Scrap Busting Backgrounds

Dresden quilt on low volume background

A scrappy background is a fun way to add interest to your quilt.  Hello Sunshine I made for my mom from Bluebird Flour sacks she collected on her mission among the Navajo Indians.  I wanted to use all of the sacks but didn’t have enough to make the whole background.  So I pulled from my low volume scrap bin to supplement the flour sacks.  I think the different fabrics add interest without stealing the show from the Dresden flowers.

Hello Sunshine

Sometimes I create a scrappy background because it’s a fast way to thin a bin.  The green bin was overflowing so my Naughty Garden came to be.

My blue bin fills up regularly.  I have several quilts that have scrappy blue backgrounds. It’s the only way I seem to be able to keep it under control.

Scrappy Dresden

There are times when I use a scrappy background for the artistic effect.  I felt that the scrappy blue and green backgrounds in my Wonky Rose Garden quilt gave it a Monet effect.  Like an impressionist painting.

Using scrappy greens in my Tie Dyed Sheep quilt to give it a pastoral effect.

Sometimes I create a scrappy background because I feel it will play well with the colors I’m placing on it.

There are times I use a scrappy background because I don’t have enough of one fabric and I want to start a project right away.  I needed this quilt for a class.  Apparently I gave the original away.

Devine

I am a little impatient.   And when inspiration hits I just want to get to work.  Like when I started making these blocks as a little play on my birthday.  I didn’t have a lot of any one navy fabric but when I combined them.  A whole lot of play was able to happen.

Enchanted Forest

Tune in Friday for tips on making your own scrap busting backgrounds.

Recommended For You

Blog Tips to Keep Customers Coming Back Every Month to Your Quilt Shop

Tips to Keep Customers Coming Back Every Month to Your Quilt Shop

Emily Bailey
Emily BaileyJuly 17, 2026
drawstring gift bags by Christmas tree Blog Christmas In July Handmade Gift Ideas

Christmas In July Handmade Gift Ideas

Emily Bailey
Emily BaileyJuly 10, 2026
Bernina sewing machine with cut triangles ready to sew and a stack of quilt blocks. Blog Create a Sewing Space Where Creativity Thrives

Create a Sewing Space Where Creativity Thrives

Emily Bailey
Emily BaileyJuly 3, 2026

28 Comments

Leave a Reply

Share