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.