*Updated* Sewing Fabric Scraps Onto Strips of Paper (calculator paper) Requested Video

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I recently had a request to show how I sew fabric scraps onto calculator paper. This is a technique I showed a two years ago but over time I change how I do things so I thought it would be fun to do an update video. This also allows me to answer the common questions and comments I have received.
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#sewingwithfabricscraps

[@rsislandcrafts]

In this video I answer the commonly questions I get receive. If you want to just get to the sewing fast forward to the 12:00 mark. Check out the iCard for my precious videos on this process.

[@ArtbyCarolaNC]

Thank you for sharing this technique. Your presentation is excellent. I'll reference you when I post making my strips. Abundant blessings.

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re very welcome. I’m glad you like It. ✂️

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Love watching you sew! Some great questions and answers today - keep on sewing :)

[@freedamarino1283]

I didn’t think of adding the second strip as I was making them. This will make it much faster for me. Great idea !

[@rsislandcrafts]

Right? The simplest of ideas seem to pass me right by sometimes.

[@noocemiller6005]

Speaking of old fabric sitting in your sewing room, I have fabrics from the 1970s that came out of my mom’s sewing room 😂😂😂 It’s yardage so I still don’t know what to do with it, but it’s staying!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Yep, that’s some old fabric. Is It 100% cotton? I know the 70’s were know for their polyester. I wouldn’t get rid of it either. There’s many ways It can be used even if it’s not a fabric you like. Many times quilters will use their older than old fabric as foundation fabrics for string quilts etc. Lining for tote bags or if you cut It small enough then It can go into a scrappy project and you’ll never even see It. Sometimes it’s nice to just leave It on the shelf as a reminder of someone or a time gone by.

[@mayolson2]

I AM ALWAYS AMAZED ! You come up with some cool ideas I would have never thought of.

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@ericabates5361]

Hello Robin, because of your previous tutorial 😁 I brought some calculator rolls 😁 but then also I have been saving my shopping receipts that are quite long when I have done grocery shopping 😁 for the exact reason, I can sew shorter strips 💜 Erica x

[@rsislandcrafts]

Wonderful! Can you imagine if you had to return an item? Here you go, don’t mind the fabric scraps sewn on. 🤣

[@AdiarraS]

Lots of great tips, Robin! Thanks for sharing how you do this!

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@geraldineself6017]

This is a very nice way to use up scrap fabric. So fun. Thanks. Have a blessed day.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you. Enjoy your weekend. I hope it’s full of creativity.

[@sunflowerterry]

Thanks for the idea. I too have an issue sewing a long line of rectangles. I must give this a try. I like the idea of chain piecing too. If you wanted matching strips, you could just continue the same color down to the next paper strip.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Yes, chain piecing makes It easy to match the strips. Happy sewing! 🦩🦩🦩

[@melonibeyer1035]

While I am watching this, I am sewing scrap pieces together to make scrappy quilt blocks. I have been saving scraps forever, its raining here in North Port, FL so I decided it was a good day to organize :-) I love these "ticker tapes" is what I call them. This will be my next project for my scraps. I'm going to do some crazy hand embroidery on the squares I'm making now. I like the updated version of not having to fight with the roll. :-) Have a sunny day!!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Perfect timing. I love watching scrappy videos while sewing scraps. Keeps me company and gives me new ideas. Yes, I remember there were counting machines that used ticker tape. Words can be dated or regional. I have sewn another project collected ticker tape like a ticker tape parade. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZC0hKONpbKYiLM

[@rsislandcrafts]

I just saw on the news that well begetting the rain later this afternoon. Woohoo! The rain has been passing us by most of the month.

[@donnarichey144]

Some were saying that the fabric frays. I have a rotary blade that puts the pinked edge, that should stop the fraying.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you for the tip. I haven’t had any problems with fraying. Some fabrics do like to fray a bunch.

