Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Using Scraps From Pre-Cut Strips

NOTE: In October 2017 I posted this one minute video on using scraps from pre-cut strips. Since that time I have probably made 5 or 6 more of these. That's a lot of scraps.

Here is the finished quilt!



It measures 60″ x 80″. The finished squares are 2″. That’s 30 across and 40 down for a total of 1200 squares!

I used Signature Cotton Thread. It is variegated colors called Fab Five. The quilting design is Classic Stipple by Apricot Moon Designs from IntelligentQuilting.com.

Tips For Using Scraps From Pre-Cut Strips

I probably could have finished this quilt a little earlier but most of the time I forgot I was working on it. Never mind that it was constantly pinned to the design wall right next to my sewing machine! Here are some tips to make using scraps from pre-cut strips go smoothly.

  • Keep the box of squares near your sewing machine.
  • Work on one row or column at a time. When you finish it, stitch it to the quilt top.
  • Each time you start and end any stitching for any project, stitch some squares. This is similar to a technique developed by Bonnie Hunter called Leaders and Enders. Use leaders and enders to keep fabric from catching in the needle plate. See the article, Needle Plate. Before you know it, you’ll have a row or column to add to the quilt top. All while working on other projects.
  • Don’t worry if you end up with two of the same fabrics next to each other. Can you see it from a galloping horse?
  • There’s no rule that says you can only use 2-1/2″ squares. Use any size square you want. You could even combine the sizes to make 4-patches. The sky’s the limit.
This quilt was really fun to make. Even better, I was able to use fabric I already had.

Happy quilting!

Carol