How To Find The Best Patterns To Use Up Your Scraps | Episode 105

In this episode, The Opinionated Quilter explains how to evaluate a quilt pattern for scrap use. In addition, she shows you another version of her No Waste 2 1/2" strip scrap pattern. The pattern is now available on her website.
NO WASTE 2 1/2" STRIP QUILT: www.quiltersheaveninc.com/sho...
Downloadable Patterns: www.quiltersheaveninc.com/sho...

[@marlenesalamandyk878]

I'm so happy I found you this morning 😊 Such helpful videos ❤

[@lindabutler5631]

Just found you. You talk so much sense. I love making scrappy quilts. I hate waste.

[@kaylafrench8797]

I love making things with my scraps and leftovers! I actually like it more than making a preplanned project! 😊

[@theopinionatedquilter]

It is so satisfying to make headway in the scrap pile.

[@auntdello5286]

Thank you for all the great info. I really loved the scrappy orange and green quilt!I have to say, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I keep the rule of never sewing over pins because the risk of damage to my vintage machines is too great. I have seen the kinds of damage hitting pins can do. It is not just broken needles. Vintage machines can get knocked out of allignment. That can be expensive to fix. Many newer machines have plastic gears that can be damaged. The possibility of expensive repairs should make anyone think twice about this bad habit! Removing the pin as it is about to go under the foot makes very little to no difference to the alignment of the fabrics.

[@katehenry2718]

"NO purchase" quilts are great fun ))). Estate sales of quilters are super source of all parts. Last day, they filled my van free with batting no one else wanted. ))))))) Just let it be known you quilt and "fabric fairy" packages will show up at your door. No need to buy another inch.

[@robincadwallader7426]

Thank you, thank you for your opinion on sewing over pins. When I was taught to sew 50+ years ago, we were taught exactly what you just said. We were not taught to pull pins. I have been so confused by this when I see people pulling the pins before they get to that point; this defeats the purpose of the pins. My machine is from 1972. It's the only machine I've ever had, and I've never been told by a technician not to see over pins.

[@judyfargo8162]

I love that scrap quilt using the white on white scraps.

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Most people don’t pin the “right” way. They pin parallel to the seam. If you pin the “old fashioned way” - pin perpendicular to the seam - your machine needle will hop right over the pins almost every time. I see the parallel pinning a LOT among KZbin quilters. You can tell who came to quilting from dressmaking and who didn’t! You might consider a pinning tutorial for new quilters!

[@katehenry2718]

Good plot and scheme logic ))) My stash includes yardages given to me years ago, so some of the large usage backgrounds and borders can be scrap quilt parts too. I used colors the grandkids chose for kitty quilts. 64 cats per quilt allll different ))) BRIGHT blue for boy and DEEP maroon for girlie. Concentric borders for the backs.

[@KezRJ]

I would never, ever sew a snowball block because of the waste. Crazy, I know. I now know about drawing an extra line and making a half-square triangle. I save them and make pinwheels. I love the no waste 2 1/2" strip quilt!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks. It works up so fast and easy. I am happy with both of my versions.

[@kerryl4031]

I'm doing 9 patch squares at the moment - using up the 1.5 inch squares. Great for leaders and enders and just fun sewing as it is. The 2.5 inches are for great granny squares. I only have to cut the edge triangles at the moment. The 2 inch squares are for 4 patches. I've found I need more neutrals! Any stringy, strippy bits are earmarked for a pineapple quilt and tiny triangle bits - or log cabin.

[@sharonurwiller1166]

I really love the bright scrappy quilt behind you on the left of the screen. Your choice of the striped border fabric set off by the solid purple, really finishes it off! The only thing that I would change is the way that you joined the striped border fabric on the diagonal. I also usually join border and sashing strips with that method. However when joining stripes, I join with a straight seam so that the joins disappear. The diagonal joins draw my eye to them and distract from the quilt.

[@karenbrunette6314]

Just found you. Love your content thank you for sharing your knowledge with us newer sewists definitely subscribed

[@chicletlux]

The Yellow Brick Road is great for scraps and FQs. I’ve made quite a few quilts using this pattern and they always look fabulous 👍 edited to add your thorough explanation of why you would use a pattern or not for scraps is very illuminating. In our excitement to use a new pattern, quilters don’t always consider the amount and cost for background fabric.