[@SoPatch33]

I have about 10 strips of these from your 1st video. I was going to use them for binding, but as you say, they are still hung over the door and haven't moved. Still continue to make them in scrappy colors. I like you left them on the roll, but finally starting tearing the paper into shorter strips. Some they they will either get into a quilt as a block or a binding. I use the fabrics just like you are doing. Love the updated video.

[@rsislandcrafts]

When I see these scrappy strips I tend to just sew with no immediate use in mind. I know eventually I’ll find a project for them and I usually do. I’ve used all of my prepared strips so that means I need to get back to random sewing again.

[@louradelaney8074]

Oh gee, you gave a lot of useful tips here!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you!

[@lynnecharsley6499]

Ex good instructions. Thankyou

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thanks for watching!

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Very resourceful. You make very good points.

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@gigiontube]

Still don’t get why the need for the paper. I saw strips together without paper and works great for me. No extra step of taking that paper out, which I can imagine is not so easy. Thanks for the video ! 🥰

[@rsislandcrafts]

You don’t NEED the paper. Like many things in quilting it’s a tool. Some of us struggle with sewing our rectangles together nice and neat. Some sew string blocks without any foundation paper or fabric. Some of us like to sew crumb strips and the paper helps us keep all of those wacky wonky fabric bits somewhat neat and in a useable shape. The paper removes very easily. I have several videos where I show how easy It is to remove the paper.

[@melonibeyer6667]

We got about 3 inches. My plants truly needed the rain. My banana trees were rather droopy. Watch out for the lightning and thunder, we got tons. My 65 lb. Boxer was under my chair during it all. She just hates those loud noises.

[@rsislandcrafts]

One of my cats hides under my chair when there’s thunder too. I guess I know where she’ll be tonight. Lightening is scary. I tend to jump when there’s loud thunder. I startle easily. Thanks for the warning.

[@lindalivingston3754]

thank you Robin

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re welcome

[@ericabates5361]

Hello Robin, it is only Grocery Shopping receipts I have saved because they tend to be quite long 😁 💕 Erica x

[@jmurphy7192]

Just be careful the receipts aren’t thermal paper. They have different chemicals and can damage your fabric over time if you store your scrappy strips with the paper on.

[@lindalivingston3754]

its ok i found your page that has it on it thank you robin

[@rsislandcrafts]

Awesome. I wasn’t sure if I did the Polaroid pics here or on Patreon.

[@vikkirountoit497]

great tips!

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@tamaradore6834]

I found some of that at a thrift store and they were 5 for a dollar, now I know what to do with them!

[@rsislandcrafts]

Awesome find!

[@lindalivingston3754]

thank you robin

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re welcome

[@amorarosa8368]

Era o que eu estava procurando 😃,meus parabéns 🎉👏🇧🇷

[@rsislandcrafts]

Obrigado. Eaton tao feliz que menu video foi util. Thank you. I’m so happy my videos was helpful. ***I hope Google translate worked 😉

[@bettyknoll8782]

Come on get started!

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@misssocialdeb3777]

Robin, your my kind of quilter! I too just wing it, I get much more enjoyment from the entire project when I just go with the flo. I am working this summer on using scraps using the paper rolls. I have way too many scraps to ever get done or sew it seems. If I have to follow a pattern to the t then it is more of a chore for me. Just the way I am built. I am really enjoying your videos, thank you.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you. Yep, I just go with the flow. For me quilting is supposed to be fun and relaxing. I like to try new techniques but following a pattern is not my style. I like to sit down with a bunch of scraps and see what I can make. Even if the only thing I make are wonky log cabins and crumbs I’m okay with that.

[@stacysfarmhouselife5845]

Thank you so much 😊 great help

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩🦩🦩

[@MomAsol]

thanks for sharing

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@geraldineself6017]

Thank you so very much.

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re welcome. Thank you for visiting my channel.

[@gretroman8235]

Nice tip about folding papers back when attaching 2 strips together. My least favorite part of paper piecing paper removal is tearing out paper in seam allowances.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Mine too. Well that and tiny pieces.

