What is so enticing about using small scraps to create something larger and useful?  Could it be that we can’t bear to throw beautiful fabric away?  Obviously it speaks to us if it’s in our stash!  How many of us have bags, drawers or containers of small  pieces we promise ourselves we’re going to use someday?  Possibly it’s the lure of the creativity it will take to make it happen.  Well, now is the time!

Crumb quilting:  is the process of using leftover fabric pieces to create in essence a new piece of usable fabric yardage.

Crumb quilting allows for a great deal of color play.  Fabric scraps can be organized into color families, colors that compliment each other or used randomly.  Scraps do not need to be a particular size and or shape to be appropriate.  Smaller scraps can be sewn together before adding to the tape to make for a larger and even more interesting and  eye-catching outcome. 

No special sewing tools are needed other than a sewing machine in good working order and a pair of fabric scissors.  Here is a list of the tools I find most helpful, but again they’re optional:  I love my Brooklyn Revolver for cutting small pieces precisely.  I’m able to cut a side, turn the revolver without replacing the fabric and make another cut.  The “Roll & Press” by Clover allows me to set a seam without steam in a few seconds without leaving my sewing space.  The Olfa 12″ x 1″ ruler is the perfect size to work with in measuring and trimming seams on the revolver. 

 This technique offers the opportunity to use up left over bobbins as well as spools of unused colors. 

There is more than one way to begin sewing a crumb quilt block.  I’m going to share my two favorite methods here.  Neither of these two methods require any seams to match up!  Use a 1/4” seam allowance for both methods.

Method #1:  Random 

Begin with a small 5-sided shape (creates a bit more interest).  Trim a fabric piece if need be. 

Choose a second piece of fabric with an edge a bit longer than one side of the original piece.  Sew edges RST using a 1/4” seam.  Finger-press, roll with a Clover roller or press the seam. If need be, trim the seam so you’re working with  a straight edge for the next seam. 

Continue working in this manner until you have the desired size block.  It can be easier to work around the original piece in a circular path but you needn’t worry.  You’re able to work in any direction as long as the subsequent piece is longer than the side of the prior piece you’re sewing it onto.  Working with mostly small pieces?  No worries…..sew two or more pieces together to achieve the length you’re looking for OR trim the “block-to-be” as needed.  There really are no rules.  Below are photos of the process: