The Best Way to Organize Fabric Scraps
I have been quilting for over thirty years, so you can imagine that I have collected a lot of fabric scraps.
Until recently, I would just throw them all into a three-tiered plastic storage bin, shoving more and more in until scraps would pop out when I opened the drawers.
The last time I opened it, the whole thing toppled over and it took forever to clean up. Of course, that might have been because I would get sidetracked by some of the fabrics, and reminisce about them before putting them away.
As a result of the chaos, I came up with what I think is the best way to organize fabric scraps.
Not only does my sewing space look better, but this method has inspired me to use up many of those scraps creating some fun new projects.
So if you want to get all of your scraps in order, just follow this easy method.
Supplies You Will Need
- Resealable plastic bags in various sizes
- Rotary cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Quilter’s ruler
- Iron
- Ironing board
You can find some of the items that I used in this post in my Amazon Store.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Set Up A Work Station
If you have a lot of scraps, this process is going to take some time, so you want to have an efficient work layout.
I put my fabric bin to the right of my chair and cutting surface. To the left of my cutting surface, I put my ironing board. I set the height of the ironing board to be the same as the cutting table.
Close by is a table that I can use to sort and organize the prepared scraps.
Trimming Scraps
You may find that many of your scraps are leftovers from previous projects, so they will already be cut to a particular size. Those are the easy ones, and can be pressed and sorted.
Note: I only sort by size, not color. I found that if I sorted by size and color, I had some bags that only had one or two pieces of fabric in them. If you have enough scraps to sort by size and color, then I would sort by color too. For the amount of scraps I have, it was not worth it.
Sizes To Cut
Squares:
- 1 1/2”
- 2 1/2”
- 3 1/2”
- 4 1/2”
- 5 1/2”
- 6 1/2”
Strip Sizes
1 1/2” X 2 1/2”
1 1/2” X 3 1/2”
1 1/2” X 4 1/2”
1 1/2” X 5 1/2”
1 1/2” X 6 1/2”
1 1/2” X 7 1/2”
1 1/2” X 8 1/2”
2” X 4 1/2”
2” X 5 1/2”
2” X 6 1/2”
2” X 7 1/2”
2” X 8 1/2”
2 1/2” X 4 1/2”
2 1/2” X 5 1/2”
2 1/2” X 6 1/2”
2 1/2” X 7 1/2”
2 1/2” X 8 1/2”
I know this is a lot of sizes, but they are perfect for string quilts, and, if you cut them ahead of time, you can whip up an easy block in no time.
When everything is set up, start cutting.
- First, take out a scrap and press it.
- Then measure it to see if it is already cut into one of the sizes you want. If it is, put it aside, starting a pile of that size and color.
- If it needs to be cut, figure out what size, or sizes, you can get out of the piece, and trim. Place in the appropriate stack.
- Repeat until you are finished.
Tips to make the cutting easier:
- Cut the largest size possible from the scrap, and then try to get a smaller piece if there is enough of the scrap left.
- Turn on your favorite playlist and crank it up. Good tunes make any project easier.
- Take lots of breaks. Your body will thank you.
Timesaver Tip: If you have a number of scraps that are similar in size, stack up to 3 or 4, and cut them. As a result, the process will go much faster.
Storing Scraps
Label the resealable plastic bags with the various sizes, and then place the cut pieces into their respective bags. Lastly, store the bags in a container of your choice.
Timesaver Tip: Lay the bags flat so you don’t have to press the scraps again.
By the time you have finished, you will have significantly decluttered your scrap fabric storage space. Your scraps will be easier to sort through, making them much more usable.
In my humble opinion, it really is the best way to organize fabric scraps.
Who knows, you may even be inspired to create a new quilt in the process! I know I was. I made a king sized quilt (close up photo below) entirely of fabric from my scrap bin. I did not use anything off of my shelves.
34 Comments
Anne Dunkley
March 26, 2019 at 8:54 AMGreat ideas – Quilt is beautiful. Can’t wait to start into my scrap bin. Thanks for the inspiration.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
March 26, 2019 at 10:43 AMThanks Anne. Have fun!
