Quilting - How I Organizing Scraps

[@sheilawoofter5009]

I have looked at MANY ways to organize fabric scraps, and yours is the best by far. I can't wait to get into my sewing room and get to organizing!!!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Sheila, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!!

[@Kate98755]

another channel gave me this idea and so i’ve been working my way through my scraps. I tuned in and subscribed because I want to hear all organizing ideas, I love organizing and I agree with you, I don’t want to sew if there’s a mess. thanks for the video and ideas!

[@florencesterling3984]

Hi Margaret, Thanks for the tips on cutting left overs and storing in bins by sizes, I am a new quilter and enjoying all these tutorials and tips has made life easier for me already. Space is limited so these are great tips to help keep tidy and handy.thank you

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Florence Sterling You are very welcome! Thank you for watching!!

[@robinbird3656]

I like the way you are organising things. For now as I am new quilters, I am storing different reusable scraps into small garbage cans lined with small bags label for contents . It will be filled then stored till use, and one can will hold scraps way to tiny for making a dog bed for my yorkie or shih Tzu. I really appreciate all you share with me as I grow my hobby to create for my family or others.

[@reanazwarick5278]

I like your ideas for cut pieces. I like to hang my blocks on a small clothes line as I learn new blocks, that way as I sew more I just look up to remind me how it goes then I got the ides to put the wof strips on toiler paper rolls with a binder clip to prevent slipping on the line too, each roll has a different width and color so it is easy for me to get going on a new pattern. I make a miniature in my chosen colors before I invest in materials for full size. If the colors do not work like I thought - money saved for another project. Don't forget all the little projects that we can finish in an hour or two that uses up our scraps.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Reana Zwarick Great ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!! Thanks for watching!

[@rachelburgener819]

That is a wonderful idea, thnx😀

[@donnaf2666]

On days I feel bad, I grab a tote and just sew squares together. Then put them in a tote. Before you know it, I have enough 4 patch squares to do several quilts. Totes are in sizes of 3", 4", 5", all strips and then crumb scraps. If a tote is full, it's time to make a quilt or two.

[@eileenleathers136]

Thank you so much! I'm in my sewing/quilt room today, going thru my scraps. I will look for the book you use too. Have to get it organized within the next few days. Snowstorm on the way to the windy city of Chicago, so its a perfect time to hunker down and get this done.

[@gingerjohnson5762]

i really enjoyed your idea . i also do the same and thought i probaly was dumb for doing it , but now i know others are like me and that makes me happy thank you

[@SusanShriverHowell]

Thank you :) I cut 2.5 x 2.5, 2.5 x 6.5, and 6.5 squares. It works for almost all quilts that I have made :)

[@liesbethrekko730]

I like this method. I've made a card too. Now I/m cutting all my leftover fabric. What I really love is when you say ' I'm hoping to use it' Thats what I hope to, that one day I will use my scraps too. Thank you so much for this very informative video ! Kind regards from the Netherlands !

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Liesbeth Rekko Hi Liesbeth! My Maternal Grandmother was born in the Netherlands and so were my husband's maternal grandparents! I'm so glad you enjoyed this! I think us quilters all have a stash of fabric that we are "hoping to use someday"! :) Thanks for watching!!

[@voluptuouscosplay2452]

Thank you so much. I just started to quilt and wanted to make sure I could organise my fabric as I struggle with organising my fashion remnants

[@sandygram4202]

Great presentation and a wonderful idea for organizing your scraps, etc.

[@tracybrewer5844]

Once again another great tutorial. I do the same thing each time I cut anything. Good habit to get into.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Tracy Brewer Tracy, thank you!!

[@christaldehart4719]

Thank you! I watched your video a couple of times now. I went on Amazon and purchased the book that you mentioned. Love it! I am going to use the small plastic drawers to put my cuts. Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@delilastone9308]

Christal DeHar

[@wandacoleman2497]

The drawers is what I use, too. They make access so much easier than a lock top bin.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I find your bins a little large but that is your option. What I would like is a serie of bins in a drawer type of contraption where I could store pieces separately, ready for making something.

