Scrap Buster Guide
What to do with your fabric scraps — enter a scrap size to see what you can cut, or follow the sorting guide below to organize your stash.
What Can I Cut From This Scrap?
Width (inches):
Height (inches):
Scrap Sorting System
Pre-cut your scraps into these standard sizes as you go. When you have enough, you're ready to start a scrappy project.
| Pre-cut Size | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 1.5" squares | String quilts, slivers |
| 2.5" squares | Mini charms, scrappy binding, nine-patches |
| 3.5" squares | Small blocks, Irish chain |
| 5" squares | Charm-size, versatile for many patterns |
| 6.5" squares | Medium blocks |
| 10" squares | Layer cake size, large blocks |
Scrap Categories & Project Ideas
Strings & Slivers
Pre-cut to: 1" strips • 1.5" strips
Patterns: String quilts, Spider web blocks, Improv strips
Small Scraps (up to 2.5")
Pre-cut to: 2" squares • 2.5" squares (mini charm) • 2.5" strips (jelly roll size)
Patterns: Postage stamp quilts, Trip Around the World, Nine-patch minis, Scrappy binding
Medium Scraps (up to 5")
Pre-cut to: 3.5" squares • 5" squares (charm size) • HSTs from 3–5" squares
Patterns: Charm pack patterns, Disappearing nine-patch, Log cabin blocks, Tumbler quilts
Large Scraps (up to 10")
Pre-cut to: 6.5" squares • 10" squares (layer cake size) • 8" HST pairs
Patterns: Layer cake patterns, Large star blocks, Snowball blocks, Sashed square quilts
Big Pieces (10"+)
Pre-cut to: 12.5" squares • Fat quarter equivalent cuts • Backing pieces
Patterns: Whole-cloth sections, Alternate blocks, Quilt backs, Pillow fronts
Scrap Management Tips:
- Cut scraps into usable sizes immediately — don't save odd shapes
- Sort by size first, then by color family
- If a scrap is smaller than 2" on any side, it's probably not worth keeping
- Keep a "leaders and enders" project going to use up small pieces continuously
- Selvage strips make great foundation for string quilts