Beyond Quilts: Pincushions to Use Up Your Scraps

Scrappy Pincushions: Creative Ways to Use Up Fabric Scraps

If you’re a quilter or sewist, you probably have an overflowing bin of fabric scraps—too small for a quilt but too pretty to toss. One of the best ways to use up those leftovers is by making pincushions! Not only are they quick and satisfying to sew, but they also offer endless opportunities for creativity.

In this post, we’ll explore different styles of scrappy pincushions and how you can turn leftover bits into charming and functional sewing room accessories.

1. Cathedral Window Pincushions

Cathedral window pincushions add a touch of elegance to your sewing space while putting scraps to good use. These pincushions allow you to showcase beautiful fabric combinations, playing with color and texture in a striking way. The folded fabric technique creates dimension and structure, making each pincushion feel like a tiny quilted masterpiece. Whether you go for traditional contrast or a modern twist, a cathedral window pincushion is a great way to experiment with scraps.

Each cathedral window pincushion uses 3 squares 5" x 5" (plus the fabric which forms the framing) so these are a great way of using up those leftover charm pack fabrics.

You can learn to make your own cathedral window pincushions with my Cathedral Window Pincushion pattern (on sale right now for $9.45).

2. Scrappy Pincushions to Highlight a Focal Print

Sometimes, you come across a fabric scrap that’s just too beautiful to cut up any further or a print that has the perfect fussy cutting design. A pincushion is the perfect way to give a treasured print the spotlight it deserves while still incorporating scrappy elements. Try surrounding your focal print with patchwork borders, framing it with complementary colors, or using simple piecing techniques to create contrast. This approach works especially well with fussy-cut motifs like florals, animals, or geometric designs.

Below are some of my favorite pincushions I made with some special fabrics I wanted to highlight.  The bucks with glasses is one of my most favorite prints ever.  They just need a little frame of a solid to frame the print.  Other pincushions with one focal fabric are some Dr. Seuss fabrics left over from my very first The Quilt in the Hat quilt and a favorite print from Carolyn Friedlander.

I usually add some top stitched quilting lines to hold the layers together and add interest.

3. Scrappy Pincushions Using Tiny Fabric Bits

Do you have a collection of tiny fabric trimmings, leftover half-square triangles, or pieced blocks from previous projects? Instead of tossing them, turn them into a scrappy pincushion! This type of pincushion is all about playing with color and texture, using even the smallest scraps to create something unique. You can sew them together in a random improv style or arrange them into stripes.  I often pair the bits of fabric with either a solid, some linen, or a stripe (I use stripe fabric for bindings often so I have plenty of 2 1/2" strips leftover.

In the Echino pincushion below I used the selvedge edge for a little fringe in the pincushion.

Bonus: Matching Accessories for a Coordinated Sewing Set

Why stop at just a pincushion? Scraps can also be used to make matching accessories like needle books, scissor fobs, and tiny fabric baskets to create a complete sewing set. Coordinating a set from the same fabric scraps ties everything together and makes your sewing space feel even more personalized. These small projects also make wonderful gifts for fellow quilters and sewing enthusiasts.

I actually used to sell these a decade ago on Etsy.  I loved picking out the colors and fabrics for a coordinated by scrappy set.

Stuffing & Finishing Tips

To make your pincushions functional and long-lasting, consider these tips:

Use the right stuffing – Polyfill works well, but crushed walnut shells add weight and help keep pins sharp. You can find them in pet stores as reptile bedding! I like to overstuff my pincushions so they are really nice and firm.

Get Inspired and Start Sewing!

Scrappy pincushions are a fun and rewarding way to use up fabric leftovers while adding charm and functionality to your sewing space. Whether you choose a cathedral window design, highlight a favorite print, or make use of tiny trimmings, there are endless ways to get creative. Plus, with matching accessories, you can take your scrap-busting projects to the next level!

