Top 7 Ways to Stay Ahead of Your Scraps

We’ve conquered the mountain—now let’s make sure we don’t get buried again. If processing scraps isn’t your favorite hobby, these tips will help you stay ahead of the pile without the burnout.

1. The "Fabric First" Strategy

Don't wait! When you finish cutting a project, take 10 extra minutes to process the leftovers into your standard sizes immediately. Pro tip: Just make sure you’ve cut all your required pattern units first—ask me how I know!

Add it to your planner!

2. Make it a Date

Put it on your calendar. Whether it’s the first Saturday of the month or a weekly 30-minute dash, an alarm keeps you accountable. If the pile grows faster than you can cut, just bump up the frequency.

I cut these scraps after I had just finished cutting fabric for a pattern

3. Pair it with a Binge-Watch

Make scrap-time your "me-time". Save your favorite podcast or that Sunday night PBS Masterpiece episode specifically for scrap processing. You’ll be so focused on the plot that the pile will disappear before you know it.

Play some fun music and dance while you get your scrap on

4. The Buddy System

Everything is better with friends. Schedule a Zoom "Scrap-a-thon" or a local meetup to catch up while you cut. You can even start a scrap exchange or race to see who gets through their pile first.

5. Focus on the Finish Line

When motivation dips, visualize the end result. Look up beautiful scrappy quilts—like a string quilt—to remind yourself why having an organized stash is worth the effort.

I planned this quilt using my cool temperature strings

6. Stay Fluid

Life happens, so let your system move with it. If you need to shift your processing time to match the seasons or a new schedule, go for it. Keeping things flexible prevents the task from feeling like a chore.

7. Grace Over Perfection

We’re quilters, not robots. If you miss a session, don't beat yourself up; just start again next time. Perfectionism is the fastest way to give up and end up back at the bottom of the avalanche.

Red and pink scrap squares organized in their bin

Which of these resonates with you most? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!

Wishing you an always organized scrap pile,

Kate