STOP SAVING YOUR FABRIC SCRAPS AND START SEWING THEM!! | Tackle your scraps and make something fun

[@carlynnewright1816]

I really like this idea. Quilting is really my meditation and the creating makes me happy. When I first started I bought kits because I was unsure about color. So many scraps. I told my husband I better not see him putting my scraps in a dumpster after I pass or I will haunt him. He sighed and said use them. I really enjoy your videos. Quilting is about our joy.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!! I"m really enjoy this process!

[@teeh917]

LOL @ haunting your hubby. 😂

[@TheVelvetKitten]

I'm so happy to have found you. I make 16 patches also, as stress relief. Mine are a bit smaller and I strip piece. But nothing chills me out like a 16 patch marathon. I love cutting strips, sewing them, ironing. I love them. They are my "parts department" sewing. Made a gorgeous coat out of them, many quilts ... I'm addicted and it is delightful.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you so much!! YES!!! I have some big things happening behind the scenes in my life, and sewing these blocks is the only thing getting me through! I do need to move along and work on some on some other things, so I'm going to finish up to an even 40 blocks and put them to the side for a bit and work on other channel projects I have planned. I'm considering cutting my remaining small scraps into 2.5" squares and put them away for later. I also enjoy strip piecing but for this project I've been cutting odd sized scraps and using them up. I was thinking these would all be quilt tops but I'm leaning towards curtains because I really need some coverage in my sewing room.

[@teeh917]

Ohhhh I've been hoping you would do a video on this !! People rarely believe me when I say that 4 patches are my top fav quilt to do because it's so versatile and it's relaxing and not stressful!! Thank you again, Patty !! 🌹❤️🌹

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!

[@marybeth4002]

I'm new here - I love the fact that you are using your living room as your sewing room/studio. Brilliant, and I can imagine it lends to a lot of natural light. I'm definitely a beginner and that is why the 4 patch (upgrade to a 16 patch one day!) appeals to me. Thank you.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!! I mainly moved it out here because of the better light! It makes filming videos 100% easier. If I wasn't doing the youtube channel, I would have left it in a bedroom, but I struggled so hard to make videos in there. Definitely jump into the 16 patch! They are super fun!

[@francesmiller8601]

Great job. Fabric scraps in a quilt is better than sitting in a storage box. Thanks for your outlook on this subject. ❤

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you for being so supportive! I appreciate that.

[@sandrabryant2450]

I’m amazed at how much time I spend reading, re-reading the pattern, matching fabrics to block, organizing blocks for the layout! It can become stressful! So I love this idea! TY

[@PattymacMakes]

YES!!! It can be such an overwhelming undertaking! So many parts and skills involved in quilt making. This project has been fun and an escape from my overly complicated life.

[@JaxFLGirl1222]

Fantastic way to use scraps and the quilt is beautiful!!! I love it! ❤

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you

[@rebeccawolf3196]

I'm on a scraptastic journey to use up (or make a dent in) my scraps. I love watching scrap videos and I love this simple but lovely plan to use those scrap up. I am going to try this and sew these together as "leader and enders" while I am sewing other things. At least that is the plan....

[@PattymacMakes]

That's a great plan!

[@Hitchhikergal]

What I love about quilting is everyone has a different perspective on what they like what they keep and use. What works for one person may not work for you and that’s ok! We all enjoy the creative space to make something new with the fabric we acquire. 😊

[@ChezVies]

agree with that!

[@PattymacMakes]

Yes!!! I feel exactly the same way.

[@christinehl4310]

❤. I do the same. Sometimes I just pickup my scraps regardless of size and just sew for stress relief I’ll use the new piece as a piece of fabric to cut up into a new size.

[@PattymacMakes]

YES!!! I'm sold on this block for using the lion's share of my large scraps and fat quarters I don't love.

[@kellyjames516]

Great idea. I took time to go through my scraps. It took some time. It was simple once I decided what sizes I wanted. Now, my plan is to get a scrap quilt done this year. It's in the pipeline. Just need to figure out what style I want to work on. Your style is great!. Thanks for the idea. Your videos are very refreshing.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you so much! I just try to keep it real.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Great way to process your squares Patty! Thank you💕🙏🏻🧵

[@PattymacMakes]

You are so welcome!

[@lyndacottam397]

I’ve only found you this morning, but you’ve inspired me. What a fabulous way to use ones scraps. My scraps nag me constantly, but I’m finally making a big quilt for myself this month. So next month’s project will be using scraps from your idea. Thank you. X

[@PattymacMakes]

Wonderful! I love all my blocks and I have a couple of videos about them if you're interested!