[@dorothylmccurdy4007]

I'm glad I came across your video. I just mentioned to my husband a couple of days ago that I needed to organize my studio. I can't stand clutter, so it drives me nuts when the room looks disorganized. I'll certainly try your suggestions.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Dorothy L McCurdy I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you keep watching! I'm getting ready to move into a new Studio and will be sharing organization ideas as well as organizational equipment. One of the things I'm looking most forward to sharing is how I organize my patterns. Thanks for watching!

[@tinaandre9905]

These are excellent suggestions. It's helping me a lot with scrap fabric organizing. Thanks!

[@heathl32]

One step further: Avoid having to check their sizes again or the sizes mingling. Put each size into a different (marked) Zip Baggies and stack very neatly when putting in the baggie to avoid fraying. If too many of one size, split into two baggies: one light, one dark. Too many of one print, count them and tag so no recounting or multiple handling - reduces fraying.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+heathl32 Great idea! Quilters are amazing when it comes to organizing their stash! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@elt9867]

I was looking for fights and I saw this. Lol, gotta say it was calming and informative.

[@oreos75]

That is me you are describing. Thanks for putting your video explains what to do. Give me great ideas.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Lena Zinn You are welcome Lena! Thanks for watching!!

[@jmdenison]

I keep my scaps cut into jelly roll size, 2.5 inches, sew them together if I have lots and put them on empty toilet paper tubes. you can then put about 2' of ribbon thru the tube, tie it and it can hand around your neck, or put it in a drawer in your sewing table and unroll as you need for edges, trims, or jelly roll.

[@katherinejohnson453]

What you are calling "starters and enders" might be better known as "anchors" to place under your needle and sew right onto your project. This keeps the stitching to continue without pulling your fabric down into the bobbin area. If I'm wrong please let me know. Thanks

[@virginia7191]

Great idea! Now I know what to do with all the pieces of material I have on shelves. Thanks!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+virginia7191 Hi Virginia! Thank you!!!

[@nancymiller349]

It used to drive me crazy trying to get those threads with my fingernail when you're cutting just very edges off. Not good for your nails. I have a small, maybe 3 inches long or four, potato brush. I used to use a corn whisk broom but it's just too bulky. I hate when the little threads gets stuck in the mat, and I find that some Fabrics create more dust than others and gets stuck in the mat. This little potato brush has been a godsend. One whisk along the ruler after I cut and the little fuzzies are gone. When I'm finished with that type of cutting I immediately vacuum around the area. There's so many dust particles from those edges and I don't want to be breathing them in. Something like a dustbuster even to scoop up those particles. Only takes a minute and your breathing easy.

[@nancymiller349]

@@VeeVeeVeeV I use one of those too but I really really like using the potato brush. It has natural bristles and it works really good. A scrub brush for the floor works very well too because the bristles are super stiff

[@lindadietz3976]

I have just began to sort and cut my scraps, always looking for idea's. Enjoyed your video, I am surprised at the amount of strips and squares I have out of my scraps so far. No more precuts for me.

[@ltrow3636]

Read Bonnie Hunter's "scrap users system". Similar idea plus free patterns.

[@susieannei5641]

YES! This is FINALLY the system that will work for me! THANK you!!

[@petmomful2260]

Since I have an Accuquilt Go, it would be easy for me to cut up my scraps. Thank you for these ideas. I will try it.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Marguerite Farrell Thank you Marguerite! If you get a chance check out Joan Ford's book Cut the Scraps, it's fantastic! I think you will really enjoy it! Thanks for watching!

[@jaiden123ish]

Love all your tutorials, you are terrific!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Angela, thank you so much! I really enjoy doing these!

[@Coquijim]

Nice idea even for a multi mix media artist. We use pieces of fabric in our art. Thx for sharing

[@bettydiller256]

Very helpful. I am anxious to see your pattern organization method!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Betty Diller Hi Betty! I've been working away at my pattern organization! All of those binders behind me are a key to a lot of it! I'm working on some of my fine tuning to it and then will begin the process of taping it. Hang in the hopefully I'll have it finished soon! Thanks so much for watching Betty and for leaving me a comment, I love to read everyone's comments!

