Fabric Scrap Management From a Prolific Quilter.

I have tried many systems over the years for keeping my scraps in an orderly manner. I USE my scraps all the time. The system I have now is pretty simple, and works best for me. Sometimes we just need to try different thing until we are able to find a way to manage and use our scraps.
If you hate scraps? Well then - don't manage them. Don't even watch this. Give them to a friend who LOVES scraps.
I believe our creative places need to function well and give us joy!

[@infopubs]

I love seeing other people's scrap systems! And I love that you say it can never be wrong :)

[@patriciacrafton92]

Watching your videos makes me so happy! I love your attitude of “do what’s best for you…”

[@merrymabelmarket]

Such a kind comment!

[@barbaragrant9635]

I've watched several videos on storing fabric that really didn't get me motivated, but your video made it all a clear pathway and in 3 (half) days I have it all done! I'm so pleased, and grateful that you shared all of the details. More than just how to fold fabric to store it. Awesome! In addition, I made up a number of quilt scrap bags with all of the scraps I didn't really want so I can donate them. What a relief! (Update: I put the scraps on Craigslist for free, and a high school girl taking sewing classes came and got them.)

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad! Such happy success!!

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Girl Scouts would be happy to get those too

[@barbaragrant9635]

@@diannenaworensky6698 Oh, great idea. Thanks.

[@redknitter]

Love your ideas for sorting. I really need to see some more of those scrap quilts and how you would use the tubs of colours

[@merrymabelmarket]

Our next video will be using scraps from these tubs! Yeah....

[@debbyshadeck3820]

I just want you to know this video started me on a 3 week journey of sorting my scraps into bins similar to yours. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome! I hope you love using your organized scraps as much as I do!!

[@zainylainy1]

Love your way of sorting scraps! And that doll is so precious!

[@merrymabelmarket]

The best doll! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BAMom780]

Just recently started cutting my scraps up into precut sizes (charm squares, layer cakes, jelly rolls) and that really helped me to actually use them. I dont have a lot of fabric or scraps so it works for now.

[@ToniGuerrero]

Thank you for sharing this. It is the first functional and practical system I've seen and I love it!

[@trinam2503]

I love your system!!! I also made my own scrap system. Then changed it when I started doing farmers market and the sizes I used most changed. But because it was MY system I could do that! I also love doing crumb blocks and also cut them into 6.5"! I dont do mine by color. I have a huge crumb bin and just grab pieces out and sew them together. I love the scrappiness. Once my block tub is full I pick a sashing and make a quilt. 😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

Your system sounds wonderful!

[@mariejohns1387]

I really need to make myself do this!! I have scraps coming out of my ears lol

[@wilycat5290]

I've seen your scrap quilts using specific colors for each block.... beautiful. Never stop publishing your work here. Thank you for the video 😊👍💕

[@HoneySparkles2]

❤❤❤aww the doll made me tear up..❤❤memories are precious.

[@merrymabelmarket]

i love it!

[@elleelle4176]

Like you said, your way can't be wrong for you! Great video :-)

[@dorothydishman4664]

My sorting is very similar to yours, I too, work from my scraps first then move into the yardage. At one point I spent more time sorting & organizing than sewing, but finally settled into a routine when I sorted the scraps from each completed project before starting the next one. My system started after learning about Bonnie Hunter's scrap saver system, which has really been a boon in scrap quilting. Thanks for reinforcing thebneef for organizing scraps.

[@DebbieAllred3]

I've organized my fabrics by color for a long time. Recently I adopted your method of using a small container for strips and chunks, and making quilts when the containers are too full. I had too many whites, grays and blacks in one shoebox-sized container, so I made a quilt using a lot of them, along with some red. When I finished last night, I put back whatever scraps would fit in the container, and I'll donate the rest -- a gallon zip bag stuffed! Next will be my pinks, and I plan to do your scrappy rail fence pattern with them. Thanks for the organizing and pattern inspiration!