Jerilyn
March 27, 2019 at 6:51 AMI love your dedication to this plan! But there’s no way I could follow through with it 🤣. I know myself well enough to know that sorting that much would make me batty.
You keep having your fun and making beautiful quilts!
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
March 29, 2019 at 5:24 AMIt definitely is a lot of work, but worth it. Thanks for stopping by!
Lesta
August 6, 2024 at 1:28 AMGreat tips…beautiful quilt
Dorothy Callaway
October 5, 2019 at 6:35 PMI finally started doing this with my scraps, though in fewer sizes, and it really isn’t much of a chore once you get through your existing pile of scraps. Every time I finish a project, I cut the scraps from that project….then they don’t pile up!
Jeanie Marino
October 12, 2024 at 8:16 PMGreat idea to sort after each project!
Susie
July 24, 2020 at 8:46 AMNeither could I. I just do not keep scraps. When I am finished with a quilt the scraps go . I do have some fellow quilters are glad to get them!
Karen FLynn
March 31, 2019 at 1:00 AMI have been doing the same. Glad to hear I am not alone. However, I go one step further. I purchase craft boxes when they are on sale. My bags are labled with with the sizes and same sizes are stored together in the box. This makes it easier when I need a specific size for a project.
Happy quilting and crafting! Hope this is helpful. KAREN
FrandmaSue12
July 9, 2020 at 3:17 PMKaren and Dorothy, you are my idols. I read and read about stuff, but seldom get around to it. I do wash as I go when I cook (seldom) but “cut and save” What a concept. Right now I am making 1″ borders around block made on my embroidery machine, and they even recommend using the scraps from sewing the brightly colored squares. So I will have very little to save after it is done.
Karen flynn
March 31, 2019 at 1:11 AMI have been doing the same thing. Glad to hear I am not alone. However, I took it one step further. I purchase craft boxes when they are on sale and sort my bags, which are labled with sizes, into boxes. This makes it easy to find the right sizes I need for my project. This saves additional time. Hope this is helpful. Happy quilting. KAREN
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
March 31, 2019 at 4:46 PMGood suggestions Karen. Thanks!
Kim Conover
April 1, 2019 at 12:46 AMI had been storing scraps similarly- sorted by color and I had started cutting them. It got overwhelming when I got busy with wedding planning and 2 major quilt projects- my scrap bin was out of control. I came close to chucking it- it was that bad. With perfect timing, I saw an ad about a not for profit group that makes quilts for homeless families and veterans and they were looking for donations- any size quilt cotton scraps. I ended up giving them a huge bag of scraps- clearing much needed space and at the same time, giving it to a group with a good cause.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
April 1, 2019 at 6:29 AMThat is a terrific idea. I’m sure there are many places that could use it. Thanks!
Anita Riley
April 7, 2019 at 5:31 PMI have alot of fleece, blue Jean, calico, different weights of fabric. Since you sort by size do you also sort by weight of the fabric? I love your ideas I am hoping to soon finish the project I am working on, then my next project will be working on my scraps.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
April 8, 2019 at 6:57 AMHi Anita – I keep anything that isn’t cotton quilting fabric in a different container. I mostly have quilting cottons so I just need the one container. I keep my denim scraps in another container. Thanks for stopping by!
Granny G.
October 13, 2019 at 10:34 PMOh gosh, you are incredibly disciplined! I’m a “Messy Bessy” (as my mother used to call me) and don’t mind a certain amount of clutter, plus I think I might be psychologically unable to do this as well as you ; – } so I just have large dollar store bins on shelves in my fabric closet. They’re sorted by colors: blues, reds & pinks, greens, neutrals, etc. When I need some bits, I grab handfuls by color, run the iron over them and cut. I DO have a well-organized sewing room set up in a “U” shape that allows me to roll around in my sewing chair, quickly moving back & forth from sewing machines to cutting table to ironing board. But once I’ve cut all the pieces for my project, I simply can’t bear to stop for pressing and cutting scraps, I’ve gotta get at that piecing!
Wish I COULD be like you – you have a great system and I’m sure LOTS of quilters will love and use it. But mine works for me, even if nobody else. To each her (or his!) own I guess, and thanks for sharing your expertise.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
October 16, 2019 at 8:31 AMThanks. I’m definitely not that organized, only with my scraps. Most times I can’t see the floor of my sewing space. And I always agree that whatever works for each individual is the best way. Thanks for stopping by!