[@tomib6186]

I wish I could get you to try using the half inch side of your rulers. Especially the newer ones that have a bold black line on the half inch measurement. Love all your tutorials 💖

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

:). ever since you mentioned it to me I never realized how much I didn't use the 1/2" side of my ruler! I'm trying to concentrate on using both sides so everyone can see. Stay tuned and thank you so much for pointing that out!!

[@tomib6186]

Margaret Leuwen Quilting I didn’t use it for a long time but now feel I make much more accurate cuts especially with the new rulers that have the dark marking. Older rulers still have the half inch marks but not as bold.

[@moiralynn69]

I enjoyed your video. Could you do a quick video on the ideas ,such as the end and beginning pieces, you use on your machine so you do not lose your thread. Ideas like that would be nice for us newbies to sewing.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

moiralynn69 Moiralynn69, I just finished filming one and editing it, I'm uploading it tonight! Thanks for watching!!!

[@susansherman2379]

Hi Margaret...love your videos and tips.

[@003bmj]

love this idea, i am definately going to make my self a card and start doing this. Thankyou for your great tutorials love from Australia xx

[@luckysinclair7327]

Margaret is creative grids sell those cutting mat that you use as well

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+Lucky Sinclair the mat is an Olfa mat.

[@joankwg1940]

Such a great idea. I am going to start doing that with my scraps.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Joan Glasgow Thanks Joan!

[@pamelaeaves1852]

Hi Margaret, I enjoy watching your tutorials, I always learn from them. A thought for future tutorial, show how to use the rulers to get the most good from them, any tips for cutting accurately. My rulers shift so my cuts aren't accurate. Thank you Keep up the great work!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Pamela Eaves That's a fantastic idea! Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@ltrow3636]

Use invisible grip or grip dots, sticky dots to help rulers from shifting.

[@jmdenison]

put your thumb along the bottom every 10 to 12 inches to keep it in place. only move the cutting blade 10 to 12 inches at a time and move your left hand along with thumb at opposite side of the ruler

[@Westernwilson]

Hi Margaret, thanks for the tips and book recommendations. How did this method of scrap control work out for you?

[@zoelakidis7499]

Just found your Channel & I love it Great Stuff!!!!

[@eileenburnham7247]

I loved your tutorial. Can't wait for scrappy patterns.

[@ltrow3636]

If you love scrappy patterns, look up Bonnie Hunter or Quiltville!! She has several books, but also has several free patterns on her website!! She also has a "Mystery Quilt" coming up next month. The has a "scrap user system"--love it and have started using it.

[@pamelaleitman9200]

I love your helpful videos! Any ideas for organizing threads?

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+pamela leitman yes I do! Hopefully I'll have a video coming up in the near future! Thanks for watching!!

[@theresaatkinson6628]

Awesome idea! I will do that!

[@vedaclark6715]

I really enjoyed your video .Great ideas

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+Veda Clark Thanks Veda!

[@debglastetter851]

Thank you Margaret.

[@JudyD85]

You might check out Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville blog. She has a scrap saver system and two book out on leaders and enders quilts.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Hi Judith! I actually do follow Bonnie on You Tube! I love to spend time with her while she works on her projects! Thank you for watching my video!!

[@susanjones4593]

loved you video, thanks very helpful. Where did you get your big cutting mat on your table?

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Susan Jones Hi Susan! I purchased my large cutting mat a few years ago at my local quilt shop. If your local quilt shop doesn't carry them or can't get them let me know and I can get you one from my supplier. Thanks for watching!!

[@petmomful2260]

I am searching for a way to store my fabric, and scraps, because I have spent the last week cleaning and organizing my little sewing room. It is sooo crowded. I actually threw a lot of little scraps away. I had a lot that I really did not want to save for anything. I am going to be a lot pickier about what I save. Thanks for your video.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Marguerite Farrell Thank you! Check out Joan Ford's books on Scraps they are wonderful!

[@petmomful2260]

Where can her books be found? I have not found them on the internet. What are they called? Thanks!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Marguerite Farrell you can actually get them right on her website. Joan Ford, Hummingbird Highway hummingbird-highway.com/patterns-and-notions/product-category/books/. The titles are 'Cut The Scraps' and 'Scraps Plus One'. Both are great Books!