[@merrymabelmarket]

It all sounds like so much fun!!

[@bonniestalhiem8025]

That little scrap doll is adorable! 💖 I’m so glad you got to keep it…I would’ve as well had it been from my daughter. 👍🏻👵🏻

[@szelop]

I just found your videos & have enjoyed them so much!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Welcome to the quilting party!

[@bethstodieck18]

Sooooooo many scraps! My paint bottles and brushes are the same way!

[@KnitzyKitzy]

That wee doll is gorgeous.

[@heiditagge5776]

I have so much fabrics and not organized. I’m hire you. 😊

[@lorraineadkins3743]

This is exactly how I keep my scraps except for the 2” ones. Nice video.

[@djpamdemonium]

Just started seriously sorting my scraps and love your system the best. I love scraps, its like going down memory lane every time you go through them or use them.

[@merrymabelmarket]

HAVE so much fun!! Once I start, I can hardly want to stop. I agree that it is totally a joyful thing to play and sort scraps.

[@carolgroves4818]

THANK YOU!! TANK YOU! TANK YOU!! My brain thanks you!!!!! 🦹🏼‍♀️

[@larrylouise2200]

Great advice!

[@debbiebraatz1919]

I love it ❤💛💜🧡💚🩵 I keep my scraps the same way but in smaller bins😅

[@zelphiaellerson6283]

New sub here!! I'm so glad I found your channel. Love your 'You do you' philosophy!!😉

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yay! Thank you!

[@sandramcinnis-fibreinsanity]

Great video!

[@ThumbprintCreationsbyKerry]

I am a paper crafter and a quilter. I’m in process of reorganizing my spaces for working and storage. I love your system! It looks like it works perfectly. However my paper is fighting for space with my fabric 😂 It will all work out in the end. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

You can do it!

[@babiifrshj07]

That scrap doll just made my heart melt. What a blessing to be a mother. I forget during the hard long days sometimes. Thanks for the sweet reminder.

[@KezRJ]

Great system! I cut my scraps into squares or strips, or put them into the crumbs tub. I sew 2.5" strips end to end for binding (pretty sure I have enough for a couple of trips around the planet by now!) I'm loving your videos - please keep them coming!

[@DH-qz2so]

I also have a scrap system that works for me...Clear bins, sorted by Colour mostly...and Line with Line as well together, Batiks, animals, panels, kids, dots/stars, neutrals, brights, and precuts. I actually don't precut my scraps at all, but wait until I have a pattern/project to use them for, then cut as needed. Any crumbs are used up for charity quilts, that I work on, as I go to make 10.5" blocks for the tops (48 needed as the charity is specific). I only need to make the Tops for this charity, as there is a Blanket Making Group of Ladies who then hand quilt them all and bind! So I get to do the fun part!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds great.

[@TreebeardsHome]

3:44 “We are always right when we are sorting our own fabrics.” Thank you. I have really bad anxiety & get overwhelmed so quickly. I think saying this about anything we do at home can really help in those moments. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I hope you have a beautiful day. Blessed be.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes, it feels calming and GREAT to be "right" about a few things!!

[@Sybil_Detard]

Awesome system. Your storage looks very similar to mine. I am a scrappist too. I love, love, love sewing crumbs, it's so meditative. When I have problems deciding what to do or am down, or bored or whatever, I will sit down at my machine and sew crumbs. It often helps. Thank you for the sorting pep talk. Extraneous comment: I have a metal case with the same floral pattern on it 6:25, though mine is more slender. I bought it in a thrift store years ago.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I love that we have the same metal case. (So 70's looking.) I bought mine from a "garage" sale years and years ago. It just makes me happy!!

[@kristicitak3932]

Wow!!! I would love for you to come organize my scraps!!! Beautiful way to do it. Would love the space to put all those containers!!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Traveling around and organizing scraps DOES sorta sound like fun!

