!!! And I also like this cloud fabric, expecially in yellow))
Thank you for the inspiration (the quilt is gorgeous) and the tips on scrap management. Makes me want to dive into my scrap basket (which is a mess right now).
I love it. I do the same thing with my scraps, cut them into usable sizes. It is way less overwhelming than opening a drawer that is not organized! Looks great. I think I might have to do a scrap quilt soon too!
Thanks for sharing, this is a great management method!
I love this one, Jolene! The bold colors make the top look so very lively. Well done!
Such a charming quilt! So cheerful. I love it.
love your dancing cow 🙂
Wow, awesome quilt and great tips on organizing scraps. Thanks!
What a sweet little quilt, I love the subtle difference in light and dark blocks. And I was just thinking that I need to spend some time cutting my scraps into useful sizes, thanks for the inspiration!!
That pretty quilt was almost a decoy for all the useful info you shared here about scrap management and scrap quilt construction. Thanks, Jolene.
What a neat quilt! And it's always interesting hearing how other people organize their scraps. You have some great ideas about cutting them before putting them in the scrap basket!
Lovely scrap quilt. I like the way you used value on the nine patches. I've been cutting scraps into various sized squares which make easy projects to take when I'm traveling. No need to carry yardage and the cutting is already finished. Of course the scrap basket is still always overflowing!
Such a darling scrappy quilt. I'm totally with you on cutting scraps into most used sizes for making projects quicker. I've been doing this and love how it speeds things up for me and whittles down my scraps into manageable bits.
I like that drawer full of organized squares and strips.
as always…. I love the quilt and also the organized drawer!
It's very effective. Yes, I see the light 9-patches mixed in. Very clever. I really like your scrap management idea. I think I may borrow it. My bins are overflowing. When I put a piece in, three fall out
So I must do something……
Adorable quilt! The batting and hand quilting make for a very comfy looking quilt! And thanks for sharing for scrap sorting method. I need to simplify my approach so I enjoy seeing what works for others.
Precious little cozy quilt! Also like your idea of cutting up leftover pieces of fabric ready for quilts!
Thank you for showing us how you store your scraps. I'm needing to organize my stash and I think by having pre-cut squares and strips it helps make scrappy projects go together more quickly. I love your puffy little baby quilt. What kind of poly batting did you use? I've been wanting to try making a puffy quilt but haven't bought poly batting yet. I don't know what to look for; I'm so used to using natural materials for batting. Thanks!
I completely understand tricking yourself into using your favorites. I wish I had your patience to use up scraps. One of my favorite parts of the process is picking out the fabrics, so I struggle pulling together scraps. Yours always look amazing! Maybe I'll have to give it some more effort.
SOOOOOOoooOOOOOooooo GORGEOUS!!
Beautiful quilt! And I'm glad to hear of someone cutting up their scraps ready to go. I have buckets full of funny shapes and have been considering taking to them with my accuquilt. I think Ill use them so much more when I do!
Beautiful colors and I love the touch the hand quilting gives.
I love this so much! I have a question if you get a minute — what batting did you use for this?
I love your quilt. Patchworks have always been my favorite.
Oh I dream of being so organized!
Thank you so much! I love hearing how you organize your scraps and the thinking behind the construction of your quilts. I am new so this is extremely helpful. Your blog is my very favorite to follow I check regularly to see your posting and refer back to your tutorials. I live in the US but Fabric spark is my favorite fabric shop to buy online from!
Random Q: do you remember the designer on the cloud fabric on the back of your quilt? looks familiar.