[@bettybyers4698]

I just love your videos. I hate when patterns have waste or call for more fabric than needed. You have very practical solutions and have made me think & evaluate how a pattern is made. "Is there a better way?" Thank you for educating us all....even long time sewers.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

So glad to hear I helped. Thanks for watching.

[@lynnepfeffer8039]

Excellent episode. Thank you for all the good information. Love that stripe fabric border on your quilt. It really pulls everything together!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks. It is a fun fabric.

[@sisterchicksquilting]

Maureen, I love your scrap quilts and you do them better than just about anyone I see on KZbin. To me scrap quilts are mindless and relaxing sewing. Thank you for the instruction and tips. Di, PS, I'm going to buy some of those pins just so I can sew over them, LOL.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Wow, thank you! Glad you like them.

[@NanaKathy47]

Magic Pins are great. You can pin a seam, iron it flat, and the pin heads don't melt. They are silicone. They are the only ones I use. Available in 3 sizes.

[@MTquilter058]

Just watched this episode and enjoyed your opinions. I share most of them but I have so much yardage that I seldom have to buy yardage to make a “scrap” quilt. 😂 I don’t understand the bias seam that some quilters, including you, use on the borders. I was taught and have taught students to use the straight grain for a border, if possible. It is much more stable and, assuming the center of the quilt is not wonky, the border will help keep it squared up for quilting. I am opinionated too, that’s why I subscribed! I will continue to make it my mission to keep the border seams perpendicular and, if you are concerned about the seam distracting attention from the center of the quilt, take the time to fussy cut and match the pattern on the fabric. JMHO.

[@user-me5oh5sc8c]

I like you, you tell it as it is…..no BS. I am a beginner from Alaska and would never try triangles of any kind if I could just use strips. Might try your strip quilt because I have xtra scraps In Alaska at the second hand store which is called Value Village on Tuesdays is senior days and they take off 35% your purchase and they have a section of sewing and bags of material which sometimes has some good stuff. so I go there every Tuesday and use my discount. Don’t know if the lower 48 has the same deals. Thanks for being you. Joan

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I really enjoy using scrap fabrics and I like that your scrap quilts are true scrap quilts using any and all colors and patterns.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much!

[@MargaretLevy-bk5lk]

I had just about finished piecing the columns for Tina currants a new slant on Christmas when I read she chopped off the top and sides. I was horrified. I had wondering about adding triangles when I heard your recommendation on a previous video. I filled your advice and am so pleased.

[@yvonnephillips4680]

I've never sewn over pins. I'll check my pins and give it a go. I really like your last block with the the smaller strips and black background. Thanks for another great discussion 🇭🇲❤️

[@abigail01441]

I've had to throw away some of those blue tip skinny pins because they will bend if hit by a machine needle. The needle does win. I simply order more.

[@annduvall3835]

I love the square up blocks from Kate the last homely house.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Great tips on using scraps we have and not ending up putting more scraps in our “scrap bin!” Ugh🫣, so diminishes the task we set out to do!😂😂 I have stitched over pins a few times and broken my machine needles! One piece hit me in the face, next time the end of the needle dropped into the abyss of my machine! Both times I’m sure I was not using skinny pins, but every machine mechanic I’ve used has always reenforce NOT to sew over pins, that it can distort the machines timing. LOL! I now use the very skinny pins and my Juki and machine needles always win! Thank you Maureen!💕🧵

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I am a Bernina dealer and they, too, always say not to sew over pins. I want my pieces to meet so I sew over them anyway and have not broken any needles or thrown off timing. Thanks for watching.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks for your sweet visit Morino...love the tutorial❤

[@sandrasciotto1646]

Thank you for making these videos. I have a lot of scraps to use up. You probably have seen the Quilted Forrest, she has a very nice group of videos on using up 2.5 inch scraps.

[@katherineanderson8570]

I have made the Picnic quilt and I too was horrified to see that the quilt was cut to square with the intention to not use the cut off triangles. I cut one side and fit the cut off triangles onto the other side, and did the same with the top and bottom. And I was even able to get the corner triangles from what I had cut off. It worked out very well. It is an easy and beautiful quilt.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

What a great idea. I never would have come up with that one.

[@annielyst]

Totally agree with you on the picnic pattern. Would love to see the Bargello quilt you made.

[@debracattanach4944]

You are wonderful. So glad I have found you. I have been on the quilting journey for 40 years. You can always learn more about quilting. From down under . Australia 🇦🇺 😊

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much!

