Turning Scraps into Beautiful Quilt Blocks
- ACreativeCorner
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Turning Scraps into Beautiful Quilt Blocks
I’ll be the first to admit—I’m not usually one to save scraps. Once a project is done, I’m ready to move on, and the little leftover pieces often find their way to the trash or my scrap bins for art quilts. But after hearing a few quilting friends talk about how they save and sew even the smallest bits, I decided to give it a try.
This project started with the leftover “waste” triangles from making flying geese units. Normally, these cut-off corners would have been swept into the bin without a second thought. Instead, I sewed the scrap triangles together right away, turning them into 1 1/2 inch unfinished half-square triangles (HSTs).
When it came time to trim the HSTs down to size, I experimented with three different methods:
• A square ruler for the traditional trim-and-rotate approach and is the most cost efficient in my humble opinion. Pay attention to the diagonal direction of the fabric so that it meets the corner of the square so you don’t cut wonky HST.
• A Slotted Trimmer ruler, which I quickly fell in love with for its speed and precision. Just match the dotted line to your stitches line and trim. There are serval rulers with different sizes to choose from.
• A Bloc Loc ruler, which made the process smooth with its groove that locks onto the seam. But I somehow have the talent to make the ruler shifts while trimming. I’ll have to do more research on how to properly keep the Bloc Loc ruler in place.
While each method worked, my favorite by far was the Trimmer ruler—it made the whole process quick and accurate, with less fabric shifting.
Once everything was trimmed Andes pressed to the dark side, I started playing with layouts.
Before I knew it, those scraps came together to make an 8 ½” unfinished block—and I have to say, I love how it turned out!
Not only did it feel good to get extra mileage out of my fabric, but the process also sparked new creative ideas such as taking scrap blocks and making bags or purses out of them OR pillows to match the quilt. I might just have to start saving more scraps for my piecing projects, too.
Do you save your flying geese scraps, or are you a toss-and-go quilter like I was?
Quilt Pattern Name: Loving Wishes
Quilted by Angela McPherson 2025
Design made by Maple Cottage Designs
I personally love the block lock ruler. You got to really have it on the seam/fold. Thanks for showing these options but really love the block.
I’ll be following you. Great work.