[@christinemoore2661]

This is an awesome idea for making a piano border.....you are so awesome to come with these ideas

[@rsislandcrafts]

That’s how I used mine. I added a piano key border around my crumb blocks to make my craft-room curtain.

[@jmurphy7192]

I’m using mine to make the “thread” for my spools & thread blocks, then using more scrappy strips to make the border.

[@rsislandcrafts]

J Murphy I had the same thought. I do need to go through and see if I can sort a few scraps by color. Most of my scraps are novelty prints but I know I have some individual colors. I’ve always wanted to make a spook wall hanging. I’m going to also make a selvages pool version.

[@mairimacleod9486]

This seems like a great idea for using scraps, my question is, why sew it to the paper? I'm a newbie, so not sure why this is done? Thanks

[@PatchworkSchoolhouse]

I’m just watching this in 2023, noticed your comment…you probably already got an answer to your question but here’s my take on it. The paper acts as a stabilizer for thin & possibly bias strips. It keeps the strip from veering off to one side too, makes it easier to keep it straight so when you go to trim up, it’s a straight cut. Hope you’ve tried this out, it really is fun!

[@melanief967]

Hmm, I don't know if you did it in other videos, but I would have liked to seen quilts you've made using this technique. Clever though.

[@rsislandcrafts]

I used my strips to make a piano key border on my crumb-y craft-room curtains. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHKwiqaigdRmlZY I’ve been using the strips randomly in smaller projects like bags, pincushions, quilt blocks, table runners, pillows, etc.

[@patriciagleason3872]

See great minds think a like... or something like that. I have memory quilts to make and I remembered you had a video on this. I was gonna pull it up and watch it (I will don't worry). I plan on using every bit of the fabric that I can I will be using several of your videos so that multiple projects can use multiple designs (crumb blocks, string blocks and calculator tape). Do you have a video that goes in detail on zippers? Or a favorite video that shows how to use them.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Patricia Gleason Sounds like ill be hanging out in the craft room with you today 😉 I do have several videos on zippers. Here’s the one that gets the most comments - m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJKsq5RseNxkb80 I’m not sure if you know that you can search an individual channel from their homepage but here’s what shows up when I search my channel for zippers. m.kzbin.infosearch?query=Zippers I hope they help.

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

Isn’t it funny how universally quilters comment on how much they enjoy the way something looks? We’re a visual bunch so it makes sense. For us, it’s all about how things look so we can view prettiness.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Very true.

[@jayamilapersson4030]

You can use your receipts from stores for this. You can actually use toiletpaper to its harder as it is softer but yeah.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Yes. Toilet paper might be interesting. You wouldn’t have to remove it I guess. You can also cut strips of any width from left over wrapping paper. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/n32Vlmmsa516gM0

[@conniedeshazo3031]

I’ve watched several videos like your, sewing onto paper. I still can’t figure out the reason For doing it.

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s not a technique that everyone enjoys. My scraps are random shapes and cut at various angles leaving bias edges. By sewing onto the paper It controls those bias edges. I can sew wonky pieces of fabric to the paper and when I’m done I can trim the strip and It will be the exact width. I know many quilters can sew a stack of rectangles for a piano key border and have It turn out perfectly. When I sew a stack of rectangles my strip is a wonky wave. My fabric pieces can start out 5” wide but after I trim away the wonky edges I end up with something that’s 3” wide. By using the calculator strips I know I’ll have a strip of fabric the size I need. I don’t mind removing the papers after I’m done but some people don’t. This technique has become so popular that you can buy a roll of interfacing now instead of using the paper. I find It relaxing to sew like this. Some days I want to sew but my brain just can’t handle anything complex. Plus I always have plenty of scraps.