[@petmomful2260]

Margaret Leuwen Quilting I found them, thank you so much!

[@lorettawymbs6936]

Great advice! Thank-you!😇❤

[@elsieblakley2381]

Great idea!

[@63Kelsey]

Do you have a video on how you organize your patterns?

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Wendy D Wendy, currently I do not have a video on how my patterns are organized. Please keep watching though because very soon I will have a HUGE announcement to share with everyone and shortly after that I will be doing a major organization over hall!

[@sandiepinkston8459]

The 1 1/2" strips AND the 2 1/2" strips also go with your NEW Curvey Log Cabin Ruler. :-)

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Sandie Pinkston Sandie, yes it will go with my NEW Curvey Log Cabin Ruler, now if I would just find a few extra minutes to make something with it I will be all set! That new ruler has been 'calling' me for weeks!!! Thank you for watching!!

[@jlouis5217]

I'm thinking of using my wardrobe that I had clothes in as my new craft/storage center. the larger section has two doors where the clothes on hangers were with a wooden pole for a rod and at the bottom of this section is a drawer the length of the inside of the clothes section and about 4 in deep. I thought about keeping the sewing machines im not using while working on a project (I have 4) on this bottom shelf. on the doors I'm going to put a cork board to hang scissors and rulers and the other side a long 5 and dime store full length mirror. at the top use a tension rod for a shower curtain for rolls of ribbon and trims and have a piece of wood cut to make a shelf above the drawer in the center of the wardrobe below the rod. there are 4 shelves in a separate section with a door in front. what would you suggest to put my fabric stash approximately 20 totes of fabric, notions, app 200 patternsand various notions laces trims and threads. i know i wouldnt have room for all my fabric and patterns but I'm ok with that. should i just put a sampling of the notions thread patterns in the wardrobe in different sized containers and store the leftover items in a different section of my apartment if i have room or maybe you have a better idea(s). I could get u a picture of the wardrobe but not till I move next week. I want to make my craft and sewing area as organized as possible but dont have alot of money to spend. thank you for any suggestions. joan

[@robinbird3656]

i ORGANIZE MY SCRAPS SO FAR IN SMALL GARBAGE CONTAINERS AND FILLING A PILLOWCASE TO MAKE A DOGGY BED FOR MY TINY YORKIE.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+Jean Tuck What a great idea! My puppy would love that!!! Thanks for watching!

[@bobbieminami4484]

I like you suggestions. ty

[@harrymyhero]

very nice video dear! good thinking too.

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

harrymyhero Thank you!

[@lyleweems8811]

You are so informative

[@cloepalmer8988]

Good ideas!

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Cloe Palmer Thankyou!

[@hanavax]

hello from Israel. i like to know the platform that you place your fabric, is that DIY or i can order it on line? can you recommend online shops? - thx

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

I'm not certain what you are referring to. The green cutting board? let me know so I can help. Thanks!!

[@pamgal2794]

Why don't you suggest Plastic bins for your scraps?

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

+Pam Gal I like plastic bins! I just received a shipment of Elfa drawers to store these pieces in. Can't wait to get it all organized!

[@lindaeilers2897]

Please explain what you mean by starters and enders

[@ltrow3636]

Also called leaders and enders. Some people use scraps of material to start or "lead" what you are sewing, so your fabric doesn't get down into the feed dogs. Instead sew two squares together at beginning and end ("enders"). You now have two squares to make a four patch. Just keep going!!

[@hazelblair6634]

a thread saver. you let the foot of the machine take the scrap 1st then line up your sewing to the thread saver and sew on to your sewing. and the same when you come to the end of your sewing just as you are about to come of place a thread saver to go under the foot ready for the next thing you sew.. snip the 1st thread saver of and keep it. for when you need it again. you can use them over and over again.

[@barbaranelson5177]

I cut mine at the end of every project

[@brendafoley6995]

Are you still doing this???

[@MargaretLeuwenQuilting]

Yes I am!

[@gingerjohnson5762]

your screen is very dark