- I'd like to thank Skillshare for sponsoring this video.
What can you do with fabric scraps?
I'm talking the small ones,
the smaller than mini charm-sized ones.
By popular demand in today's scrap quilting tutorial,
I am showing you how to make crumb strips
using adding machine tape.
So stick with me and I'll show you how to do it.
(upbeat music)
Hi, I'm Karen Brown of Just Get It Done Quilts.
I give you tips, tricks and strategies
to help you make the quilt that you want to make.
And please help support the channel
by hitting that subscribe button.
We produce scraps with every project
and they can accumulate an overwhelm your space,
unless you have a purpose for them.
I have shown you how to make scrap blocks,
what to do with your batting scraps
and ideas for what to do with crumbs.
And every time I show my method
of sewing crumbs to adding machine tape,
I get so many requests for a dedicated video
with step-by-step instructions.
So here it is with answers
to the most commonly asked questions.
First, what is a crumb?
It can be different for different quilters.
For me, is anything less than 2.5 inches,
but larger than 1 inch.
Anything smaller than one inch, it goes in the bin.
I have a basket where I keep all my crumbs
and I add to it when I cut my fabrics,
when I'm tidying up my fabrics
and when I'm trimming off blocks.
I have already made a video
on the various ways that I use crumbs,
but this is my favourite.
Why do I use adding machine tape?
Adding machine tape used to be used in every single office,
but nowadays with all the calculations
being done on computers and devices,
adding machines have gone the way of the dodo.
And one day I found a case of this at my office
and I thought, what could I do with it?
And then I remember my crumbs.
(upbeat music)
I just grab a handful of scraps
and I divide them into two piles.
Pile 1 or the ones long enough to fit on the tape
plus an overhang of a 1/4 inch on either side.
Pile 2 are the ones that are too small.
And I continue until I have two good size piles.
From pile 2, I match to crumbs,
roughly the same size and I sew them together
and I repeat this process
until I have a long chain of pairs or I get bored.
(upbeat music)
I take a whole chain to the ironing board
and I treat them just like my regular blocks.
I set the seam, I finger press and press to one side
with the hot iron.
I don't use steam.
Then I take them back to my sewing table
and I sort them.
The ones that are now long enough to fit on the tape,
go into pile 1
and the rest go back into pile number two.
Then I take pile #2 again
and I either sew another crumb to each piece
or I sew two pieces together.
(upbeat music)
And then I iron these ones and I repeat.
Some go into pile #1
and some I still need to add to.
(upbeat music)
So you can build your strips
in rows, in columns or a combination.
Sometimes I incorporate leftover HSTs
or pieces that I've
trimmed off other blocks or quilts.
However you want, just have fun.
When I have a decent stack in my pile #1,
I grab my adding machine tape.
So what length do I cut my adding machine tape?
I cut mine at 18 inches.
My tape is 3 inches wide
and my intention is to sew six together
so that I have an 18 inch square.
Just note that adding machine comes in all different widths.
So cut it the length or size that works for you.
(upbeat music)
From pile #1, I take two pieces to sew together.
You need to make the first couple of stitches
just in the fabric.
And when you've sown a 1/4 of an inch,
tuck in the paper and sew the fabric and paper together.
And then sew at least another quarter of an inch
off the paper.
I don't bother to mark perpendicular lines on the paper.
I just align it with my sewing bed.
So why do I start in the middle of the tape?
I start in the middle so that I could add to this side
and this side before I need to make a trip to the iron.
And I work in groups of four to five strips of tape
to save trips as well.
(upbeat music)
Can you use a ruler?
I find the ruler a good quick press when you need it,
but because there's so many crumbs,
I tend not to because it's not as effective as a hot iron.
Besides I do like getting up and moving.
So I'm working 5 strips on both sides.
And I just repeat sewing strips to both sides
until the strip is full.
That is the fabric strips on the sides of the tape,
are at least a quarter of an inch larger than the paper.
When you get to the end of the tape,
you might need to audition several pieces
to find the right one that fits.
The one thing you need to watch out for
is where your crumb seams are.
You don't want them too close to the edge
as they will get caught in the seam allowance of the strip.
So make sure that they are at least
a quarter of an inch away from the edge of the paper
before you sew.
If you have one that does, just turn it sideways,
put it in pile #2 and build it again.
Let me take a moment and tell you about Skillshare.
When I am making strips,
this is a great opportunity to turn on my iPad
and start a Skillshare class.
Most Skillshare classes are less than two hours long
and are divided up into even smaller chapters.
I plug in my earphones and go.
Sometimes it's a skill I need to learn more of.
Sometimes it's a totally random choice.
Skillshare has thousands of inspiring classes on design
illustration, video creation and so much more.
They include a combination of video lessons
and a class project to test out new ideas and practise.
There are also classes for a variety of skill levels
from beginner to advanced.
Skillshare is also incredibly affordable
when compared to in-person classes and workshops.
The first 1000 of my subscribers
to click the link in the description below
will receive a free trial of premium membership.
(upbeat music)
So now I have 5 full strips.
They are pressed,
and then I trim them at a 1/4 of an inch.
(upbeat music)
So I can repeat this process all over again
with another set of strips or I can call it a day.
I have been growing this stack for over two years
and I'm just about done.
Why don't I trim to the edge of the paper?
If I leave a 1/4 of an inch off the paper,
this means I can sew two strips together
without trapping paper in the seam
which means I can leave the paper on longer.
Why do I use adding machine tape to make the strips?
Can't you use regular paper
or can you just make the strips without paper?
You can use any paper, the lighter the better,
or no paper at all.
The advantages to using the adding machine tape
are it's easy.
I only need to cut the length.
It keeps the strips straight.
Without paper, strips tend to dip and rise.
It keeps the strips stable.
Some of these crumbs are on the bias.
The tape stops distortion,
it's already measured, I just follow the paper.
I don't need to worry about the size,
which means the whole exercise is so much more relaxing.
And one of the big reasons
is it keeps the threads under control.
Working with crumbs is messy.
There are threads and bits of fabric everywhere,
and that paper keeps a lot of fraying under control.
Do I remove the paper?
Like all foundation paper piecing,
the paper does get removed.
I intend to remove the paper at the end
when all the strips are sewn together
and the flimsy is ready to be quilted.
How do I remove the paper?
Is it hard?
Removing the paper is tedious, but not necessarily hard.
I use my stiletto or another sharp object,
like my stitch ripper or tweezers
to get under the paper and lifted up.
And it often takes a couple of passes
to get all the little bits out.
And those little tiny pieces left over.
They'll dissolve in the wash.
What can you do with these strips when they're done?
you can sew all the strips together
and make their own fabric,
which you can use to make bags or clothing
or whatever you want to do with it.
You can use it in quilting as you would any other strips.
You can use them as blocks.
Use them in borders.
Use them as sashing.
Just know that they are dense
and heavier than regular fabric.
Adding machine comes in all sorts of widths.
If you use one that's two inches wide,
it could be used like jelly roll strips
in jelly roll blocks.
So I'm just about done with my stacks.
I have 10 more to go.
Then I can put them all together.
So stay tuned.
If you like scrap quilting as much as I do,
check out the other videos in my scrappy playlist here.
I also have a link to the Karen's Quilt Circle Playlist.
I have interviewed so many interesting quilters,
let one inspire you.
And if you like what you see,
don't forget to subscribe.
Take care and I'll see you next time.