[@debbie931]

Variety is the “spice” of life and we all do things differently and it all works! I just came from a quilt show that I attended earlier today and was amazed at the talent and beauty……..saying that, I just enjoy sitting down and sewing and relaxing. I don’t want to stress when I’m quilting, I want to enjoy the process. And, yes, I need to use up some scraps that I have accumulated. You have inspired me to do just that. Thank you.

[@PattymacMakes]

Oh I'm so happy to hear this!! Quite honestly, it's been such a fun project. And super relaxing. I want to put 16 together and see what it looks like as a throw, but right now I'm going to continue cutting and sewing until I get a rather large collection to mix and match. I would dearly LOVE to go to a quilt show. We have one here next weekend but I don't think I can leave my mom that long so I'm going to miss it again.

[@yc70jade]

I too have a small space & the clutter overwhelms me. Once I made a quilt from a collection of fabrics I used for the project, I cut the leftovers into 10", 5", 2.5", 1.5" squares. They are then made into scrappy quilts to be sent to charity groups. With the 1.5", I piece them as enders/leaders. The stressless sewing is great.

[@PattymacMakes]

I love the idea of ready made leaders! Thank you!

[@TheQHunter]

I love your approach...if sewing is a way to escape and relax and enjoy, then making it more complicated and having to sort and track and all that crud that takes away from the joy.

[@PattymacMakes]

Yeah, I don't enjoy anything too complicated or that does a ton of cutting up front. I like to make each block as it's own project and completely enjoy it.

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

Thank you I started after watching this. I’m retired and my sewing room is a mess but I’m busy now

[@PattymacMakes]

That's wonderful Rosemary! Sometimes just starting with a pile is all it takes.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

I love this idea and the block!! Traditional and homey.

[@PattymacMakes]

Yay! Thank you!

[@doreensavoie289]

I related to everything, and had a chuckle at something simple is 16 squares.🎉

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!

[@ZeldaSews]

I like garment sewing, and I have a bunch of scraps that I would like to use for a quilt. You're giving me some great ideas on using up some of my scrap fabric.

[@PattymacMakes]

Oh YES!!! What an eclectic quilt it will be! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@fralou1]

Live watching your podcasts.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!

[@patriciadrahos3956]

The system I use has worked well for me for several years. If it is more than a fat quarter, I simply save all of it together against what I might like to use it for later (I have no idea what tat might be or when). I do not do crumb piecing so very small stuff will go in a giveaway bag for Goodwill. I do cut as many 2 1/2" squares as possible from those and stack them in a plastic shoe box. When the shoe box is full I will start looking at sewing them together into something useful. If it is less than a fat quarter but not tiny, I have a scrap bin that I keep for things like test blocks and/or small projects (bowl cozies, mug rugs, and so on). The latest spur of the moment scrap project from the bin was a remote holder for a friend whose son needed to be able to reach the bed remote in order to get out of bed by himself in the morning. She showed me a picture of the headboard and said that he wanted to be able to tie it to the top rail. We tested the remote in it and he is using it as I write. I have also made a space limit for precuts. I am VERY fond of plastic sweater bins for kitting up a project or keeping certain things together.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you for sharing so many helpful tips and tricks!! I love the idea of storing the 2.5" squares in a single bin.

[@celiaambrose9008]

I just found your video today. I have lots of scraps that would make some great lap size throws. Thanks for showing us what you are doing.

[@PattymacMakes]

I have a follow up to this video coming up tomorrow. Honestly, I love this project! It's been the perfect thing for me, and I love that I've been able to use so much of my scrap collection this way.

[@traciwalker1431]

I love your videos, especially your not stressing vibe. I’m just starting out and am loving the process. Hang in there!❤

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, life is stressful enough. Quilting, and hobbies in general, should be fun.

[@conniecruz3346]

Thank you. This is what I needed in my life right noe also.❤😊

[@PattymacMakes]

You are so welcome

[@bunniegrant698]

Loved this tutorial. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a great way to use scraps😊

[@PattymacMakes]

Thanks so much! I love these blocks and this is such a relaxing project to work on!

[@Metdiva1]

I'm late to the party, but still here. The bicycle fabric is so adorable! 😊

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you! 😊

[@suzannegreen8166]

Such a great use of the scraps! And the 4” finished is such a good size. Thank you for sharing!

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!! It's such a fun block, and really easy to make them 12" blocks if desired, but I love the 16" size for sure.

[@RejeanneCote-f8e]

I will give this a try, liking this a lot. Thank you

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!

