Scrap & Remnant Utilization Calculator

Why Use a Scrap Calculator?

Every quilter accumulates fabric scraps - those leftover pieces from previous projects that are too nice to throw away but too small for traditional yardage-based patterns. A scrap utilization calculator helps you:

• Reduce waste: Discover what you can actually make with scraps instead of letting them pile up
• Get inspired: Find specific project ideas matched to your exact scrap inventory
• Stay organized: Categorize scraps by size and potential use
• Make informed decisions: Know when a scrap is worth keeping vs. too small to be useful
• Plan efficiently: See at a glance if you have enough scraps for a binding, blocks, or complete project

How to Measure and Organize Your Scraps

Step 1: Sort by Size Category

Before entering scraps into the calculator, do a quick initial sort. This makes the process faster and helps you see what you have:

• Large (10"+ in both dimensions): Fat quarters, half yards, large rectangles
• Medium (5-10"): Charm squares, large block pieces
• Strips (12"+ length, 1.5-4" width): Potential binding, sashing, borders
• Small (2-5"): Small blocks, appliqué, mini projects
• Tiny (<2"): Crumb quilting only, or discard/donate

Step 2: Measure Accurately

For best results with the calculator:

• Measure the longest dimension as length
• Measure the perpendicular dimension as width
• Round to the nearest quarter inch (0.25")
• Don't worry about perfect precision - the calculator accounts for seam allowances
• For irregular shapes, measure the largest usable rectangular area

Step 3: Storage Solutions

Once you know what categories your scraps fall into, store them accordingly:

• Binding strips (2.5" wide): Stack flat or roll up, store in a ziplock bag
• Squares by size: Keep 5" squares together, 6" together, etc.
• Strips: Organize by width (1.5", 2", 2.5", etc.) in labeled containers
• Small scraps: Store by color in clear jars or bins for easy visibility
• Too-small pieces: Have a "donation bag" ready to give away when full

Understanding Scrap Suggestions

Binding Potential

The calculator identifies scraps suitable for binding strips:

• Minimum size: 2.5" wide × 10" long (though longer is better)
• Best use: Pieced scrappy binding for a colorful finish
• Standard binding width: 2.5" for double-fold binding
• Joining method: Diagonal seams reduce bulk at corners
• Coverage: A 60" × 72" quilt needs about 290" of binding (8+ yards)

Block Potential

The calculator checks for common finished block sizes:

• 4" blocks: Postage stamp quilts, miniatures (need 4.5" squares after seams)
• 5" blocks: Charm pack quilts, scrappy designs (need 5.5" squares)
• 6" blocks: Very common size, versatile for many patterns (need 6.5" squares)
• 8" blocks: Traditional size for samplers (need 8.5" squares)
• 10" and 12" blocks: Larger blocks for faster quilts (need 10.5" or 12.5")

HST (Half-Square Triangles)

HSTs are incredibly versatile and the calculator shows how many you can make:

• Cutting rule: Finished size + 7/8" (e.g., 2.5" finished = 3 3/8" cut)
• Yield: Each square makes 2 HST units when sewn diagonally
• Uses: Triangles, arrows, pinwheels, flying geese, modern designs
• Tip: Make HSTs in batches and store by size for future projects

Strip Uses

Long, narrow scraps are perfect for:

• Sashing: Strips between blocks (typically 1.5-2.5" wide)
• Borders: Narrow accent borders (1-3" wide)
• String quilts: Strips sewn lengthwise to create blocks
• Piano key borders: Alternating short strips around perimeter
• Strip piecing: Sew strips together, then crosscut into units

Popular Scrap Quilt Projects

1. Scrappy Binding

What you need: 250-300 linear inches of 2.5" wide strips (for a lap quilt)

Join various fabric strips with diagonal seams to create a colorful, scrappy binding. This is one of the easiest ways to use binding-width scraps and adds visual interest to any quilt. Mix prints and solids, or stick to a color family.

2. Postage Stamp Quilt

What you need: 100-400 squares cut to 2.5" (or 3" for slightly larger)

This vintage style uses tiny squares arranged in a grid. The simplicity of the pattern lets the scrappy fabrics shine. Sew squares into rows, then join rows. Perfect for using up small scraps in every color.

3. String Quilt

What you need: 15-30 strips of varying widths (1.5-4" wide, 12"+ long)

Sew strips together lengthwise to create "string blocks." Strips can be different widths for added interest. Trim blocks to a uniform size after piecing. This is a very forgiving technique perfect for beginners.

4. Charm Pack Style Quilt

What you need: 42+ squares cut to 5" (for a lap quilt)

Originally designed for pre-cut charm packs, this works beautifully with scraps cut to 5" squares. Simple layouts include straight sets, diagonal sets, or sashed designs. Fast and satisfying to make.

5. Improv Piecing

What you need: 10+ medium to large scraps (various sizes)

Modern improv quilting has no rules! Piece scraps together freeform without a pattern. Trim and square up sections as you go. This technique works with irregular shapes and odd sizes. Very freeing and creative.

6. Crumb Quilting

What you need: 20+ tiny scraps (2-5", any shape)

Use foundation paper or muslin as a base. Sew tiny scraps randomly onto the foundation to create chaotic, colorful blocks. Trim blocks to uniform size. This uses the smallest scraps - nothing goes to waste!

7. HST Sampler

What you need: 100+ HST units (can be various sizes)

Make half-square triangles from scraps, then arrange into various block designs: pinwheels, hourglass, flying geese, chevrons, etc. Create a sampler with different HST arrangements in each block.

8. Pieced Quilt Backing

What you need: ~3 yards total of large scraps

Piece large scraps together to create a scrappy quilt back. This is functional and adds interest to the reverse side. Mix and match large rectangles and squares. Much more interesting than solid backing!

When to Keep vs. Discard Scraps

Keep These Scraps:

• Binding width (2.5" × 10"+): Always useful, easy to store
• Charm size (5" × 5"+): Perfect for many patterns
• Fat quarters and larger: Essentially yardage, keep organized by color
• Strips 12"+ long: Sashing, borders, string quilts
• Squares 4" and larger: Blocks, HSTs, mini projects
• Favorite fabrics: Even small pieces of special fabrics are worth keeping

Consider Discarding/Donating:

• Smaller than 2" × 2": Too small for most piecing (unless doing crumb quilts)
• Frayed or damaged: Fabric that won't hold up in a quilt
• Odd shapes: Very irregular pieces that are hard to use efficiently
• Fabrics you dislike: If you won't use it in a project, let it go
• Overwhelming quantity: If scraps are unmanageable, pare down to favorites

Donation Options:

• Local quilting guilds often have scrap exchanges
• Schools and daycares use fabric scraps for art projects
• Animal shelters use scraps for bedding and enrichment
• Nursing homes and senior centers for craft activities
• Thrift stores accept fabric donations

Tips for Efficient Scrap Management

• Pre-cut when possible: When finishing a project, immediately cut leftover fabric into usable sizes (2.5" strips, 5" squares, etc.) before storing
• Leader and ender method: Keep a basket of small scraps next to your machine. When chain piecing, use scraps as leaders and enders instead of wasting thread. You'll slowly create blocks without extra effort!
• One-in-one-out rule: For every new scrap you add to storage, use one in a project. This prevents accumulation
• Regular scrap days: Set aside one day per month specifically for scrap projects. This keeps your stash manageable
• Clear containers: Store scraps in clear bins or jars so you can see what you have at a glance
• Color-coded system: Organize by color families for easier coordination with projects
• Digital inventory: Take photos of your scrap bins. This calculator helps you track what you can make!
• Set realistic limits: Decide on maximum storage space for scraps. When it's full, it's time to use them up or donate
• Community scrap swaps: Join or organize scrap swaps with other quilters. One person's scraps might be perfect for another's project
• Think small: Not every project needs to be a bed-size quilt. Make table runners, placemats, pillows, and bags with scraps