Big and Small, Best Projects for Scraps and Stash

I know, it seems like I keep hammering on about scraps and stash and how we must ENJOY our fabrics and USE them. Today I wanted to pop in and tell you about some great -some are free- projects available for using your Stash, Scraps, and Pre-cuts.

You might be wondering why I keep including pre-cuts in my scrappy posts.
Reason #1: we have a lot of pre-cuts in our stashes, do we not? Think about a favorite designer collection that you wanted to have aaallll the prints so you bought a 10″ square pack or fat quarter / fat eighth bundle. I admit that I have a 10″ square pack from my favorite Kate Spain collection that is probably 10 years old. And then there are those 5″ charm packs we get at events in swag bags, giveaways, or parts of kits.

Reason #2 pre-cuts cohabitate with stash and scraps: quilt patterns that are designed for pre-cuts are also really great for stash and scraps. Because these patterns tend to use smaller amounts of more fabrics (read: 5″ squares, 2 1/2″ strips etc), we can easily substitute fabrics we have on hand by cutting them  into our own squares and strips OR we can buy the necessary pack to make a cute pattern with a new collection we can’t live without. Pre-cuts make getting a lot of variety more affordable than buying yardage of as many prints.

Without further ado, your source for great Scrap friendly projects:

1. Scrappy Zip Pouch: great for very small scraps for the accent pieces and larger scraps or FQ for the rest of the exterior and lining.
2. Twirling Fans Quilt Pattern: the most popular pattern in my shop is also perfect for scraps! you do need yardage of a ‘background’ fabric but the rest is just scraps. Choose a coordinated collection or grab bag. This pattern always brings a smile.

3. Shoo Fly Quilt: This is one I take you through on video -free- on YouTube (make sure you’re subscribed to CGQ Youtube!). Gather a selection of your print fabric scraps and a few solids or blender scraps to make these adorable old-fashioned blocks into a sweet baby quilt.

4. Joy Ride pattern: Another pattern that requires only small scraps of colorful prints and some background yardage to contrast. This quilt is so cheerful and has a simple yet intriguing design.

More inspiration for your scraps? There are a few makers that I think do scraps particularly well. Check out these ladies – you won’t regret getting to know them and their quilting ways.

Crazy Mom Quilts: Amanda Jean makes quilts that make you happy. She just has the gift.

Blair Stocker – Her book, Wise Craft Quilts is SO good and full up with scrappy and upcycled projects.

Lynn Carson Harris – A lot like Amanda Jean -happy scrappy quilts- but with a different ‘feel’. If you like tiny scraps, Lynn is where it’s at.

If you have some scrappy favorite people, share in the comments. I always enjoy finding new makers to watch and I’m sure others will appreciate the ideas too.

Hope this post gives you some inspiration!