Which pincushion idea excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Using Scraps for Stash Busting Quilts - Mono-Color Quilts

 

Happy stash busting for our Stash Busting Quilt Along!  We are now in the fourth week of the quilt along and if you are following the schedule, you will be making blocks this week.  Don't worry if you are ahead or behind, this is a stress-free quilt along where you can go at your own pace!  You can find the graphics with the weekly instructions here.

I am collecting images of the finished quilt tops and/or quilts for a little parade.  I think that it will be fantastic to be able to see and celebrate all of the entries together.

When you are are ready to submit your quilt top / quilt:

1.  You can email me a picture at MMDmysteryquilts@gmail.com and I will enter the picture into the parade.

2.  You can upload your picture into the reveal parade.  If you have any problems, just send me the picture and I will do it for you.

Stash Busting Linky Party

Mono-Color Quilts: A Creative Way to Use Fabric Scraps

This week's tip focuses on one of my favorite ways to use fabric scraps: creating a mono-color quilt. This style emphasizes scraps in a single color family, set against a contrasting background (typically a very light or very dark fabric).

I find this approach to be one of the easiest ways to use up scraps while achieving a cohesive, scrappy look.

 

1. Sort your scraps by color.

Decide how much variation you want within each color family. For example, you might group all blues together or separate navy from light blue. The more scraps you have, the more detailed your color sorting can be.

2. Choose a background fabric or two.

Opt for a background or backgrounds that contrast with your color scraps. Light backgrounds, like solid white, or dark backgrounds, like charcoal, work beautifully. You can also use a scrappy background, such as a mix of low-volume prints, for added texture.

3. Select your quilt design.

Take stock of your scraps—both in size and quantity. If you have a lot of 5" squares, look for charm pack-friendly patterns. For smaller pieces, consider patterns that use 2 1/2" squares. Don’t worry if you’re short on scraps; you can always cut from your fat quarters or yardage to fill in the gaps.

Mono-Color Scrap Quilt Inspiration

Here are some of my quilts that showcase this technique:

Somerville Circle from Just Two Charm Pack Quilts Book

Uses red scraps on white and pink backgrounds

Fishies from Just One Charm Pack Quilts Book

Uses blue prints (plus one lime fish) on a light blue background

Reedy River Falls

Uses purple-ish pink prints white and black backgrounds

Board and Batten 

Uses blues of all types (from teal to navy to light blue) plus lime green as a pop on a white background

Bear Hugs

Uses pinks on a white background

Sea Star

Uses blues on a white background

Have You Made a Mono-Color Scrap Quilt?

I hope this inspires you to dive into your scrap bins and start creating your own mono-color quilt! Whether you're working with calming blues, cheerful yellows, or rich reds, this method is a fun and satisfying way to turn leftover fabric into something beautiful.

Have you made a mono-color quilt before? I’d love to hear about your experience or see photos of your projects! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media @meadowmistdesigns.

Magnificent Mystery Quilt-Along Announcement!!!

I am very excited to announce that the next mystery quilt, the Magnificent Mystery Quilt, will begin on Thursday, July 3rd! 

This is my eleventh annual mystery quilt along!  The Magnificent Mystery joins the Foothills, Midnight, Meadow, Magnolia, Mosaic, Morewood, Macron, Melodic, Malted, and Marble mysteries.  How many have you sewn along with?

The Magnificent Mystery Quilt is a free quilt-along that will run from July 2025 through April 2026 with a set of directions revealed the first Thursday of every month.  This slow pace makes for a fun and stress-free quilt along!

We will kick off the quilt-along on Thursday, July 3rd with the fabric requirements and some helpful hints to pick fabrics and colors (you will have an entire month to gather fabrics before the cutting instructions in August).  A sneak peek of the design will also be available on July 3rd.

Here are some more details about the upcoming mystery quilt...

How to Join in:

There is no cost or official signup for the mystery quilt along, each month on the first Thursday of the month a set of instructions will be posted to the blog.  To ensure you do not miss any of the posts, you can do any of the following:

• Visit the Meadow Mist Designs blog on the day the instructions are posted or visit the Main Magnificent Mystery Page which will contain links to all of the posts.

• Join the Meadow Mist Designs Newsletter, the newsletter typically is sent out the day after the instructions are posted with a link to that month's instructions.

• Follow the Meadow Mist Designs blog via email.  You will get all new blog posts (all posts, not just mystery quilt posts) at 10am via email the day they post.

• Join the Meadow Mist Designs Facebook Group.  Links to the instructions are always posted in the group.

 

1. Quilt-Along Instructions - The monthly instructions will always be posted to my blog as blog posts and on this main page. Within each instructional post, there will be a link to a free and an easy to print, downloadable version of the instructions.

2. Prizes - There are tons of great prizes for the Mystery Quilt including thread, fabric, patterns, long arm quilting, and more!  The prizes will be announced in Mid-June.

3. Quilt Kits - A quilt kit is not required for this quilt along, but some options will be provided for those that like quilt kits.

4. The Un-Mystery Quilt - There will be a sneak peek option for those that would like to see the design before deciding to join in.  The sneak peek will be available on the first official day of the quilt along, Thursday July 3rd.

The only rule is that you have to keep the design completely to yourself as to not spoil anyone else's surprise.

5. Facebook Group - We have over 13,500 active members in our Facebook Group (Meadow Mist Designs Facebook Group) sewing together! Join the group today so you can share and see everyone else's fabric, progress pictures, and finished quilts.


6. Previous Mystery Quilts - The instructions for my previous mystery quilts are located in the Mystery Quilt tab above (and are always available so you can start them at any time).


7. Questions? If you have any questions regarding my mystery quilts you can e-mail me at MMDmysteryquilts@gmail.com or leave your question in a comment below.

 

Marble Mystery ++ Reveal Parade and Prizes

Thank you to all of the quilters that joined in on the Marble Mystery Quilt Along!  Today is the reveal parade and prizes will be awarded.

If you would like to make a Marble Mystery Quilt, you can start at any time, the instructions will always be posted as blog posts!  Find out all about the quilt along at the Marble Mystery Main Page.  

Now that the Marble Mystery Quilt has ended, you can find a easy to print, full version of the pattern for sale in my pattern shop.  The pattern is on sale for only $11.50 for one week through 3/17.

Full pdf Instructions of Marble Mystery Quilt

Without further ado...here are the OVER 300 Marble Mystery Quilts...

Here are the prize winners (winners randomly selected from quilts submitted to the linkup).  Learn more about the sponsors here.  Winners should have received an e-mail from me.

Quilting Jetgirl: Two winners of 2 pdf patterns each
Link #226 - Holly S.
Link #46 - Cindy G.

Fat Quarter Shop: $35 gift certificate
Link #29 - Alex K.

Aurifil: 12 large spool thread collection
Link #148 - Laurel M.

Busy Hands Quilts: Three winners of $25 gift certificates each
Link #194 - Elysia A.
Link #6 - "My Christmas fabric Marble Mystery"
Link #54 - Jan R.

Backside Fabrics: $50 gift certificate
Link #260 - Anne-Marie

Quilting by Anne-Marie: $100 voucher for longarm quilting of mystery (or equivalent) quilt
Link #253 - Bridget P.

Meadow Mist Designs: Two winners of 2 pdf patterns each
Link #236 - Kate L.
Link #176 Sally D.

My Sew Quilty Life: One winner of 3 pdf patterns
Link #252 Jo B.

The Chilly Dog / Kylma Koira: Custom Table Runner
Link #289 - Paige B.

Tallulah Art Head: Two winners of a zipper pouch each

Link #133 Kathy M.

Link #159 - Carol Taylor

North Star Quilt Shop: One winner of $50 gift certificate
Link #301 - Jan C

Quilted Ever After: Longarming of Mystery Quilt (or equivalent)
Link #9 - Jayne

InkTorrents Graphics: 2 winners of $20 gift certificate
Link #1 - Erin

Link #277 Syreeta S.

BluePip Designs: Two winners of 2 pdf patterns each

Link #95 - Deneise

Link #119 - Cheryl G.

 Thanks again for taking part in the Marble Mystery Quilt and thank you again to all of our wonderful sponsors!

Many thanks to our generous sponsors!

Quilting Jetgirl | Busy Hands Quilts | Aurifil 

Quilting by Anne-Marie | InkTorrents | My Sew Quilty Life | Blue Pip Designs | 

Fat Quarter Shop | Tallulah Art Head | Meadow Mist Designs | Connecting Threads

Quilted Ever After |  North Star Quilt Shop | Kylma Koira by The Chilly Dog | Backside Fabrics

 

 

How I Organize and Store My Fabric - Stash Busting Tips and Tricks

We are now officially one week into the Stash Busting Quilt Along.  At this point, to stay on track to complete the quilt top within the quilt along, the cutting of the fabric should be complete and piecing should begin.  

Here are the schedules for the three quilt patterns in the quilt along again.  Remember, this is a fun and pressure-free quilt along and you are free to work at your own pace.

Stash Busting Tips & Tricks – How I Organize My Fabric

As part of the Stash-Busting Quilt Along, I promised to share helpful tips and tutorials to make sewing from your stash easier and more enjoyable.

To kick things off, I’m sharing how I organize and store my fabric. Since I have a small sewing space, staying organized is key to making the most of my stash. I use just two bookshelves to hold all my fabric, so when I run out of room, I know it’s time to use, donate, or sell some fabric before bringing any new fabric home!

The biggest benefits of keeping all my fabric visible on bookshelves is that I can easily see my options at a glance. I truly believe that if you can see your fabric, you’re more likely to use it! That’s why I’ve resisted using bins or tubs tucked away in a closet or under a bed.

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How I Organize My Fabric

I organize my fabric first by size and then by color, which makes it easy to find what I need for any given project.

Fabric Size Categories:

🔹 Scraps – Anything smaller than a fat eighth
🔹 Small Pieces – Between a fat eighth and half a yard
🔹 Larger Pieces – Between half a yard and a yard
🔹 Bulk Pieces – Anything over a yard

Organizing by size helps me quickly locate the right fabric for a project. For example, if I need a ¾-yard piece, I immediately know where to look instead of digging through my entire stash.

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How I Store Each Fabric Category

Scraps

I store my scraps in six clear plastic tubs—the kind that salad mix comes in from Costco. Not only do these containers give my scraps a second life, but they also make it easy to see what’s inside without opening them.  Here is a blog all about the salad bins I use.

I divide my scraps into:
🧵 Solids: Warm, cool, and neutral
🧵 Prints: Warm, cool, and neutral

How you divide your scraps depends on your fabric preferences and the fabrics you use the most.  At one point, I was using a lot of Bonnie & Camille fabrics, so I even had a bin specifically for that designer. This made it super easy to create scrappy yet cohesive quilts.

Small Pieces

I store my small fabric pieces (fat eighths to half yards) folded and stacked inside the same clear salad tubs. This system allows me to quickly pull out a tub, see all the fabrics at a glance, and grab what I need.

Larger Pieces (½ Yard – 1 Yard)

For larger cuts, I use comic book boards—plain white cardboard pieces about the size of a book. I wrap my fabric around the boards and pin it in place, then stack them vertically on my bookshelf.

This method keeps my fabric neat, visible, and easy to flip through! I organize them in rainbow order, keeping prints and solids separate.

📌 Tip: These boards are super affordable—about $25 for 150 on Amazon. Here’s a link to the ones I use.

Bulk Pieces (1+ Yards & Bolts)

For my largest fabric cuts, I fold and stack them on my bookshelf. I’ll admit—this is the trickiest section to keep organized because I sometimes have to pull out an entire stack to get to a piece near the bottom.

I also keep a few fabric bolts stacked next to my bookshelf for quilt backings and go-to background solids. While storing fabric on the bolt takes up more room, it helps prevent creases and wrinkles.

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Final Thoughts

I hope this peek into my fabric organization helps you create a stash that’s organized, accessible, and ready to use for your next quilt!

How do you organize your fabric? Do you prefer shelves, bins, or a different method? Let me know in the comments! 😊