[@5lsmith]

Since I’m new to quilting, this is a great way to keep me organized for the future, thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Quilting... THE BEST hobby (skill) ever!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks. I keep my scraps in strips.

[@helenfields2318]

You are so right about making precuts for only the size of quilts you know you are going to make.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

😍 Loved this❣️

[@merrymabelmarket]

Scraps are the best!!

[@authenticallyamber99]

Your scrap management system is wonderful!! I make a lot of quilts and am on a mission to use up a bunch of my stash. This motivates me to cut some scraps into 2.5” squares as that’s the size I’d use most often. I haven’t attempted a crumb quilt yet but I’m intrigued. I’ve made several string quilts, which is a lot of fun. Scrappy log cabin quilts are another great way to put a dent in one’s scraps. Although I’m pretty sure scraps multiply when we’re sleeping. Love all your videos!! Blessings!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for your kind comments!

[@VicenzaKim]

Great great idea

[@marydurham2264]

Really enjoyed seeing our system. I'm inspired to sort my crumbs like you are.

[@oliviapeaches1173]

With my scraps if they are big enough I cut them into different size squares and put them into plastic boxes. The odd pieces (crumbs) I have them in a small basket along with different length of strips. I've sew those into pot holders to give away to friends or sell them. I too have alot of plastic boxes of pre-cut squares too. I buy my fabrics at Goodwill or family members give me their scraps. I've sew alot of pretty quilts to sell. You have alot of very pretty scraps that I saw.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for your fun comments.

[@SoPatch33]

Love the system and especially the bins.

[@KM-fe7xe]

This makes my OCD heart happy. Organized, labeled, stacked. ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Happy hearts are the best.

[@user-ji4xc8gx5w]

I love your system!!!! Such a fun video

[@terryanderson6153]

I love that you USE all those scraps, and make beautiful things!

[@patriciadavidson3328]

This video really helps me with scraps! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@barbierussell2838]

Not as organized as you, but thanks so much for the video it will be vary helpful to reorganize my fabric. Thank for sharing. Happy quilting. ❤🎉

[@koalasez1200]

I love your videos…what a great approach to scraps, thank you!! ☺️

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are so welcome!

[@maryellenhardy]

Very good suggestions! I too, have tried different ways of keeping scraps. This looks like a sensible way to go.

[@IwannaBinUsk2]

Love your ideas

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for your sweet comments.

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Your fabrics are nice, tidy and look great.

[@AvivaHadas]

I am also a 2.5 incher!

[@donnajoseph2004]

I do sewing projects but I am not a quilter..... but I absolutely enjoyed watching how you manage scraps/fabrics. BTW, I admire quilters for their ability to have the patience to work at such a precision, detailed level and the end products are absolutely amazing!

[@vikkirountoit497]

I keep scraps like you do in groups by how I will use them. I love to make color themed scrappy quilts so I have binsfor different colors and also for other groups (novelty, animal, holidays.) I don't accumulate as quickly as you so I keep my chunks with my little bits. Like you, If I have enough to make a quilt, it goes in my ready to sew pile instead of my scrap bins. I might try moving my little bits into their own single bin of mixed colors and just pull out any color I have a lot of and make a square - might help as I'd like to get more playful with the little bits. Thanks for sharing your method!.

[@salinwa7105]

“We are always right when we are sorting our own fabric” I love you for saying that. ❤️ (I need to write that down and keep it where I’ll see it. I think it might apply to a lot of things I do around the house. 🥰) I love your daughter’s doll, it’s precious. :)

[@merrymabelmarket]

I do love to be "right". Thank you for your kind comment!

[@juliekoone3569]

What a great video, I have started sorting but wasn’t sure how to store, love your tubs. Thank you

[@merrymabelmarket]

I hope it works well for you.

[@omisfavorites1054]

Excellent sorting system. Very helpful, thank you!

[@angelikaimnaehglueck]

4:38 this is just what i do. But i use banana boxes. Happy sewing.