[@ritarogers6093]

My sewing room (the guest bedroom) is my happy place. I literally can sew and create for hours and not worry about anything else. Selfish? No way! Im a better person for taking time for my passion. Thank you for this scrap idea😊

[@PattymacMakes]

If i have to give up my sewing and quilting I really don’t know what I’m going to do. It would not be good. 😢

[@darlenepalmer9837]

What I do with my scraps is use them for leaders and enders while I work on a project. You would be surprised how fast you can make blocks. Just put a pile of scraps next to your sewing machine. I have three queen quilts doing it this way. I use 2”,2 1/2”, 3 1/2” and 5” squares. I just grab and sew. My last quilt was with blue’s and white 2 1/2”squares. I make 100 piece blocks. Sewing two at a time. 10 squares to a roll 10 rolls. Just another idea. Love love scraps quilts.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thanks for that fantastic suggestion!

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

You have great advice. Just work on something with your old stuff. I deliberately go to my crumb basket or string boxes in between main projects. So I make crumb blocks or string blocks. When I have enough blocks, a project is made. Maybe it's only a pet blanket with crumb blocks and an old sheet. But it's something done and fabric used. Right now I am putting 2.5 by 4.5 inch rectangles into a clear plastic tub and soon I will be making potato chip blocks.

[@PattymacMakes]

I love your approach! Often we are so quick to run out and spend more money, but since I'm on a no spend challenge, I'm looking for ways to utilize what I already have on hand. I like your project suggestions.

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

@@PattymacMakes I am doing a "no buy" collab soon with 3 other quilters.

[@patriciaemeigh4370]

Thanks for this great idea.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you! I hope you'll make some!

[@lisagilbert8472]

I love the 4 patch and then a 16 patches. The colors and fabric patterns are all beautiful together. It looks like you panned it all out. Great job!!

[@PattymacMakes]

I put a little thought into placement but nothing excessive. It make for a fun and not obsessive project.

[@lisagilbert8472]

@@PattymacMakes totally agree. If you have to thinking to hard then , in my opinion it becomes a project.

[@PattymacMakes]

@@lisagilbert8472 Sometimes I enjoy a little bit of a challenge, but generally, I do my quilting for enjoyment and prefer a simpler approach. Some people love very complex designs, but I'm not one of them.

[@lisagilbert8472]

@@PattymacMakes I love your quilting style and patterns, everything is beautifully done.

[@kimdavenport9820]

What a great idea❤❤❤

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you! 😊

[@claudiaross239]

I like how you consistently had a dark block in the lower right square. I think that anchored the blocks.

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you! I hadn't really thought of that.

[@claudiaross239]

😊 I thought that it was intentional and was waiting for you to mention it. For 2024 I have placed myself on a fabric buying ban, in part to use up stash and scraps. I will definitely be using this method. 😊

[@ChezVies]

16:33 It's so pretty!

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!! I have enjoyed this project soooo much.

[@beatricecollins5429]

Love your idea. I do this with 2 1/2 inch squares and make the 16 square blocks from my scraps, adding in squares from some additional fat quarters. For more variation. 😊

[@PattymacMakes]

YES!!! Pretty much the same thing only miniature. I'm really trying to preserve my full fat quarters but I did go ahead and use some that were not my favorite fabric and using it up this way has worked well.

[@maz8546]

Watched while making a felt "First Christmas" ornament for a friend.

[@PattymacMakes]

Oh that makes me so happy!!! I still love that sweet little project! I hope you are enjoying it also!

[@dawndecesare2177]

My scraps have scraps. LOL. I think I am going to make a scrappy house quilt with trees. I think it will be cute. I love the 16 patch and will probably does this quit as well. TFS

[@PattymacMakes]

Oh I love that idea!! What I like about the simple 16 patch is that I can roll through the scraps FAST, and get them made into something else.

[@angelastoutenger7944]

Unfortunately I jumped in on the end of the live. Sorry for what you are going through Patty. Life certainly isn’t easy. Sending prayers to you and your Mom. Just take one day at a time.

[@PattymacMakes]

It's been so rough this week. And I'm getting kind of old to be starting over like this, but I guess it happens every day.

[@angelastoutenger7944]

@@PattymacMakes My heart goes out to you. It seems a lot of us have stories we could tell but it doesn’t make it any easier when we are going through it. You somehow will get through this. Definitely won’t be easy but you will survive.

[@marinamcelroy4703]

I really like your video thank you for putting it up. from Ontario Canada.