[@trinam2503]

I just pulled out my calculator tape and bins of crumbs the other night!!! I just needed a few minutes of mindless sewing. I usually cut mine to 12in because they fit well in my bin. Then when I need longer, I sew them together 🙂

[@rsislandcrafts]

Exactly! Mindless sewing. Even if I don’t use the strips the time spent relaxing is worth it to me. I think I need a few more bins and another bookcase 🤣

[@trinam2503]

@@rsislandcrafts Always need more storage in the quilting room! Lol! I think I have finally found a storage system that works for me. I just need to make it bigger....😉

[@rsislandcrafts]

That’s excellent. I’m pretty happy with mine too. I just keep expanding It. 🤷‍♀️

[@ericabates5361]

Hello Robin, I have still yet to sew any Scrap calculator strips 😁 💕 Erica x

[@rsislandcrafts]

Don’t feel bad, I’ve only sewn a bit here and there when I’ve needed It for a project.

[@culinarygurly987]

Walmart sells the paper in 2 pks at 2.5inchea

[@rsislandcrafts]

That’s great to know. Better than the 10 roll packs on Amazon. Thank you for sharing.

[@terridunning3450]

Robin what is the purpose of putting your scraps on a strip of paper? I have seen this done before but I could never figure it out? Good Vlog.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thanks Terri. That is the question I receive the most. I went over It in the video but here’s a quick answer. 1. Keeps bias edges from stretching. 2. Allows you to use scraps of various shapes. Straight edges are great but sometimes we have air with wonky edges. 3. It’s an easy way to keep the edges of the strip lined up neatly. 4. Uses up those smaller scraps. 5. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend a few minutes. Not everyone likes every technique. If you try It and don’t care for It then that’s okay. There’s plenty of other ways to use up your scrappy bits and pieces. I keep adding new videos to help you find the way that works for you.

[@terridunning3450]

RsIslandCrafts - Robin thank you so much, I now see a few reasons that makes sense to me like keeping your bias edges from stretching for sure. I really appreciate you taking your time out to answer my question as I really wanted to know. Lots of people don’t bother to answer boring questions no matter how much they say they do. Much appreciation. Enjoy your weekend!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I try to catch and answer as many questions as I can. I know how it feels to be curious or need help and never hear back from someone. Unfortunately, youtube doesn’t always notify me when there’s a new comment. Especially if it’s a comment in response to the original comment. If you ever have a question and I don’t respond please either leave a new comment separate from any other comment even if it’s on a new video. Or you can email me. My contact information is under my videos.

[@terridunning3450]

RsIslandCrafts - Robin thanks so much for your kind assistance and good to know info. Have a great day!

[@lindalivingston3754]

robin got a question for you can you do a video showing how to make a polaroid postcard please and thank you linda

[@rsislandcrafts]

Just to make sure we’re on the same page. I know it sounds simple enough but just in case. You want me to make a Polaroid snapshot and turn It into a postcard? Did you want the entire postcard to be a Polaroid picture with no other fabric or just incorporate the Polaroid pic into a post card? In other words the Polaroid would be the main element but other background fabric would be involved. I’ve seen some fun Polaroid post cards on Instagram.

[@lindalivingston3754]

when you got time no rush robin

[@lindalivingston3754]

robin where did you get that big roll of tape

[@rsislandcrafts]

I bought It on amazon several years ago.

[@lisalove9637]

Using thermal calculator paper is what I have. Will this hurt my quilting cotton.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Some say if you leave your fabric on the thermal paper It can cause your fabric to weaken. Who knows how long that might take. If you’re concerned you could always remove the paper before storing the fabric strips for future use. That’s what I’ve been doing. I keep my sewn strips in a plastic container neatly folded so I don’t have to worry about stretched seams or bias. That way whenever I’m ready to use my scrappy strips I don’t have to take the time to remove the papers. It doesn’t take long and it’s not hard but when I want to sew I want to sew right now 🤣

[@flamingosnap]

@@rsislandcrafts w a

[@susananderson4428]

But what’s the point ? Why attach scraps to paper rolls?

