Hello and happy Friday! I hope your week has been a great one and that a wonderful weekend is just around the corner. I’ve spent the last couple of days working on some new videos that I’m looking forward to sharing beginning next week. Doing filming in the studio meant a big clean up…which led to this week’s post topic: Stash Busting Quilted Projects. Enjoy!
Stash Busting: Ideas
What do you think of when you think of the phrase “stash busting?” Do you think of beautiful scrap quilts adorning every room in your home? Or do you think of smaller, faster projects that also use those very same scraps for quick finishes? I like to make both types of scrap projects, and I have ideas for both in today’s post.
Quick & Easy Stash Busting Quilted Projects
1. Make Potholders
Potholders are a quick and easy way to use orphan blocks and other left overs and bits of fabric. And…they make a perfect gift or update to your own kitchen décor. Here are a couple of free pot holder tutorials to get you started.
- My favorite Log Cabin Pot Holder Tutorial is here.
- And my Scrappy Patchwork Pot Holder Tutorial is here (free PDF included on this post).
- Then read this post with lots of Tips for Perfect Potholders.
2. Make Pillows
Pillows are another fast and easy way to use up scraps or even left over blocks from other projects. Plus, they are easy to store if you store pillow tops by size and rotate pillow forms depending on the season. Here are a couple of my free pillow top tutorials that are perfect for any season.
3. Make String Quilt Blocks
String quilt blocks are perfect for both of the projects I’ve already listed: Pot holders and Pillows. And they are a perfect way to use up even the smallest of scraps. I’ve been working on a string block quilt for several years, and it’s going to be a favorite when I finish it for sure!
- Find my super simple String Quilt Block Tutorial here.
- And find Even More tips for String Quilts here.
4. Make 9-Patch Blocks
The great thing about 9-patch blocks is that you can make them in any size from extra small to jumbo. They are always timeless, and they make perfect small and large quilted projects. Find some ideas for scrappy 9-Patch projects here.
5. Make Log Cabin Blocks
Log Cabin blocks are another one of my favorite ways to use up scraps. Just over a year ago I made a scrappy red and green log cabin block quilt and finished it just in time for Christmas. My scrappy + low-volume log cabin blocks are another long-term project I might have to just finish this summer!
- Find my tutorial for scrappy log cabin blocks here.
- And get a free PDF download with directions for making scrappy Log Cabin blocks with the Log Cabin Trim Tool Here.
6. Make Block of the Month Projects
There are a variety of block of the month projects available for quilters–some are free (like the program I host each year), and others are paid programs that often come with fabric and/or kits. When I’m working on a block of the month project I really love, I’ll generally make at least two versions in order to use up more of my stash. I’ve kind of named this idea “double quilting” because you get two quilts for just a little more time than it takes to make one.
More Ideas for Fast & fun Stash Busting Projects
- Read my post with more Scrap Quilt Ideas & Tips here.
- Read this post with more ways to use Orphan Blocks (block left-overs from other quilts and patterns).
I hope you’re able to get some sewing in this weekend…happy quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Caryl Brix says
Thank you for your great inspirational ideas! I can’t to get started on my stash busting projects!
Lynn says
I have been saving strips since I saw the string quilts at Christmas time on the blog. I now have enough to begin some blocks so was very pleased to see this reminder tutorial. I will be using some fabrics left over from the BOM quilt I’ve been making with you. Can’t wait to see what May brings for that project!
Tonna Marroni says
Do you quilt your own projects? If so, how are you quilting? Domestic machine or long arm?
Jill Currie says
I love these Sew Your Stash posts. Scrap quilting is my favourite kind of quilting so thank you for all your tips and ideas. Happy Easter!
Jennifer R says
I make fidget quilts for patients with alzheimer’s with my scraps. It is a great way to use up scraps and to get rid of extra zippers, buttons and other doo dads that constantly crowd my sewing room.
Janice says
Thank you for all of the tips and ideas for using scraps. I have dedicated this year to quilting my stash. I consider anything in my fabric stash fair game – fat quarters, pre-cuts, yardage. If it works with the quilt I am making, it gets used. I’ve completed one quilt, am working on a second and have a third planned, but your log cabin idea has me itching to play with some scraps that caught my eye recently.
Hildy says
Thanks for your great ideas! I recently used a lot of scraps for a window pad for my cats. I used up a lot of them nd my cats don’t mind if it’s perfect or not as long as it’s comfty;-)
Vicki says
All of these ideas are great! I am also trying to quilt using only my stash this year. I have made a couple of pillows from my scraps using your patchwork tutorials and they were very easy. I love the scrappy log cabin blocks and may have to make some of those soon.
Robby H. says
I love the idea of your Weekender quilt in a scrappy version. While not exactly scraps, I have a wealth of fat quarters I’d love to use up so I can enjoy them as a quilt. Does the pattern include yardage amounts as well as the pre-cut quantities I can see in the listing? I’ve got a few days off I’ve mentally marked for sewing next week and it would be great to start this. Thanks for any input you can share on your pattern.
Kate says
I think the scrappy 9-patch ideas didn’t actually make it into the post. Could you share those, please?