[@PattymacMakes]

You are very welcome ❤

[@sharonbrignac4810]

Thanks Thanks for sharing I'm going to do this it will be fun and a quilt will be done in no time 😊

[@PattymacMakes]

Oh I'm so happy you enjoyed it! And yes, it comes together surprisingly fast.

[@CordulaPrice]

I love the blocks Awesome 😊👍🏻👍🏻🪡🧵❤️

[@PattymacMakes]

thank you!! this is such a fun project

[@amandaharvey455]

I’m making another quilt for my grandson that’s due in April. As you know, I have a ton of scraps.

[@PattymacMakes]

I highly recommend this one or a variation!

[@jojorey6886]

Beautiful ❤

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!

[@quiktemper]

I have over 500 crumb blocks waiting to be turned into backings! And I still have tons of scraps still😊

[@PattymacMakes]

Oh my LORD!!! The patience of making crumb blocks is not something I could handle. LOL I"m still in shock over the amount of scraps I still have remaining. And I've done nothing so far with my scrap blocks.

[@helenchaffin126]

I started cutting 4" squares ,now I can't stop🤣

[@PattymacMakes]

LOL!!!!!!! I completely understand!! I hope you have some things you can enjoy fussy cutting to throw into the mix.

[@kktowne6992]

Sorry I missed the live play & chat. I’m watching now, though.

[@PattymacMakes]

I appreciate that!

[@cyndipryce9323]

Patty, when you talked about 4" blocks used in this project, did you mean actually a 4.5" block at.tge start, or did you mean a 4" block size at the beginning? Great job. So very nice. Not sure what you are going thru at.this time, but I wish you God's Peace.

[@PattymacMakes]

I know it's so confusing! LOL They are 4" finished blocks, but the cutting is 4.5" because you lose the half inch in the seam allowances. So cut at 4.5" and they finished at 4". I hope that helps!

[@cherylkindle4497]

Is there a reason you chose 4 1/2 vs just cutting 5 inch squares?💖😊

[@PattymacMakes]

I wanted 16" squares so I went with 4.5". I actually discovered this making an interchangeable center panel for a different project. Which is coming up next! Also I don't have 5" rulers but I have 4.5" so it makes my life way easier.

[@joscraftjourney6654]

I have a bunch of scraps. I should use my accuquilt to cut the material up.

[@PattymacMakes]

YES!!!

[@loribeaupre3694]

What size are the individual blocks you are sewing together please?

[@PattymacMakes]

4.5"

[@loribeaupre3694]

@@PattymacMakes Thank you

[@StephanieBurnem]

I have a lot of different fabric pieces that I buy when it’s on sale and no idea of what to do with it all

[@PattymacMakes]

You could totally start cutting and sewing that stuff into 16 patches! It's honestly such a relaxing project. And fun to actually use the fabrics we buy and enjoy them.

[@StephanieBurnem]

@@PattymacMakes I’ve been really thinking about doing that since I watched your video, I’m nervous about messing it up though

[@PattymacMakes]

@@StephanieBurnem Girl! you are not going to mess anything up! This is supposed to be fun and freeing. What part of it concerns you the most????

[@StephanieBurnem]

@@PattymacMakes it seems like no matter how hard I try or how much I measure, my seams don’t always match up and something always ends up crooked or messed up

[@PattymacMakes]

@@StephanieBurnem We all start like that!! There's a lot of learning curve to piecing, and honestly, the only way to get the hang of the technique is to just keep doing it. Also IT'S REALLY HARD!!! My blocks are all a little small in this video so I need to work on my 1/4" seams, but I'm doing this project to have fun and not get crazy about perfection. You can ease things in here and there to get them together. You might need some better tools to help you. I struggle with accurate cutting so I have rulers in the sizes I need to be sure I trim accurately. It is expensive, but you don't have to buy everything at once. I buy a little here and there and eventually I have a complete collection. Maybe you need better light. Don't underestimate how much difference good lighting can have on your work. And starch is helpful. And good sharp blades. I think you should dig through some of your less than favorite fabrics or scraps and cut some 4.5" squares and just sew a little. If the 16 patch feels overwhelming, do 9 patches! Use pins to secure your seams. I love clips but pins don't budge. So often we give up before we really learn how to do something because the initial practice is so challenging. Don't give up and don't be so hard on yourself! We are doing this to have fun and to enjoy ourselves. That's what hobbies are for! I hope this helps!!

[@suehancock8229]

❤❤❤

[@PattymacMakes]

Thank you!!

[@karenwerts2331]

[@PattymacMakes]

Hey Karen!