[@rsislandcrafts]

That is the question I receive the most. I went over It in the video but here’s a quick answer. 1. Keeps bias edges from stretching. 2. Allows you to use scraps of various shapes. Straight edges are great but sometimes we have air with wonky edges. 3. It’s an easy way to keep the edges of the strip lined up neatly. 4. Uses up those smaller scraps. 5. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend a few minutes. Not everyone likes every technique. If you try It and don’t care for It then that’s okay. There’s plenty of other ways to use up your scrappy bits and pieces. I keep adding new videos to help you find the way that works for you.

[@ceciliaschleicher278]

I have seen the rolls of paper at dollar stores

[@rsislandcrafts]

You’re right. I think I’ve seen them there before.

[@beverlymartin1414]

Recently?

[@rsislandcrafts]

It’s hit and miss at my thrift stores. If you can’t find the rolls you can cut wrapping paper into strips and use that. That way you can cut the strips any width you need. Great way to use up old wrapping paper or use the cheap see through dollar store variety.

[@ceciliaschleicher278]

@@beverlymartin1414 more so at Dollar General and Dollar Tree. I don't frequent them very often but am surprised when I see things like that there

[@brendafoley6995]

Hi Robin. . I have been wanting to do this for years. . just never buy the rolls of paper.

[@rsislandcrafts]

If you want to try It but don’t have the rolls you can always cut some strips from old wrapping paper. As a bonus you can cut any width you need.

[@brendafoley6995]

@@rsislandcrafts Right. . I actually have been getting packing papers in my Amazon boxes. I use them to copy my garment patterns. Do you think it is as light register tape?

[@rsislandcrafts]

I know the brown paper you speak of. I have tons that I’ve saved from orders. I think It might be a bit too thick but give it try. Cut off a short piece and sew several scraps down. Then see if it tears away easily. That’s going to be the biggest test. If it’s hard to tear off then it’ll be too much trouble to use. The calculator tape is a bit thinner than printer paper to give you an idea. I’ve used lined school paper for string quilts before and It tears easily. Just in case your packing paper doesn’t work well. 😉

[@donnakissinger1694]

Peel the paper off and roll it on a toilet paper or paper towel roll to store. 😊

[@rsislandcrafts]

I generally leave the paper on until I’m ready to use It in a project. It keeps the strips neat and even. It’s easy to pop a seam or stretch the biases if the paper is removed.

[@rogerthat7001]

I give up, this rookie wants to know what is the point of the paper? Stability maybe? Thanks

[@rsislandcrafts]

Stability, yes. It keeps any crazy bias edges under control. It also helps keep your strip in a straight line. Many times if you’re just sewing scraps into a long strip It will get quite wonky. Using the paper allows you to use your un eve scraps and still maintain that straight width throughout. Some people like this brainless type of sewing. Just grab your scraps and sew for awhile to get you going each day. Or maybe you’ve lost your mojo. This type of sewing keeps you in the craft room without really thinking. It usually helps people get back to their projects faster than not sewing at all. Of course like all techniques this may not be for you.

[@donnafancher8759]

Can I do that with felt scraps?

[@rsislandcrafts]

What type of felt? Craft felt or wool that is used for clothing etc? Craft felt would work for projects that won’t need to be washed like a wall hanging or zipper pouch. Wool like those that are used in blankets and clothing would work for this technique. You might have some bulky seams though. I’ve not worked with clothing style wool.

[@donnafancher8759]

Sewing felt like for baby blankets

[@donnafancher8759]

@@rsislandcrafts baby blankets at dollar tree if that helps

[@rsislandcrafts]

I think those are fleece. You can do It with fleece scraps.

[@lindalivingston3754]

what if your left handed Robin

[@rsislandcrafts]

I don’t think It matters. You use your sewing machine the same don’t you? If you want you can have the blank paper on the left side of your needle.

[@lindalivingston3754]

ok tyvm

[@eduardachi2571]

please stop talking and just do it

[@rsislandcrafts]

🦩

[@jsp5717]

I agree, you could have done this video in less than half the time. You don't need to go over every single detail. We just want to know how to do the basic stuff!!