How small is too small?

[oxcat1]

I have recently started sewing, and have mainly made clothes for myself, for friends, and for their children. When I first started, I had no fabric, so I fell in the habit of hanging on to every last scrap, no matter how small. Now I have several carrier bags of scraps, some as small as an inch square, others around 15-20cm square, and some 30-50cm. I just don't know what to do with them all?! I have used the occasional bit for decoration or craft, but I'm not really very interested in card making or anything.

So, what is the smallest scrap of fabric you think is worth keeping, and what do you do with the smaller offcuts?

Probably no smaller than a piece of A4 paper tbh...unless if it is really really nice and could be sensibly used to enhance a larger project. Or I keep lengths that could be used as trim or bias binding.

I find too much clutter and fabric overwhelming and I end up not being able to see the woods for the trees so less is definitely more for me!

You're quite right - I also dislike the feeling of excess, and feel slightly guilty that my habit that should have been born of thrift has resulted in such an excess of fabric. At the same time, that argument can also be used against getting rid of them!

Perhaps if I offered bags of scraps on Freecycle somewhere might be interested?

They would definitely be interested. Applique or scrap quilts are all the rage. I've seen a beautiful scrap fabric stocking on Etsy- tiniest scraps of fabric, really lovely.

I am planning to dump all my larger pieces of new fabric at a charity shop, and to offer the small & used fabric pieces to the school for craft work. Or it can go to textile recycling.

I've given away bags of small scraps to local toddler group for them to use for craft activities.