Cutting Scraps - My Favorite Supplies
To cut down your scraps, you can use any supplies that you already have on hand in your sewing room. An iron, a ruler, a rotary cutter, and a cutting mat are all that you need.
This is a list of the tools that I prefer and the containers that I use for storing cut scraps. You can use whatever works for you, so don't feel like you need to run out and buy new supplies for this project.
My favorite rotary cutter
Olfa 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
My favorite rulers for cutting scraps
8.5" square QuiltCut Ruler (I think it only comes as part of this set, but it's a great, non-slip ruler and much more affordable than the Creative Grids)
My favorite cutting mat
Creative Grids 24" x 36" - there are less expensive mats out there, but this one is thick and it has held up very well to the amount of cutting I do (a lot!). I have tried other brands and this one has been the best.
(I know some people like to use a rotating mat when cutting scraps, but I find that all of the scrap link gets in the mat and makes a mess so I don't use one)
My favorite iron
Oliso Smartiron with Auto Lift - I need to do a thorough review on this iron. It is great — the two main benefits are that it gets very hot and I love the auto lift function.
Chi Iron - If you want a very good iron that is about 1/2 the price of the Oliso, I used this for years. The main negative was that I felt like over time, it stopped getting quite as hot.
My favorite storage boxes
Ikea Variera Box - this is a great option if you don't want a lid
Sterilite Small Clip Box - my favorite option with a lid. They also come in a large size. I like these because they aren't very tall so you can stack fabric and it won't move around.
Hopefully this gives you some ideas to get started!
Laurie on
I’m curious how long you’ve had your Olisio iron. I have 3 that are in the drawer of irons that no longer get hot. It’s very frustrating to spend a lot of money on an iron only for it to no longer get hot after 6 months – or less.
Lois on
CINDY: The sizes you choose depend upon the sizes of blocks you like to make. I started out my quilting adventure making 9-inch blocks; therefore, 3.5 squares and 2.0 squares were in my choice list. As I became familiar with other techniques and continued my learning, the selection grew. The ubiquitous 2.5s are essential for all kinds of applications (in squares, rectangles (x4.5, x6.5 etc by 2’s) and strips). Over the years, I found I like the following squares: 2.0; 2.5; 3.0; 3.5; 5.0; 10.0. For some reason I don’t like 4.0s and I rarely go below 2.0. LOL Then the following rectangles: 1.5 × 3 and up – I keep them for “string” quilts; next set: (2.0x : 3.0, 4.0, 5.0); 2.5x : 5.0 and as above. All my 2.5s are in a separate bin with a few jelly rolls to keep them company! Then strips are maintained for every half inch increment from 1.5 up to 6.5 Each size has a separate ziploc. Most important is to keep the cut pieces NEAT. This will avoid fraying and having to re-cut. Some of the sizes are additionally sorted by intensity (value of dark or light); some by color hue. Just depends upon how many I have and my time or inclination! I started my Parts Bank and found I love being able to go to a set and make up blocks without having to fiddle about cutting! Also great source for BOM from guild – they get some really ‘choice’ blocks that way! LOL ENJOY your adventure.
Audrey on
When I clicked on the link for the Stripology Squared Mini slotted ruler it takes me to Amazon and it goes to a different brand of ruler that is from QuiltCut. It looks similar to the one in your picture, but is a different brand. Just wanted to let you know the link doesn’t go to the one just like yours, but a different brand. Wondering if you have a preference between the two?
Cindy on
This is great but how do I cut the scraps? What sizes?