Three ways to use up backing leftovers

I have been busy using up my backing leftovers! In fact, I discovered that I have been hoarding saving backing leftovers from several quilts. In the first post I showed you how I used backing leftovers to make a simple pot holder. Today's post will go over 3 ways to deal with backing leftovers. 

1. Throw them away

Yep. I'll put that out there first because it can save you a lot of time. Maybe you won't throw them out right away, but one day you might. Be open to the idea that really, you just don't need to use them up!
I discovered this fact when I went looking for a box for mailing a quilt. The perfect size box was holding my stash of fabric that is less-than-a-fat-quarter-but-more-than-a-bit. Offcuts. Backing leftovers - lots of them! I started to sort and iron the pieces and rather quickly discovered that I really wasn't going to use some of the backing leftovers. Ever. 

Number one is permission to throw the backing leftovers away. 

2. Make something

Anything really. I found that some of the backing leftovers from a baby quilt were calling to me during my sorting. I ironed them, cut some strips and made a large, bright churn dash with them. The bright red alphabet print is the backing leftovers; the word fabric was from the actual baby quilt and the bright print is from a fat quarter in my stash that has been sitting and waiting for a fun place to hang out. I think I'm going to turn this into an open wide zippered pouch using Noodlehead's tutorial; it would be fun for storing markers in.

Any project that you can quickly assign the fabric to and preferably make would be best.

I also cut some of the backing fabric I started with into another pot holder and several churn dashes using my Churn, Baby, Churn pattern to make a table runner. The current dashalong pattern would also be a good way to use up backing leftovers.

Backing leftovers are  also great material for any favourite block that uses strips. 

Make:

 a kennel quilt

 a doll quilt

pot holders

placemats

mug rugs

pencil case

makeup pouch

Number two is, if the fabric inspires you, make something with it.

3. Prep it for stash keeping

Maybe you do like the backing leftover fabric but don't have time right now to start and finish a project. Take the time now to iron it, cut it into usable pieces and store it with your stash.
Backing leftovers most likely can be easily cut into common precut sizes like 5" squares and 2 1/2" strips. If you know you want to work on a project with 2 1/2" squares, you might consider cutting them to size now too. 
This year's leader and ender project by Bonnie Hunter uses 2 1/2" squares - just sayin' ;)

Binding strips could also be cut from the backing leftovers; I cut mine at 2 1/2" wide. Cut the backing leftovers into something that you will use, put it in its new home and move on.

Number three is, prepare the fabric and put it away for later.


Backing leftovers are still fabric! If you don't want to keep it - don't. I throw out the ones that are too stringy to save, or from fabric that I'm no longer interested in working with in a project. If I still like the fabric, or it's grown on me (it happens!) I will use it up or save it for later. It can be fun to find pieces in scrap projects in later years that remind you of a quilt you gave away. 

Pick a way to deal with your backing leftovers and get back to quilting. I'll be back to share another project I made from the backing leftovers soon.

Feel free to share in the comments a project you've made using backing leftovers. Include a link and I'll come over for a virtual visit :)

With Joy,

Sarah V.

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Building Blocks

Busy Design Wall this week! As I am at the end of the month, and almost finished everything on my Spring to Finish list, I have some small projects as rewards. Follow the numbers to read about what's up on my wall:

1. A Maverick Churn Dash block - not intentionally a maverick block, BUT, since I trimmed it, photographed it and walked away before noticing the 'oops', it's been decided in this household that it is staying a maverick block. It's for Ariane and the June Sew Modern Bee Block. {It's not finished yet, I know, Ariane! I've just finally accepted it's maverick status!:)}

2. Leftover cuts from the churn dash which will turn into a signature block for Ariane.

3./6./10. Will be revealed in JUNE as they belong to a JUNE project.

4./8. Selvages ready to become coasters.

5. A test block for Ariane in some Christmas fabric. That's twice now that my test block is not the one I choose to use. This time because I don't think the block accentuates Ariane's fabric choices as well as the churn dash.

7. Some leftover strips from Marianne's block in May and little snips I was sent with a fabric bundle from Fabritopia. This will probably end up as a potholder.

9. If you click the photo larger you may be able to read the stitching. My daughter made the stitching for my birthday and just recently finished it. I found it folded on my table with the fabric that now borders it. I thought they looked happy together. I plan to do a quick batting and background and leave the binding open. A little something sweet to hang in my sewing space.

11. Part of one of the May Block Lotto blocks I made. Waiting not so patiently to see if I'm one of the winners!


While my Design Wall is full of fun stuff, I do have some binding to finish making and get in the mail before I can really play any further. And photos to add to my placemat pattern which I finished writing last night.

Turns out I thrive with a rewards system in place!
{Sue Spargo even has a new book out!}

Check out the other design walls linked through Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

With Joy,
Sarah Vee

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