What can you make from your fabric scraps?

Enter your leftover fabric pieces and see real quilt projects you can finish without buying a single new yard.

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Scrap Calculator

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Quick Presets

Click to load a common scrap stash.

Your Stash Summary

0 Pieces
0 Total sq in
0.0 Approx yards

Add scraps to see your color mix.

Suggested Projects

Add at least 100 square inches of fabric to get project suggestions.

Your Scrap List

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Scrap-Friendly Block Patterns

These quilt block designs work well with small fabric pieces. Each one tells you the minimum scrap size and how many blocks you need for a throw-sized quilt.

Half-Square Triangle

Min scrap: 3.5 in square | 64 blocks for throw

Cut two squares, sew diagonally, trim. The most versatile scrap block. You can mix any two colors.

Four-Patch

Min scrap: 3 in square | 49 blocks for throw

Four squares sewn together. Great for using up charm pack leftovers. Arrange light and dark for contrast.

Strip Rail

Min strip: 1.5 x 6 in | 80 strips for throw

Sew strips end to end, then cut into blocks. Perfect for long thin scraps from binding or sashing.

Drunkard's Path

Min scrap: 4 in square | 40 blocks for throw

Curved piecing with two shapes. Looks complex but sews fast once you get the rhythm. Best with scraps 4 inches and up.

Flying Geese

Min: one 4x7 in + two 4 in squares | 36 units for throw

One large rectangle with two small squares. Makes a pointed triangle. Great for borders or standalone quilts.

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Nine-Patch

Min scrap: 2.5 in square | 81 blocks for throw

Three by three grid of squares. The simplest block. Works with the tiniest scraps you have.

Managing Your Scrap Stash

How quilters sort their scraps

Most scrap quilters sort by size first, then by color. A common system uses gallon bags: one for pieces under 3 inches, one for 3 to 6 inches, and one for anything larger. This makes it easy to find what you need when a pattern calls for specific sizes.

Some quilters keep a small bin on their cutting table and toss in scraps as they work. Once the bin is full, they sort it. This keeps the mess under control without making sorting a separate chore.

Measuring irregular scraps

If your scrap is not a rectangle, measure the largest rectangle you could cut from it. That is your usable size. You can always trim it down, but you cannot add fabric back.

For triangle or trapezoid scraps, measure the base and the tallest height. Enter those as your width and height. The calculator will be slightly generous with suggestions, which gives you a small buffer.

When to stop saving scraps

There is no rule that says you must use every scrap. If a piece is too small to hold while sewing, it is too small to save. Most quilters discard anything under 1.5 inches square. Composting cotton scraps is a good option if you have too many.

Scrap Size Quick Reference

Scrap Size Best Use Pieces for Throw
Under 2 in Paper piecing, string quilting 500+
2 to 4 in Nine-patch, four-patch units 150 to 300
4 to 6 in Half-square triangles, flying geese 60 to 100
6 to 10 in Larger blocks, applique 30 to 60
Over 10 in Borders, sashing, backing 10 to 20

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not adding seam allowance. A 5 inch square becomes 4.5 inches after sewing on all sides. Always add 0.5 inches to your cut size.
  • Ignoring grain line. Stretchy scraps cut on the bias can distort. Pay attention to the grain when cutting.
  • Forgetting backing fabric. Your scraps make the quilt top, but you still need backing and batting. Plan for about 4 yards of backing for a throw.
  • Skipping the design wall. Lay out your blocks before sewing. Moving things around on the floor or a design wall saves time compared to unsewing mistakes.

Using ScrapSaver for Your Next Project

ScrapSaver works best when you treat it as a planning step before you start cutting fabric. Here is a typical workflow. First, gather your scraps and sort them by size. You do not need to measure every single piece. Group them into rough categories: small, medium, and large. Then measure a few representative pieces from each group and enter them into the calculator.

The calculator totals your usable square inches and matches that to real quilt block patterns. It considers both the total yardage and the size of individual pieces. If you have lots of small pieces, it will suggest paper piecing or string quilting. If you have larger pieces, it will suggest half-square triangles or four-patch blocks.

Once you have a suggestion, you can print the results or copy them to your phone. Take the printout to your cutting table. The printout includes a cutting list for each suggested block, so you know exactly what pieces to cut from your scraps.

Your stash data stays in your browser. It does not get sent to any server. If you want to share your stash list with a quilting friend, use the Share button to generate a link. The link encodes your scrap list in the URL, so your friend can see what you have without either of you creating an account.

As you use up scraps, remove them from the list and add new ones. The calculator updates in real time. This keeps your stash current and helps you see progress. Some quilters set a goal, like "use 50 percent of my scrap bin by December," and track it month by month.

If you are new to scrap quilting, start with a small project. A pillow cover or a baby quilt uses fewer blocks and lets you practice matching scraps without a big time commitment. The calculator will tell you exactly how many blocks you need for common sizes.