Ah, fabric scraps—the inevitable byproduct of every quilting project. If you’re anything like me, your scrap stash has taken on a life of its own, multiplying faster than we can stitch them into new projects. It’s a quilter’s rite of passage to eventually find yourself buried under a mountain of beautiful, mismatched bits and pieces. But fear not, fellow fabric hoarders! It’s time to tackle that scrap mountain and turn it into a well-organized, inspiring stash that you’ll actually use. And yes, you can do it without tearing your hair out!
Step 1: Embrace the Chaos (But Only for a Moment)
Before we dive into the organization, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the chaos. Each scrap tells a story—a remnant from your first quilt, a leftover from that baby blanket you made for your niece, or a snippet from a guild project. These tiny treasures deserve some love, so give yourself a pat on the back for holding onto them. Now, let’s tame the beast.
Step 2: Sort by Size (Not Just Your Sanity)
Start by spreading out all your scraps and sorting them by size. Yes, this might take up your entire dining room table (or floor), but it’s a necessary first step. Pile your scraps into categories: small, medium, and large. The key here is to make sure you have a system that makes sense to you. If a scrap is too small to realistically be used, consider donating it to someone who makes miniature quilts or fabric postcards.
Step 3: Color Coding for the Win
Once your scraps are sorted by size, it’s time to sort by color. This is where the real fun begins! Grouping your scraps by color not only makes it easier to find what you need for your next project, but it also makes your scrap stash look like a rainbow of inspiration. Plus, who doesn’t love a good color-coordinated display?
Step 4: Storage Solutions that Spark Joy
Now that your scraps are sorted, it’s time to find them a home. Thankfully, Missouri Star Quilt Co. has a variety of organizers that will make your scrap storage both functional and fabulous. Consider these options:
Step 5: Keep It Up!
Congratulations, you’ve conquered the scrap monster! But like any victory, the key to success is maintenance. Make it a habit to sort your scraps after every project—yes, even the tiny ones you’re tempted to toss into the abyss. A little effort now will save you from a big mess later.
Step 6: Get Inspired and Get Sewing!
Now that your scraps are organized, it’s time to get creative. Pull out a handful of scraps and challenge yourself to make something beautiful. Whether it’s a scrappy quilt, a patchwork pillow, or even a fabric postcard, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to start a project when your materials are organized and ready to go.
So, fellow quilters, let’s take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea or coffee, and start organizing those scraps. Remember, every quilter has a scrap stash, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Embrace it, organize it, and most importantly, use it!
Happy sewing! ‘Til next time!
Beth
P.S. Want to read more Beth Said Sew? Click here!
Be sure to check out our Nancy’s Notions Homepage, where you can find links to over 60 different categories of sewing and quilting topics! That’s over 400 articles! Click here!
Looking for free patterns or more sewing project ideas? Click here!