Judy
October 17, 2019 at 2:55 AMI have purchased clear bins with lids from the dollar store. I have 3 bins for each cotton, flannel and denim and each one is labeled with 2 1/2, 3 1/2, and 4 1/2 inch squares . Once I have finished each project any left overs are cut into these size of squares and put into the bins. When the bins start getting full I will take a bin and make a scrappy quilt from it. I find it to be a great way the keep a handle on this and always end up with a cool quilt.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
October 17, 2019 at 7:39 AMThat’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Bev Neuenschwander
February 19, 2020 at 2:53 AMLove the quilt pattern. Is there a pattern name? Trying to figure out best way for managing scraps that definitely need organized. Thanks for the suggestions.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
February 19, 2020 at 4:58 AMThanks for stopping by. No I don’t have a name for that pattern. It’s kind of like a french braid pattern.
Hopper Carol
July 31, 2020 at 3:46 PMI am not a quilter so I do not want to cut up my scraps. What suggestions do you have for me?
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
August 1, 2020 at 6:51 AMWell I think that depends on what kinds of fabrics you have. Maybe if you have a variety you could store them by fabric type and color. Or maybe by color only. Almost all of my fabrics are for quilting so that makes it easy. Thanks for reading.
Bev
August 5, 2020 at 7:14 AMIs there a pattern for your scrappy star?
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
August 7, 2020 at 6:37 AMSorry no. It is a take french braid quilt I saw once.
Angie
January 15, 2022 at 3:13 PMI love the pattern used for you scrappy king size quilt. Maybe one day soon you could do a tutorial on the block. Maybe as part of your “working your scraps off” series. It would make a great pattern for a quilt of any size or even placemats or hot pads. Would love to see that sometime soon.
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
January 18, 2022 at 4:51 AMThanks so much. I will put that on my list of possible projects. Have a lovely day!
Jan
February 14, 2023 at 6:13 PMHad planned to post photo of my colorful sewing room cabinets (from Amazon Prime), but your site does not allow photos. Or at least it would not let me post. They are perfect for sewing sup0lies, machine tools, sewing tools, machine manuals, threads, bobbins, etc. and would work well for the fabric scrap storage too.
Beverley Mansfield
May 4, 2023 at 4:38 AMI have been quilting on and off for around 15yrs. I have only just started to sort my scraps and cut into squares. I have 7 boxes of scraps. I was colour coding them. That has been great when I am after a certain colour. The trouble is that I have been working on projects and creating more scraps.
A month ago I started making gypsy wife quilt. Using as many of my scraps as possible.
Robyn Brown
July 22, 2024 at 5:17 PMI make a pillow size bag and when I have scraps, from sewing and cutting, I throw the scraps in the bag. When it ios full I sew the top closed and send the new dog or cat bed to the humane society.
J
July 30, 2024 at 8:01 PMI’m not a scrappy quilter so I do the same thing. The dogs and cats get a bit of comfort and I get a reprieve from scrap busting efforts. (LAZY, I know…)
P. Bridgeman
July 31, 2024 at 6:51 PMI have a large basket that all scraps get thrown into. Once the basket overflows, I press and cut the contents into squares and strips but limit the sizes to far fewer than you have listed. This year has been “the year of the scraps” in an effort to make more room in my storage area. I have 40 years of scraps and have completed a 4 strip rail fence (.5″ finished strip) that ended up making a rainbow colored 46 X 46″ wall hanging. I have also finished a green and off white nine patch from 3 1/2″ squares, a full size roman coins with 4 patch square in a square strip sets (in the process of making a twin to match for bunk beds), and a queen 9 patch out of 1.5″ strips set into a square in a square. Having them pre-cut and sorted by size was so helpful. I have revisited quilts I made as a beginner while pulling those strips from a pile and fabrics by designers long gone. AND I have reduced the space my scraps take in storage by 2 large plastic bins! Hooray for scraps!
createwithclaudia_7j76hs
August 5, 2024 at 11:05 AMThat sounds like a great idea too. Scraps never seem to go away quickly. Thanks for stopping by.