[@jeannerowsell68]

Thank you for sharing … your organization skill motivated me ❤

[@suehorn4182]

Thank you

[@user-yh7zw8km8r]

You are so organized! Awesome system!

[@katherinehoeppner9889]

I love the way you organize and keep your scraps! It just speaks to me and the way I want to keep my scraps too. Thank you for your scrappy videos!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for your sweet words!

[@honeyhousehold9480]

Hello! I’ve only just come across your site- and had to subscribe too 🎉😊 I love that you persuaded your daughter to keep the doll. What a wonderful little love-gift! So sweet you’ve kept hold of it. Ty for sharing 🫶🧵🪡

[@merrymabelmarket]

Welcome!!

[@barbkenney5843]

ha. looks like I sort scraps this exact way too..but thought I thought it up. Sistas!

[@merrymabelmarket]

We did!!!

[@connieacree4006]

I love the way you sort your scraps. Such a great idea. Thank you for sharing. God bless. 😊❤❤

[@rebeccaforbes8629]

Thank you so much for sharing your scrap storage methods. I have watched a bunch (and I do mean A BUNCH) of "how to store your scraps" videos and I love the way you have yours organized. Thank you for sharing and know you have made a difference in how I look at my scraps. :)

[@bfree6521]

lots of good ideas

[@pamelasim3840]

I just discovered your videos and have learned so many things from you! Now a new subscriber 🎉

[@bitspiecesquilting]

Your scrap keeping (and using!!) system is amazing! And your point about knowing yourself and what sizes you like to work with is so important. I used to save 3.5 inch strip, but I never use them. Someday soon I'll cut them down into 2 inch strips and 1.5 inch strips - sizes I use all the time. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@linzjan4276]

Even in your collection box your scraps are neat, mine generally smaller are all crumbled in an unused ( new) plastic rubbish bin and the whole,thing is to daunting

[@merrymabelmarket]

It's because I stack them instead of throw them. An easy fix. Only because you said that they are overwhelming to you the way that you do it. There really is no "right" way.

[@pauladimattei6434]

I started out cutting up my scraps into 5” squares and 3 1/2” squares and a bunch of other sizes. I never used them. Boy did I waste a lot of time doing that. No I sort my scraps totally by color only. I make many scrap quilts now and I really use my scraps. I pick the colors I want and then cut the sizes I need. The other thing I save is a tub of neutral “strings” and everything else “strings”. I go thru stages whereI just sit and sew string blocks. When it comes to scraps you are so right. You need to find the system that works for you. Someone else’s system may just be all wrong for you. Wish I found that out earlier 😂

[@robinaanstey3734]

I am so envious of all of your beautiful fabric. WOW!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

By the time you are as old as I am, you will be the envy of all your young friends. LOL

[@christinelindsey7626]

You have the best and easiest method of sorting scraps. I will apply your method. Love it😊 thank you

[@createandcraftwithchristine]

Great methods for managing scraps - I love creating with scraps and use some similar methods. But like you say, we should each do what works for us which is the whole joy of crafting as well. Happy to have come across your channel and hello from a new subscriber who also shares sewing videos. Cheers, Christine

[@oliviapeaches1173]

I sew 2 small squares 🔲 together and then sew strips around it (4 strips around each side) and make a pot holder. Just to use up what I have.

[@roxannesmith6656]

Very helpful thanks for sharing !😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad it was helpful!

[@viviannefraser5974]

Oh that doll.....!

[@merrymabelmarket]

She stuffed it with "Kleenex". ;-)

[@giselemacdonald794]

I love the sort by color idea! I’ve tried sorting by size but often am looking for bits of certain colors. I see this method working better for me.

[@kathleenpriestman553]

This is a good video - thank you. I loved your gentle, encouraging manner - it really is whatever works! I don’t have nearly that many scraps. I’ll be using containers with dividers in them for now, because I’m confident that at this rate I will eventually need more boxes that size - rather than investing in a whole set of small ones. But then again, I could end up using them later as boxes for crumbs… Thanks for the ideas!

