A Manageable System for Every Quilter
When I first started quilting, I didn’t realize "scraps" were a thing. Then, the fabric mountain happened.
I tried everything to fix it. I sorted by color (pretty, but useless). I cut them into a thousand different sizes (overwhelming). I even tried ignoring them, but the threat of a fabric-induced injury was real. If you’ve ever felt scrap regret or decision fatigue, this system is for you.
Growing mountain of scraps
The Game Changer
After years of trial and error, I found a system that actually works—inspired by the wonderful Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts and tweaked to fit my "modern traditional" soul.
The secret? Stop overthinking and start standardizing.
Don't worry about saving every single thread. If it’s smaller than 1", let it go. For everything else, grab a fresh blade and cut your scraps into these three versatile sizes:
6.5” strips
5” strips
2.5” strips
If these strips are less than 18” long then they will be cut into squares (my exception to this is that I also enjoy working with 2.5” x 4” rectangles).
If the strips are longer than 18” then they stay as strips for now. You can always cut these into squares later if you need more!
Any remaining fabric, from cutting your strip widths above that are less than 2.5” but greater than 1”, get saved as a string.
I created this handy dandy graphic for you to reference:
Why This Works
By cutting your scraps into these standard sizes, you aren't just "organizing"—you’re pre-cutting your next quilt. Most modern and traditional patterns (including my upcoming Bowdoin Quilt!) are optimized for these exact widths.
I made this quilt from precut 5” and 2 1/2” scrap squares over a year ago
How to Conquer the Mountain (Without Burnout)
If your scrap bin is currently taller than you, don't try to finish it in a day. You'll end up resenting your fabric. Instead:
Set a Timer: Commit to 10–30 minutes a few times a week.
Pair with Entertainment: Put on a podcast or your favorite binge-worthy show.
Stop When the Timer Dings: Seriously. Walk away. This prevents "scrap burnout" and keeps the process fun.
A freshly cut and organized pile of scraps
Tell me in the comments: What is your biggest struggle with scraps? Are you a color-sorter, a bin-tosser, or currently living in fear of a fabric avalanche?
Want a head start? Sign up for my newsletter and get my Portland Quilt Pattern for free—it's designed specifically to use up those 2 1/2” and 5” scraps!
Until next time my fellow scrap wrangler,
Kate