[@bethkoch11]

A lot of good ideas! The Yellow Brick Road pattern is an old favorite. I'm trying not to buy new fabric this year (it's difficult!), and I have a lot of background fabric, both solids and tone-on-tone. I try to buy some of those when I find a good sale so I'll have it when I need it and won't have to purposely buy background fabric.

[@abiwk04]

The issue with sewing over pins isn’t the needle breaking. It’s also the pin breaking or bending and going into the machine and causing issues in the machine. It can cause a lot of expensive damage. Removing pins just before I come to them has never given me a problem with mismatching but even if it did I would prefer that to a wrecked machine.

[@brendamc3535]

Love your scrappy videos. I just recently made an oven mitt made of crumbs. Turned out real good . I was proud of it. LOL

[@linzjan4276]

I always sew over my pins, and yes have had a couple of needles break but considering 40 years sewing minor really, so I appreciate your advice, if I am worried, or running low on needles I watch what I am doing and adjust if the needle and pin look like they will collide.

[@nancysharon931]

Excellent information to consider. Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@ccreel64]

Fantastic episode Maureen!

[@KS-yf9nq]

Great video!! ❤

[@annamoreau457]

I’ve learned so much thanks

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Glad to hear it!

[@wandawalker4191]

Thank you for sharing my idea!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Of course. Keep them coming, please.

[@treyshields7848]

Great episode, I enjoy making scrap quilts but don’t like having to buy extra fabric to cut in to my yardage to complete it. I learned a lot, thank you!

[@lynetteperry3559]

love your ideas thank you Lynette from Australia

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are so welcome!

[@janislong279]

I sew over pins as well but very slowly as I have broken some needles in my time. For the Picnic quilt, you could pair up the leftovers from trimming the sides with a low volume triangle and put them in the backing fabric as an Afterquilt. It makes the back more interesting I find. This year I am dedicated to use up any fabric scraps left from making my quilt tops and usually in the backing. Wish me luck! 😊 Great video as always.

[@anjamaas7140]

Great video today! I like to make trip(s)-around-the-world quilts from my scraps.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks so much. I love trip around the world quilts.

[@lindakQOV]

I just finished 48 Split 9-patch blocks that used up a lot of scraps, however, there is still a whole pile to continue to work on! Thanks for ideas for other scrap quilts. I think some braids are in my near future, too.

[@maureenelsey3581]

I sew over pins but I go very slow and haven’t had a problem. Love the videos, lots of information.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

I have a smaller set size ruler for bindings. It has a 45 on one end, so I cut my french braids with it. The square ends go in, and the 45's make the sides with no waste. As long as I keep the fabric folded to cut a left and right facing one, each time I cut. At the top I cut straight across, and add the top to the base, with partial seams... really no waste at all.

[@venus8296]

Great episode! When you showed Tile Tango I was thinking you could replace those large background squares with 9-patches that are reversed - five lights and four "darks." That would use up many more scraps and you wouldn't have to purchase background fabric - and you could also use a 2-1/2" border to save fabric there.

[@lucilegubbins4433]

I mostly pin behind the stitch line, so that everything is straight but I don't go over the pin. Sometimes I also use basting glue, which washes out.

[@cindywagner4623]

I pin with the point just on the other the side of 1/4”. I sew right next to the tip of the pin.

[@beckypetersen2680]

I like how nicely your orange and green hst scrappy blocks turned out. While I understand what you are saying about scraps and not wanting to use more background than the scraps, I do find that a generous amount of background sometimes can improve a lot of scrappy quilts, turning them into really beautiful quilts. I have made leftover quilts from those large cut offs from HST from side setting triangles. They can be amazing! I wish I could share my leftovers quilt from a quilt I called Sheet of Stamps, but I have no idea how.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

can you take a picture and email it to me? [e-mail]. I would love to see it.

[@brendagriffin6437]

Excellent ideas! The picnic quilt is similar to the Iris quilt, which I love the pattern, but I agree, the parts you cut off along the edges are useless. And cutting the 4 sides is STRESSFUL. It's bias. Right now I have a "Bonus" quilt going. I have 2.5 squares in background and various Pink, blue, teal and purple fabrics left over from the Iris quilt. Had Tula Pink Fairy dust yardage left over so that's the background. I sew these blocks as leaders and enders. I picked out 1 color square as the center of my 9 patch. I hope to be able to get a queen quilt from all these scraps plus available yardage. We'll see!