[@datboilouis2947]

I may not be as prolific but i do have system that works for me. Anything smaller than a fat quarter is a scrap imo. I usualy fold and keep my scrap in a box, color coordinated in ziplock bags. Anything under 2 inches wide is being cut up and sewn into an hexie for my EPP quilting. EPP is what i do during my lunch break and in the bus so i run out of hexagon quite fast.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds Great!!

[@anniequilts]

Oh dear - the cute little doll looks like a voodoo doll. Do you have a video where you show your quilt room with all the shelves and totes? I was pausing the video to see what colors you sorted into. Not necessarily because I would do it the same, but it still gives me ideas for what I would want or not want. I can see where the sorted totes are useful, but I am not sure I want that many totes or have room for that many.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I haven't done a "tour" video. The totes do take a whole wall. I love them though and use them all the time. It would only be worth it if you were going to use them. Laughed at the "voodoo doll". Made from little scraps when she was eight. I didn't even tie a knot or help her with any of it! In fact, I didn't really know what she was doing with the scraps until it was done. (She stuffed it with kleenex!) It was her first doll. After she made it, I gave her REAL fabric (so she wouldn't have to make due with a few scraps) and batting stuffing and she made an angel for our tree that year. Then she started a little business and sold and made little dolls. She got really good at it. ;-)

[@anniequilts]

@@merrymabelmarket What an awesome story of how she went from the little scrap doll (it really is cute!) to selling dolls

[@conniefincher5488]

I like the system you have going. I really need to do the same ! I also like those containers, would you share where you got them ?

[@merrymabelmarket]

I have had the containers for years. I haven't looked for them for years. When I bought them, everyone was carrying them. WalMart, Target, Big Lots. I just recommend finding a good solid size that will stack - for a GOOD price. Then buy them all at once. (You can tell by my handles that I bought them on at least three different occassions. Slight variations, (handle colors) but the same body.

[@krisvanallen]

The pieces we don’t like much work very well when cut very small for a projects.

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤❤❤

[@sureshpatel3225]

U are big quilter, love u

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you!!

[@deemac6142]

I love your scraps. Besides containers. Where do you get those containers. I love how organized it looks. Love it.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I have had the containers for years. I haven't looked for them for years. When I bought them, everyone was carrying them. WalMart, Target, Big Lots. I just recommend finding a good solid size that will stack - for a GOOD price. Then buy them all at once. (You can tell by my handles that I bought them on at least three different occassions. Slight variations, (handle colors) but the same body. The brand I own is "sterilite".

[@TheRozylass]

Can you make a video about making crumb blocks? It would be helpful to see your method, since everything else you've shown has been so helpful to me.

[@merrymabelmarket]

We can put it on the list of ideas. Thank you.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Our new crumb block video will be posted tomorrow morning. Just wanted you to know

[@TheRozylass]

@@merrymabelmarket Thank you!!

[@lorrainewilliams7896]

#stashgoals This has lit a fire under me to get my hoard corralled again!

[@merrymabelmarket]

A corralled "hoard" is most enjoyable.

[@amandataylor2487]

I sort mine by size and strings lol but I'm gonna try by color too I didn't think of that😅

[@mariajosedeval3304]

🤳🤩🤳🤩🤳🤩🤳🤩 María José 💖💖

[@angelafaulk5843]

I would love to see a list of all the categories of your bins 😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

