Snippets, Crumbs, and Confetti

                             

When it comes to scraps to save, how small is too small?  Well, it would depend on what your intent is.  Do you like scrap quilts using crumbs?  These are pieces as small as about 1.5-2" finished.  Maybe you like snippets size?  These are fairly larger pieces up to around 4" finished.  Confetti scrap is a piece that ranges from .5" to around 1.5" finished.  Finished means you've measured the piece after sewing in the seam allowance.  For quilting, the seam allowance is always a scant .25".  So remember to figure in a half inch to allow for the seams.   

Another way to use even smaller pieces is to use fusible web on the wrong side of your piece and chop it up into snippets.  There is no seam allowance needed as you will fuse (glue) the pieces on and stitch over the top of them.  Layer the bits over your background (paper removed) and arrange to your design.  This is a lot like collage quilts, however the snippets/bits are tiny.   Use tweezers to place the pieces accurately.  Fuse in place when you've completed placing your design down.  Cover the top with organza, if using.  The netting or organza should be a neutral color and sheer enough to see through.  Now you're ready to FMQ or thread paint over the snippets.  This technique adds some texture and dimension, but is only good on Art quilts and would not hold up on utilitarian quilts. 

 The size of this art quilt is going to finish at 4" X 6".  

This is another piece done using this technique.  The black tree trunks are added after the organza/netting.  I started each of these with a drawing from my journal.  The background piece used is muslin, however the stiff pellon fusible product would work too and serve a dual purpose.  You will not need a background foundation piece or the fusible on each scrap.