Leftover fabric scraps are quilts just waiting to happen. Scrap quilt projects are thrifty. They allow you to use small pieces that would otherwise be discarded. These scraps can be put to good use for all sorts of quilt projects. If you already have enough bed quilts, consider making lap quilts for nursing homes and hospitalized war veterans.
Using Scraps for Quilts
Scraps can be used as is in a lot of cases. Sometimes, the pieces might need trimmed. If necessary, large scraps can be cut into smaller pieces. Curved ones can be used for crazy quilt and some quilt block patterns.
Small squares are ideal for scrap quilts. Assuming you have enough of each fabric, create four patch or nine-patch quilt blocks. Use a different color scheme for each block, which allows you to use lots of scraps. Squares can also be sewn together to create strips or rectangles.
Strippy scraps of random widths can be sewn together to create large pieces. Then, these can be sliced into individual quilt blocks or triangles, which can then be arranged to create interesting blocks.
Triangles can be used as is. They can also be sewn together to create squares or rectangles.
Quilt Patterns for Scrap Quilts
Various quilt block patterns are especially suitable for scrap quilts. These include log cabin, postage stamp, radiant, and mosaic quilts. You can also use a different quilt pattern for each block.
With scrap quilts, quilt patterns aren’t always needed. Decide what size you want the quilt blocks to be. Then, start sewing the scraps together until you reach the desired block size.
Fabrics for Scrap Quilts
Though cotton is often preferred for quilts, other kinds of washable fabric can be used for scrap quilts. Even polyester, which is shunned by most quilters, is perfectly suitable for items that one uses everyday, such as crazy patchwork placemats. (If using polyester for a scrap quilt, polyester batting and polyester backing are recommended.)
Sorting Fabrics
While some quilters just grab whatever happens to be in the bag, some prefer to sort the scraps by color or fabric type. It really depends on the type of scrap quilt you’re making.
For log cabin blocks, you’ll want at least two piles of colors—light and dark. Sorting by color is very helpful when doing appliquéd blocks.
Ragged Edge Scrap Quilts
Flannel is perfect for scrap quilts, especially ragged edge projects. The advantage to flannel is that the edges ravel to create a lovely raggedy look. Ragged edge quilts have no batting or backing.
Summer Scrap Quilts
For a summer quilt, use the completed pieced or appliquéd scrap quilt top. Add a backing, but omit the batting.
Crazy Patchwork Quilts
For crazy quilts, a mixture of fabric types can be used, including silks. The pieces are generally sewn onto a foundation fabric.
Crazy patchwork quilts can be large or small. This technique is used for various practical items, including everything from placemats and throws to pillows, clothing, and bed quilts.
Appliqued Scrap Quilts
Scraps are ideal for Baltimore album quilts and other similar appliquéd projects. For these blocks, you’ll need a background fabric for the appliqués. A different color scheme can be used for each block.
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