[@fernie5128]

Another great video. As a new quilter, I just finished my first quilt, including machine quilting 4 days ago, I learn so much from your presentations. I really like the 9 inch blocks but it might just be because of the higher contrast with the grey sashing. Or is called borders? Lol One of these days I will get it straight.

[@jennrea4275]

I agree about sewing over the pins however the magic pins bend so easily. My preference is the little house pins. I have seen people pinning an inch and a half perpendicular to the seam and was very perplexed by this and felt that would not allow for precision piecing. I agree with the wasting issue in scrap quilts. The yellow brick road is a classic, as with most Atkinson patterns. I also enjoy the french braid technique it works excellent for boarders however there is a bit more waste. I’ve been working on the (2x3.5) potato chip in a light and dark, similar to a log cabin. I also love sewing four patches with my 1.5 squares and then sewing those into 16 patches. I’ve also been saving 1.5x2.5 strips and want to start integrating those. Playing with my scraps has now become more fun to me than regular quilts. When sewing with scraps I recall all the quilts I made prior and they are far more precious to me than a curated quilt. I will allow myself to purchase a coordinated fabric but find I usually have what I need in my scraps, or stash. My mother-in-law used to says I could open my own quilt store with my fabric stash, she isn’t a quilter however loves my quilts. 💕

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I haven't heard of that brand. I will check them out.

[@pegpage8618]

I love how to use up scrap videos. My scrap piles just keep growing and growing and growing - it’s never ending. I’m working on a 16 block (2” sqares) today that I cut up many years ago when people first started cutting their scraps into specific sizes. I will never do that again as I never know what I want to make or what pattern I will find for a specific scrap. I like to sort my scraps by color and when my color bucket get full - I go find a pattern that is suitable. Thanks .

[@theopinionatedquilter]

We actually stopped cutting our leftovers into strips. We just have too many 2 1/2 so I am leaving the bigger pieces in the scrap pile and I will cut them when we decide what to do with them. Thanks for watching.

[@linzjan4276]

Love this show, right up my alley, do you have links for the patterns

[@C123abc]

Yes, I saw Merry B's video (or is it Mary?) and thought of you when she said this! I'm making a scrap quilt from lots of solids sort of in the Postcards from Sweden style. I put them in piles by color family and pick two to sew together. I tried to do the accordion method but didn't like results I got with the seams. I hope matching up these half square triangles won't send me over the edge. When I try to sew over pins, they don't break but often bend.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

The skinny pins do bend but they won't break your needle. Thanks so much for watching.

[@C123abc]

@@theopinionatedquilter True!

[@mike1968442]

I only purchase fabric in yardage form. So I cut what I need. It’s been 5 years and still don’t have enough “scraps” to make a baby quilt. I have never purchased a layer cake, jelly roll etc. I guess that’s why I don’t have this issue.

[@colettesorrells9015]

❤❤❤

[@annas.r.p.5835]

IF you sew on a pin parts can get pushed into the mechanism often screwing up the timing.... Have a machine in the shop hoping for repair after someone else sewed over pins... breaking many of them..... BAD ADVICE

[@paulaneary7877]

I agree. Sewing over pins is simply not a good idea.

[@karriesteel6191]

I make scrappy log cabins and 2.5 strip "windmill" blocks. I have tried others but I get all oogy and antsy so I've abandoned them. I do want to try a modified coin like you show!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you for watching.

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

I'm a scrapaholic. Always looking for new patterns to try. My tops eventually get to a hospital in Africa.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

That is why I say, Quilters are the most generous people on the planet!

[@margaretrand5843]

What is the name of the pattern for the quilt behind you using the 1.5” strips? I love it and would like to make it.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Sew Many Strips from Aprpil2019 American Patchwork and Quilting.

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

Been sewing over pins for 30 + years…. Only broken one needle!

[@drewrichardson8789]

47 years for me.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks for the sew over pins support. I was surprised by the volume of anti sew over pins group. It is another wash or don't wash, seams to one side or open seams debates.

