Saturday, December 6, 2025

Scrap Processing

 

I finally finished up processing a box of 2.5 inch width scraps. Most have been given to me. Whenever I receive a box of scraps I sort through them with my little six inch ruler In hand to measure width. Then I put them in bins sorted by width. I usually have several projects going for each width of scrap. I have found that the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) is a good way to work on all of those projects- just pull scraps in the color of the month out of each bin and make the designated blocks. I am able to make a lot of comfort quilts using this method.

I have now cut up all pieces in the bin that were less than 4 squares or 10 inches or so in length. 

1. I cut 5 inch lengths for a free pattern called Charm Tuesday. I switched darks and lights for my quilt so have 104 dark 2.5 x 5 inch rectangles and 208 light. This is not a block quilt so I will probably assemble as a leader/ender. 

2. I cut a bunch of 2.5 x 4.5 rectangles. I have not counted them. That was just the size the scrap could be cut without waste. I can use these in future blocks like Two Rails or Potato Chip blocks. 

3. Bricks and Stones. The stones are 2.5 inch squares of black. The bricks are rectangles 2.5 x 4 inches. I have made 113 units out of a goal of 350 - 10 across x 35 down. I was able to cut 137  more bricks so will probably sew together bricks in the scraps in the color of the month each month.

4. 440 2.5 x 3.5 inch rectangles toward a goal of 800 for a "value quilt" similar to one I previously made. 

5. 2.5 inch squares. 

6. 1.5 x 2.5 rectangles. I put the light ones in with my potato chip blocks. I am using the rest in Pie Bird blocks

With any width of fabric (wof) pieces I will be making Rick Rack blocks as a RSC block. There are several free patterns and videos for this block. 

I will also be making Tennessee Blocks from 2.5 inch width scraps and squares. I will also use some contrasting solid scraps. I may use a mix of fabrics of similar value in making some of the blocks each month. 

I will also continue to make Buckeye Beauty blocks. The four patches in these blocks are made of 2.5 inch squares. 

I am going to process the box of 3.5 inch width scraps next.

And sew on...


11 comments:

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

Thanks for sharing 'how' you sort and process your scraps! I'm always inspired/impressed by the sheer volume of blocks you make every month! :)

Chantal said...

I love that value quilt you did a while back. Sorting and preparing scraps takes up just as much time as sewing the top but it's a necessary step. It's fun to see all the prints. ;^)

Sara said...

Great organization of your scraps. I also cut a lot of those "bricks" - 2.5 x 4.5, as well as various size squares. The rectangles get used in lots of ways.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

It will be fun to see all the beautiful quilts those scraps end up in! Those rick rack blocks are really neat. They're going to make a fun design!

Sue said...

Processing scraps is not a fun project to think about, but it's SO great when you're ready to sew & there's all those pieces waiting to go under the needle. Congrats on all your hard work!

Kathy S. said...

I love seeing how you manage your scraps. Great ideas to have ongoing projects in different sizes for whatever strikes the mood. Happy quilting!

swooze said...

Wow what great quilts!

Helenchaffin said...

Everytime I start some sort of sorting process it has to be put away to start a project 😄 maybe I need a designated table set up🤣

Pamela Arbour said...

I'm always impressed and I'm always able to glean something from your sorting and selections. I'm getting close to having all of my fabric sorted to be used for something specific. You have a lot more energy than I do. LOL

Astrid said...

WOW! You've been busy sorting and cutting scraps. It takes a lot of time. I try to do it after every finished quilt. The Rick Rack blocks look fun.

Nann said...

I always enjoy seeing your methods. And it's fun to catch a glimpse of fabric once in my stash (or still in my stash).