1) Novelty 2)Black 3)Black and White 4)Sweet 5)Country 6)Binding Scraps 7)Bright Green 8)Deep Green 9)Neutral 10)Print Neutral 11)Purple 12)Gray 13)Yellow 14)Brown 15)Pink 16)Teal 17)Blue 18)Orange 19)Red The rest of the bins are "types" or fat quarters that are assembled to use.20)Civil War (2 of them) 21)Batik (3 of them) 22)White print and neutrals 23)Black and White fat quarters 24)Antique Fabric 25) 30's scraps 25) Tan neutral fat quarters 26) Solid Fat Quarters (2 of them) 27)Christmas (2 of them) 28)Embroidery Thread 29)Almost Kits (4 of them, these are scrap groupings of lines of fabric that I got from a Fabric Rep.) 30)Embroidery thread 31)Fabrics from my Aunt Laverne 31)Applique Project Fabrics 32) Lacework, Doilies, (fodder for creating) 33) selvages for the future I have smaller containers - but the above represents my bigger bins. I think that this mostly covers it....Hope this helps.

[@rosywilson3076]

@@merrymabelmarketthanks so much for this list! I’ll start small and work up to that many categories!

[@user-vd6os6uf5b]

omg what a good idea. I just spent two days cutting my scraps into squares: 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 5.....i could have just left it and sorted it into colours and then had more power in what i wanted to do with them, How frustrating!!! Wish I had seen this video first. Should I now sort these squares into colour piles?

[@merrymabelmarket]

However you will use them best. I "generally" put my 2.5 inch squares in color families.

[@rachelqstitches]

I love this system and am in the process of switching over. Can you tell me where you get your totes with the snap lids?

[@merrymabelmarket]

I have had the containers for years. I haven't looked for them for years. When I bought them, everyone was carrying them. WalMart, Target, Big Lots. I just recommend finding a good solid size that will stack - for a GOOD price. Then buy them all at once. (You can tell by my handles that I bought them on at least three different occasions. Slight variations, (handle colors) but the same body.

[@VicenzaKim]

You are amazing!! Thank you so much can you tell me we’re you got the tubes

[@merrymabelmarket]

I have had the containers for years. I haven't looked for them for years. When I bought them, everyone was carrying them. WalMart, Target, Big Lots. I just recommend finding a good solid size that will stack - for a GOOD price. Then buy them all at once. (You can tell by my handles that I bought them on at least three different occassions. Slight variations, (handle colors) but the same body. They are "Sterilite" brand.

[@VicenzaKim]

@@merrymabelmarket awesome thank you!! Keep the videos coming!! Love them!

[@Amritadivya54]

cute! What is the big square ruler that you use in other videos? It looks like one that has slots for cutting strips. Thanks for the ideas!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Be sure to watch our new video being posted tomorrow. I talk all about it!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Opps - I'm confused!! The video with the ruler info posts on Monday.

[@sunseekerrs3087]

I love this! I need to organize my scraps like you did. Where did you get your lidded containers?

[@merrymabelmarket]

I have had the containers for years. I haven't looked for them for years. When I bought them, everyone was carrying them. WalMart, Target, Big Lots. I just recommend finding a good solid size that will stack - for a GOOD price. Then buy them all at once. You can tell by my handles that I bought them on at least three different occassions. Slight variations, (handle colors) but the same body. The brand I own is "sterilite".

[@sunseekerrs3087]

@@merrymabelmarket thank you so much! I will look for them.

[@carolentringer8836]

Will you show how you make the small blocks from the crumbs? Thanks.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for asking.

[@carolentringer8836]

Will you show a quilt you make with the novelty fabrics? Great video.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Our new crumb block video will be posted tomorrow morning. FYI -

[@conniepadilla3055]

Ok we would love for you to make a project not just your storage system

[@merrymabelmarket]

Please come back to my channel and check out the many project tutorials. We are making new videos all the time.

[@ms.m2054]

I love your system of sorting. My "yardage" is out of control and I see now there may be other options . Where do you find those bins? I love the clip over handles. My lids are always falling off.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I bought them years ago. WalMart, Target, Big Lots.... Those places had them back then. I haven't looked what is out there lately. I do know that the brand is Sterilite. Good luck finding a solution that will work for you!!