[@weedpatch8505]

Just discovered you…serendipity as l stare at a mountain of scraps. 😊

[@NanaKathy47]

Question on the braid quilt, Lemon Blush. You need to cut the sides of a braid straight on each side. Is there enough "waste" to reuse somewhere else, or is it real waste that needs to be considered as a point against using this pattern?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Really good question. I actually cut the pieces to size with the angles cut. If done the way the pattern says there is waste and it is too small for me to keep. I will mention this in the next video. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@NanaKathy47]

@@theopinionatedquilter About 2003, a man gave me all the quilting fabrics and notions from his late wife. There was a partially done "Friendship Braid" quilt with enough fabric and cut pieces (cut to size with the angle cut, template included) that I was able to finish it. The fabrics were from the 1960s and 1970s. It is still one of my favorites.

[@charlotte316]

???What is the name of the scrap quilt behind you that used the same number of white on white scraps as colored scraps? Also, is it easy to put together?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Sew Many Strips from 2019 American Patchwork and Quilting.

[@sisterdube6235]

i like the kitty cat quilt i think you coulduse scrapfor backgroundif you like something you think of ways to make it worki saw a cutekitty cat quilt of cays on books

[@gailstraka771]

Maybe I missed it but what is the name of the quilt behind you - the one on the left in the video - brights with scrappy white background.

[@mariaastafyeva1426]

I saw a similar quilt on carol thelen channel called “1223 scrappy log cabin” the on in this vid seems to subdivide squares into two rectangles but idea is very similar.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

It is Sew Many Strips from the April 2019 American Patchwork and Quilting. That is my second one and I love it.

[@sandyjones1439]

Is there a name for the quilt or a pattern with the white background? I love scrap quilts!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Sew Many Strips from 2019 American Patchwork and Quilting

[@twinstar9]

@@theopinionatedquilter I don't understand. Are you referring to a book? Put the names of your two displayed quilt in the description.

[@dorrisdale6269]

Pins CAN absolutely break needles. I have had it happen, and I have seen pins pushed down into the machine when the needle hit dead center. Pins can easily be pulled out at the last stitch before it goes under the needle.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Yes thick pins can break needles. When the pins are as thin as the ones I use, the needle is bigger and stronger and cannot be broken by the super thin pins.

[@terridean4784]

My machine claims to sew over pins. I will never sew over a pin because I accidentally sewed over one and a shard of the pin broke off and flew up into my eye and scratched it. So painful!!!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I am so sorry to hear that. I can see why you wouldn't want to try that again.

[@kabjhill]

Horrified! I, too, hate to see the patterns which cut off edges to make "on-point" settings. Not only because of waste, but also because makers may not realize to stitch around the bias outer edge before cutting to stabilize the edge. Then when quilting, they wonder why the edges are wavy or wonky. -annette

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Yes, good point. We do need to be careful about bias.

[@twinstar9]

What is the name of the quilt on the left that you have made twice? It is NOT plaidy cake. What is the name of the one on the right and the sources for each?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

That is Sew Many Strips from 2019 American Patchwork and quilting. The orange green one is just a split 16 patch, set barn raising style.

[@twinstar9]

Define your lingo. "barn raising style?" split 16 patch? And which issue os 2019 American Patchwork and Quilting?

[@PatA95]

I think I disagree about adding extra yardage. I know because I've watched all your videos, you have an ongoing mass of scrap fabric. While I do have scraps, I don't have an infinite source. Plus the amount you add also impacts the size of the quilt you'll wind up with. Suppose I have 5 yards of scraps, but I want a queen sized quilt, five yards won't be enough, so adding background or accent yardage would not only be okay but necessary.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I don't disagree. My point is add when you have to. If you can do with your scraps great, if not purchase when necessary.

[@user-fk3gd8zx5p]

I choose to not sew over pins. This needs to be a personal choice of the machine owner

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Absolutely. All of quilting is really personal choice. I can't tell you how many times a day I say to a customer, "It doesn't matter which fabric I like better, you have to pick which one you like better."

[@alicekalorian8043]

I disagree with you that it's OK to sew over pins. Not everyone has/uses those extra-fine pins. I opt to sew just shy of 2-3 stitches, and then remove the pin.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Everyone has to do what works for them. The pins are expensive and they bend and have to be replaced but they definitely can be sewn over.

[@parkerchiudioni9981]

Was in a class where a student sewed over a pin….it broke, flew up and lodged in her forehead. Could have easily landed in her eye. I disagree with you on sewing over a pin. Hitting a pin will also throw the timing off on your machine. I was a Janome machine dealer (and repair/maintenance) for more than 10 years.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

The pin would have had to have been larger than the one I showed. These skinny pins just bend they do not break.